Apply for Children & Family Counselling

Counselling Support for Families

The Everest Legacy Fund provides free counselling sessions for children, youth, and families in the Nelson area who are facing emotional challenges or difficult life circumstances. This program was created in memory of Everest, to help ensure that children and youth can access mental health care without financial barriers. We understand that reaching out can be hard, and our aim is to offer support with compassion, respect, and dignity.
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Eligibility

Who This Program Supports

The Everest Legacy Fund is here to support families who may not otherwise have access to counselling for their children. You are warmly invited to apply if your family meets the following criteria:

    • Residency: You live in Nelson or the surrounding region.

    • Child’s Age: Your child or youth is between the ages of 4–17.

    • Household Income:

      • Single-parent household: income under $40,000/year
      • Two-parent household: income under $60,000/year

    • No Other Coverage: You do not have extended health benefits or private insurance that covers counselling.

    • No Overlapping Public Funding: You are not currently receiving counselling support through public programs such as the Crime Victim Assistance Program, Autism Funding Unit, ICBC or similar.

    • Engagement: You are committed to attending sessions regularly so your child can benefit from consistent care.

If you’re unsure whether your family qualifies, please feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.
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How It Works

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Step 1: Apply
Fill out the short application form below. If you have more than one child, please complete a separate application for each.
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Step 2: Review
Our board will carefully review your application to confirm eligibility—usually within seven business days.
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Step 3: Referral
If approved, we’ll refer you to a trusted local counsellor that partners with the Everest Legacy Fund. If you're not eligible, we’ll still offer guidance toward other available resources.
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Step 4: First Contact
The clinic will contact you directly to arrange a start date. Typically, the first session is a parent-only appointment to help build understanding and support.
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Step 5: Counselling Begins
Your child will receive eight free counselling sessions, to be used within 12 months of approval. This can be used for child or family counselling sessions. If more support is needed, we’ll help explore other community options with you.

Ready to Apply?

We are here to support you. 
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Please complete one application per child to help us best understand each child’s individual needs.