Non-judgmental,
compassionate counselling.

Remote and in-person sessions based out of Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). We offer diverse, evidence-based approaches to support you through difficulties.

Book a Session

Branches Counselling Services is the sister organization to Oaks Mental Health.

Our Therapists

Martha Dalton

MSW, BSW, RSW.
I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where you can feel supported in exploring your experiences, asking hard questions, and building compassion for yourself. My approach is trauma-informed and anti-oppressive, shaped by curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for your autonomy. Together, we’ll work at your pace to better understand what feels most important to you and what healing might look like in your life.
More about Martha
Marcela Scott

MSW, BSW, BA, RSW.
Marcela also offers sessions in Spanish.
I am here to create a non-judgmental and safe space for you. Together, we will explore your experiences to better understand what is affecting your sense of self. During our time, we will find what works for you in an authentic and compassionate way. Bring what you want to this space, from your struggles to your accomplishments. Everything is welcome. I am honoured and humbled when you choose to share your story with me.
More about Marcela
Sarrah Ahmed

MA in Counselling, BA, CCC.
Sliding scale sessions available.
Sarrah also offers sessions in Arabic.
My approach to therapy is anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and feminist. It is also eclectic in nature. That is, I utilize various aspects of different forms of therapy, such as narrative therapy and strengths-based therapy, and cater them to your particular needs and situation. My main goal in therapy is to develop a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship with you and create a space where you feel supported, safe and comfortable with being open and vulnerable.
More about Sarrah
April Derkson

BSW, RSW.
In my practice, I work from a trauma-informed, feminist framework to create a safe place of compassion and empathy, where you can feel heard and feel safe to reconnect to your power, voice, and confidence. My goal is to provide a therapeutic space where connection can be made, stories can be shared and honoured, and healing and growth can flourish.
More About April

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible doorways and bathroom.
• No stairs to enter any part of our space.
• Accessible parking spots available upon advance request.
Children

• Babies are welcome to accompany you to appointments.
• Change table available for use
• Fridge available to store formula, breastmilk, etc.
Refreshments

• We have various complimentary beverages (coffee, tea, water bottles, juice boxes, Bubbly, Vitamin Water, etc.) and snacks (granola bars, chips, fruit snacks, etc.) available.
Affordability

• We offer sliding scale services on a case by case basis.
• We are happy to accept postponed payments or create payment plans to make counselling more affordable for you.
Pet Friendly

• Feel free to bring cats or dogs to your appointment with your therapist, even if they are not a licensed support animal.

Our Values + Approaches

Empathy

Being curious and non-judgmental about your experiences, emotions, and perspectives.
Self-Compassion

We believe in becoming more mindful, compassionate, and kind in your dialogue towards yourself.
Autonomy

You have choices about how our sessions go and what the best path forward looks like for you.
Collaboration

Partnering with you in understanding and processing your experiences. Your knowledge and experience are equally valuable to ours.
Trauma-Informed

We recognize and acknowledge the impact of trauma along with the importance of creating emotional and physical safety.
Harm Reduction

We do not view addiction or substance use as moral failings. We also recognize zero substance use is not always possible or helpful.
Anti-Oppressive

We acknowledge and talk about how sex, gender, class, race, ability, health status, body size, religion, etc. affect your experiences.
Strengths-Based

We look for the ways you've shown strength in hardships, especially when you can't see it for yourself.
Storytelling

We believe peoples’ stories are sacred and that there is power in how we tell our stories.

Our Clinical Supervisor

Sheena McCallion, MSW, RSW.

Sheena holds a Masters degree in clinical Social Work from the University of Calgary. She has been in practice for 23 years in a variety of mental health-related roles. She has advanced training in several counselling modalities. Sheena is thrilled to be working with the fine counsellors at Oaks.

Clinical supervision provides accountability and ongoing professional development to ensure you receive the highest quality care possible. Each of our therapists is required to do both group and individual clinical supervision each month.

FAQ

Our office is located at 1815 D Lorne Avenue - also home to Oaks Mental Health! We are wheelchair accessible, and there is free street parking surrounding the building.
Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length and cost $150.
Couples counselling sessions are 60 minutes in length and cost $175.
For no-shows and late cancellations (within 60 minutes of the appointment time) we will bill for 50% of the session rate.
We do not take the traditional approach of charging a session fee for cancellations within 24-48 hours of the appointment. We understand mental health and physical health conditions are not always predictable, which can lead to last-minute cancellations.
Most insurance policies will reimburse for a counselling session with an RSW (April, Marcela & Martha), but it is your responsibility to check with your service provider regarding coverage before your appointment.

Direct-billing available for:
April: NIHB, Canada Life, Victim Services, GreenShield, Métis Nation SK
Marcela: NIHB, Canada Life, Victim Services, GreenShield, Métis Nation SK
Sarrah: Victim Services, Greenshield, Interim Federal Health Program
Martha: Canada Life, Manulife, Victim Services, Greenshield, Métis Nation SK

If you desire direct billing, please reach out to hello@branchescounselling.ca prior to booking a session.
Our main phone line is shared with Oaks Mental Health: 306-914-2150. General inquiries can be sent to hello@branchescounselling.ca.
You can also contact your specific therapist via email:
April Derkson: april@oaksmentalhealth.ca
Marcela Scott: marcela@oaksmentalhealth.ca
Sarrah Ahmed: sarrah@oaksmentalhealth.ca
Martha Dalton: martha@oaksmentalhealth.ca
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency:
Call Mobile Crisis Saskatoon @ 306-933-6200
Or click here to find a crisis line near you.