Peer Support

The Living Room

The Living Room is a peer-led, no-pressure social group for autistic and neurodivergent adults (18+), begun by a mom of a special needs adult who was lonely and a bit adrift after losing the structure and support found in schools. This is for young adults to hang out and have fun, no parents or caregivers are present. It’s free to join, with in person events all self-pay & virtual events are free on Discord.

Email: yyclivingroom@gmail.com
Website: www.thelivingroomyyc.ca/

Autism Aspergers Friends Society (AAFS)

Autism Aspergers Friends Society (AAFS) provides respite care in a social and recreational environment for adults on the spectrum.

Email: info@aafscalgary.com
Phone: (403) 246-7383
Website: www.aafscalgary.com/

Spectrum of Strength Autismore Resource Guild

They strive to empower autistic individuals by providing supportive programs, safe spaces, skill-building and more through two programs, AutiSpace and AutiScord. AutiSpace is a drop-in program for autistic adults to do sociable activities with each other and make friends. AutiScord is a Discord server for autistic adults to chat with each other, plan social activities and share resources. Programs are Free!

Website: www.autismore.ca

 
Autism Canada Empowering Connections

This initiative by Autism Canada and CN aimed to help reduce feelings of isolation and create meaningful connections for Autistic and neurodivergent people in Canada. Connection will be provided by Autistic-led staff with lived experience, ensuring compassionate, peer-informed care. The support line will be accessible through phone, chat, virtual meetings, and email, offering a welcoming space for empathy and understanding during challenging moments.

Phone: 1-800-983-1795
Website: www.autismcanada.org/empoweringconnections

 
Choose You Resilience and Wellness Centre

Choose You Resilience and Wellness Centre offers heart-forward, attachment-based counselling for children, youth, adults, and couples. Therapy is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed to foster lasting growth and connection. The practice also provides psychoeducational and/or mental health assessments for youth and adults, blending clinical expertise with a strengths-focused lens. They also offer a community program for neurodiverse young adults that provides a welcoming space to connect with others. While it’s not a formal intervention or therapy group, it’s a facilitator-led opportunity to build friendships, share experiences, and enjoy meaningful activities together.

Areas of Expertise: Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, shame/self-esteem, attachment wounds/building secure attachment, relationships, executive functioning, transitions
Therapy Approach: EMDR, Internal Family Systems therapy, self-compassion therapy, somatic therapy, trauma-informed therapy, emotions focused therapy, Gottman Couple’s therapy
Counseling: Individual (children, teens, adults), Couples, families
Assessments: Psychoeducational assessments (learning disabilities, giftedness), autism, ADHD, mental health, AISH and PDD/DTC assessments

Billing: Direct Billing to some Private Health Insurance Companies
Ages: All Ages

Email: hello@chooseyoucentre.com
Phone: (587) 405-9537
Address: 505 21 Ave SW
Website: www.chooseyoucentre.com

Elements Calgary Mental Health Centre

Elements Calgary Mental Health Centre offers specialized mental health and recovery support groups.

Phone: (403) 266-8711
Website: https://elementscmhc.ca/

Momentum Counselling Society

For those looking beyond traditional support group structures, Momentum offers counselling and support services in various formats. Their innovative approach may be particularly appealing to those seeking flexible support options. Although based out of Edmonton, they offer virtual peer support groups.

Website: https://momentumcounselling.org/groups/

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Calgary Talk to a Peer

CMHA runs numerous peer support services and educational programs that focus on various mental health issues. They also have a service called Talk to a Peer, where you can receive 1:1 peer support

Phone: 403-297-1700
Email: info@cmha.calgary.ab.ca
Website: https://cmha.calgary.ab.ca/

Togetherall

An online peer support website to small and large populations 24/7. Togetherall believes no one should be excluded from instant access to mental health support from real people when they need it. With Togetherall, entire populations can have a safe place to connect, share and discuss what’s on their mind with peers. Their diverse community is active day and night, monitored and moderated 24/7 by licensed mental health practitioners.

Website: https://togetherall.com/en-us/

Access Mental Health (AHS) 

Access MH is a non-urgent service providing telephone based screening/needs assessment, consultation, service navigation and referral. Clinicians are familiar with Alberta Health Services, Recovery Alberta Services and community-based programs and will explore all available options to make the most recommendations for the identified clinical need. They also provide resources and information on their website as well.

Phone: 403-943-1500 or 1-844-943-1500
Website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services/page11443.aspx

Woods Homes

Wood’s Homes is a mental health centre. We provide treatment and support for children, young people, adults and families with mental health needs. They offer  In-Home & Counselling Services, Therapeutic Campus Care, Foster Care, Therapeutic Foster Care, Parented Group Home, Community Group Care, Specialized Group Care, Housing & Hub Services and Learning Centres. Wood’s Homes builds good mental health and well-being so everyone can thrive in their community.

Phone: 403-270-4102
Email: askus@woodshomes.ca 
Website: https://www.woodshomes.ca/

Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth

The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth offers multiple different groups and activities for newcomers, refugees and immigrants to Calgary. The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth is a youth-centered and family-focused non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of newcomer children, youth and families. For over 35 years, CBFY has fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers by enriching them with the appropriate skills, information, knowledge and experience as they build a life in Canada. Since 1990, we have proudly helped tens of thousands of immigrant and refugee families settle in Calgary.

Phone: 403-230-7745
Email: contactus@cbfy.ca
Website: https://cbfy.ca/

End of the Rainbow Foundation

Their mission is to improve socioeconomic conditions for people of diverse sexualities (sexual orientations and gender identities or expressions, or diverse sexual characteristics) (SOGIESC) by providing innovative education, support programs, and research. They also support refugees to Canada who identify sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTQ+ or SOGIESC).

Phone: (403) 262-4086
Website: https://endoftherainbow.ca/

Calgary Public Library Wellness Desk

Calgary Public Library offers a Wellness Desk at various locations in Calgary. They offer free mental health support, recovery support, information, and referrals to services. Their website also offers resources, videos, phone lines, and crisis information around Calgary. The Wellness Desk works in tandem with Woods Homes.

Phone: 403-260-2600
Website: https://www.calgarylibrary.ca/your-library/free-services/wellness-desk

Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

The Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association offers several different groups for immigrant women, the program offers a safe and supportive environment to practice and improve their English conversation skills, form meaningful relationships, learn about resources available to them, and share experiences with other immigrant women. Contact them on their website for more. 

Website: https://ciwa-online.com/

Centre for Newcomers

To support newcomers and the receiving community in becoming a diverse, united community, through services and initiatives that create conditions of success for newcomers and that foster a welcoming environment in Calgary. The Centre for Newcomers offers lower cost counselling (dependent on income) as well as multi-need case management, and support for domestic violence. 

Phone: 403-452-3467
Website: https://www.centrefornewcomers.ca/aboutus

Kickstand

Kickstand Connect is a free or small cost virtual therapy clinic for youth in Alberta (ages 11-25). Book a session for mental health counseling, substance use support, or peer support—all at no cost and with no waitlists. They offer support for any young Albertan, no matter who they are. With peer support, employment support, and counselling

Phone: 1 (587) 337-0125
Email: hello@mykickstand.ca
Website: https://mykickstand.ca/

Canadian Mental Health Association

Working along with the Suicide Prevention Centre, the CMHA offers Peer support, counselling services, adult and workplace education, and youth services, mental health information, and their Recovery College. You can access these services in person, virtually or over phone

Email: info@cmha.calgary.ab.ca
Phone: (403) 297-1700
Website: https://cmha.calgary.ab.ca/

Centre for Mindfulness 

The Centre for Mindfulness has several public mindfulness programs virtually every month. Programs are offered for all ages, with different focuses for each age group. They also have a free book club presentation every month. 

Email: mindfulness@health.ucsd.edu
Website: https://cih.ucsd.edu/mindfulness

Red Cross Friendly Calls Program

The Friendly Calls Program offers people over the age of 18 to be connected to a volunteer who connects with them regularly to check in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services. They train, and match volunteers based on needs and experience the best they can. 

Phone: 1-833-979-9779
Website: www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/community-health-services-in-canada/friendly-calls-program

NeuroNights 

At NeuroNights, you can expect to enjoy a night out with friends in an intentional sensory friendly environment. Neuronights will take place at Cabin Brewing and the following accommodations will be made in the space, dimmed lighting, reduced speaker levels, concise drink/food menus – available in both written and picture image versions, and includes ordering guides, optional wrist bands for communication levels, designated breakaway area if you need space, limited capacity meaning fewer people in the space, and available fidget items to accommodate those who need these supports! 

Email: info@neuronights.com
Website: https://www.neuronights.com/neuronights

Autism Canada Empowering Connections

This initiative by Autism Canada and CN aimed to help reduce feelings of isolation and create meaningful connections for Autistic and neurodivergent people in Canada. Connection will be provided by Autistic-led staff with lived experience, ensuring compassionate, peer-informed care. The support line will be accessible through phone, chat, virtual meetings, and email, offering a welcoming space for empathy and understanding during challenging moments.

Phone: 1-800-983-1795
Website: https://www.autismcanada.org/empoweringconnections