Welcome to Medicine Hat Family Service

“Friends of the Family”

Since 1966

Our Services

Counselling Services

We offer affordable counselling for individuals, couples, and families in our community, focusing on effective communication and connection skills. Our sessions address grief, emotional regulation, family transitions, parent-child interactions, and stress management. We also provide support for managing a range of feelings, including depression, anxiety, anger, and loneliness. Additionally, we offer specialized therapies such as EMDR and ART to help process trauma and replace negative imagery with positive change.

Two people talking in an office. A woman with black hair, wearing a blazer and skirt, is sitting in a chair, smiling. A man with dark hair and beard, dressed in a suit, is sitting on a sofa, holding papers. The room has large windows, plants, a lamp, and framed artwork on the walls.

Group Facilitation

Our group programs are designed to offer a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can connect, share experiences, and grow together. We provide a diverse range of groups tailored to meet the varied needs of our community, from emotional well-being and personal development to specialized support for trauma recovery. Through guided group sessions, participants can gain valuable insights, build meaningful relationships, and develop skills to navigate life’s challenges effectively. Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered on their journey to wellness.

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We offer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to support employees dealing with personal or work-related challenges. Our EAP provides confidential, professional assistance designed to improve workplace performance, enhance overall well-being, and address a range of issues from stress and anxiety to work-life balance and conflict resolution. By offering expert guidance and support, we aim to help employees thrive both personally and professionally.

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Employee Assistance Program Services

Recovery College offers free, welcoming courses that support mental health, well-being, and recovery. Whether you're facing challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, our courses provide tools, connection, and hope.

Led by trained peer supporters with lived experience, courses are available in-person, online, or both. No experience needed—just come as you are.

Find course info and schedules at: www.recoverycollegemedicinehat.ca

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Recovery College & Caregiver Connections

Schedule An Appointment:

At Medicine Hat Family Service, we believe that everyone should have access to quality care, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer a sliding scale for our fees, making our services affordable for everyone in our community. Depending on your financial circumstances, session fees can be as low as $8. We’re committed to helping you get the support you need without adding financial stress. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Vision Statement

Medicine Hat Family Service envisions a thriving community where everyone has access to empathetic, responsive support. Through trauma recovery, preventative care, and inclusive mental health services, we aim to ensure the long-term well-being and resilience of all individuals and families.

Mission Statement

Medicine Hat Family Service provides accessible, high-quality, community-based counseling services tailored to meet the needs of Medicine Hat and surrounding areas. Our mission is to create safe, inclusive spaces for healing by offering trauma-informed care, counseling services, and preventative programs that foster mental wellness, stability, and resilience for all individuals and families in our community.

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Meet the Team!

  • A woman with red hair smiling, wearing a black blazer over a white top, standing indoors with a conference or office setting in the background.

    Celina Symmonds

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • A smiling woman sitting at a table with papers in front of her, in a room with yellow walls and a window decorated with yellow, black, and blue bee-themed and motivational posters.

    Mindy Castillo

    ADMINISTRATION/RECEPTION

  • A smiling bald man wearing a blue checkered shirt outdoors with a blurred green leafy background.

    Ben Feere

    COUNSELLOR

    BA Psych, MC, CCC

  • A woman with short dark hair and glasses taking a selfie in front of a wall decorated with a collage of movie posters.

    Jennifer Copeman

    COUNSELLOR

    BSW, RSW

  • A smiling man with glasses and a short beard, wearing a colorful plaid shirt, standing against a dark wall.

    Mark Walter

    COUNSELLOR

    RSW, BSW, MA

  • A woman with dark red hair and a bright smile sitting at a table, wearing an orange shirt and a black cardigan, in front of a fireplace.

    Nora Bassingthwaighte

    COUNSELLOR

    MAMFT Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy

  • A young woman with brown hair and a nose ring taking a selfie against a dark green background. She is wearing a black t-shirt and has a tattoo of a flower on her upper arm.

    Chloe Ives

    BSc Psych, MACP, CCC

Meet Our Outreach Team!

  • A woman with blonde hair and glasses sitting in a beige armchair, smiling, holding a notebook and a pen, in a modern office with artwork and plants on the wall.

    Krista Waddle

    GROUP FACILITATION

    CO-ORDINATOR

  • Close-up of a woman with long, wavy, auburn hair, wearing a light blue collared shirt and a tie, looking down slightly with a focused expression.

    Audrey Skoog

    SUICIDE PREVENTION

    CO-ORDINATOR

  • A woman with curly dark hair, glasses, and a plaid shirt taking a selfie in front of a backdrop of pink balloons.

    Angela Dunn

    RECOVERY COLLEGE

    CO-ORDINATOR

  • A young man with curly dark hair, light skin, light green eyes, and facial hair, wearing a dark quilted jacket, black shirt, and silver cross necklace, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Cohen Hodgins

    CAREGIVER CONNECTIONS

    CO-ORDINATOR

Meet the Board!

Placeholder silhouette of a person on a gray background.

Nathan Hutcheson Finance Chair

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Tricia MacPhail Secretary

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Hailey Hauck

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Jenna Poncsak

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Mikala Zubrecki

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Teri-Anne Bowyer

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Bryden Bardal

Bryden Bardal President

Ken Taylor Past President

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A man in a dark suit and tie standing in a school hallway with lockers, smiling at the camera.

Cody Edwards

Cam Jacques

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Contact Us

We're here to help! Whether you have questions about our services, need more information, or want to book an appointment, feel free to reach out. Our team is ready to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have. Contact us today, and let’s start the conversation.