Counselling Pilot
Do you work in the performing arts and entertainment industry and face barriers in accessing mental health services? Our Counselling Pilot Program might be the solution for you. This pilot program is currently offered to residents of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Program Highlights:
- Short-term counselling services;
- Costs of counselling services are covered by The AFC;
- Solutions-based approach tailored to your needs;
- Weekly or bi-weekly counselling sessions delivered by phone or video to help with issues like anxiety, depression, life transitions, or stress;
- Up to a maximum of 8 sessions per client;
- Feedback surveys to help us further develop the program.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for our Counselling Pilot Program, you must meet both professional and financial criteria.
Professional Eligibility:
- You must work primarily in the Canadian performing arts and entertainment, specifically music, theatre, dance, film and TV, opera, and other performing arts disciplines.
- For those under 65: you must have earned more than half your income (at least $8,000 per year) from these sectors in 3 out of the last 4 years (not including the current year).
- For those 65 and over: you must have earned the majority of your income from these sectors throughout your career.
- You must be able to provide documentation to support your professional eligibility: union work history with earnings, T4s, or professional contracts.
Financial Eligibility:
- You are eligible if you have no insurance and/or cannot meet counselling costs through work or personal insurance.
- You are eligible if you have no funds or savings (including TFSAs) that could be used to cover counselling costs.
How to apply:
Book a screening appointment through our Navigator service. Mention the ‘Counselling Pilot’ when booking.
Important Notes:
- Commercial photographers and visual artists typically do not qualify for this program.
- Having any mental health benefits or significant savings typically means that you are not eligible for this program.
This pilot program offers a very limited number of spots. We prioritize those with the most explicit need for funded mental health support. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us before applying to discuss your specific situation. Let’s work together to support your mental well-being!
