Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or

Dr. John Álvarez

Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
1 Endorsed
Knutsford, BC V0E
Let's Connect (778) 400-1469
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Ever feel like saying FML? Between working nonstop to get ahead, demanding relationships, marriage and kids, it can feel impossible to make time for yourself. It’s no wonder your mental health eventually takes a toll. Showing up as anxiety, anger and depression or some other stressful situation that pulls you down. So how can you keep up when most men choose to isolate and go it alone?
Well, one of the best ways to stay sane in an insane world is to stay connected and check-in with a trusted friend or guide. No matter what you’re going through I’m here to help. My practice specializes in men's issues like stress, anxiety, anger, depression, communication in relationships, and a lack of meaning in life.
My counselling style is pragmatic and heartfelt. I'm a straight shooter who's weathered my fair share of storms. I received my MA in Counselling Psychology from UBC and my MD from McMaster University. I have also completed VIUs Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Grad program and work with individuals interested in microdosing.
Take the first step to help. Call or Dr. John Álvarez now - (778) 400-1469

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Garuda Centre

Knutsford, BC V0E

(778) 400-1469

Vancouver, BC V6H

My website
Online therapy across BC. In-person also available. Please call or email my office weekdays for assistance. We'll get back to you ASAP!
I specialize in Men's Issues, Meaning & Purpose and Depression 
$250 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and groups  
Let's Connect (778) 400-1469
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Garuda Centre

Knutsford, BC V0E

(778) 400-1469

Vancouver, BC V6H

My website
Online therapy across BC. In-person also available. Please call or email my office weekdays for assistance. We'll get back to you ASAP!
I specialize in Men's Issues, Meaning & Purpose and Depression 
$250 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and groups  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $250

Payment Methods

ACH Bank transfer, American Express, Cash, Cheque, Mastercard, Paypal, Visa

Insurance

  • Alberta Blue Cross
  • Beneva | SSQ
  • Blue Cross
  • Canada Life | Great-West Life
  • Desjardins
  • First Nations Health Authority
  • Green Shield Canada
  • Manulife
  • Maximum Benefit
  • Medavie Blue Cross
  • Pacific Blue Cross
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • TELUS Health
  • Veterans Affairs Canada
"
Feel welcome to book yourself online to start the intake process or contact my office for personalized service. If you leave a message we'll get back to you asap. Unfortunately, I do not offer free consultations, my appointments are all 50-minutes. I look forward to connecting, let's get to work!
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469
"
Feel welcome to book yourself online to start the intake process or contact my office for personalized service. If you leave a message we'll get back to you asap. Unfortunately, I do not offer free consultations, my appointments are all 50-minutes. I look forward to connecting, let's get to work!
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by Province of British Columbia / BCACC 14295 John Álvarez
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 11 years
  • Attended McMaster University - Doctor of Medicine, MD, Graduated 2012
  • Additional Credentials

  • Certificate from Vancouver Island University PATGC (Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate) / 2023
  • Certificate from University of British Columbia MA (Counselling Psychology) / 2008
"
I have over 22 years experience helping men navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life in practical ways. I'm licensed in BC and hold additional certification in addiction medicine, group psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469
"
I have over 22 years experience helping men navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life in practical ways. I'm licensed in BC and hold additional certification in addiction medicine, group psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Men's Issues
  • Meaning & Purpose
  • Depression

Expertise

  • Addiction
  • Alcohol Use
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Career Guidance
  • Coping Skills
  • Divorce
  • Drug Abuse
  • Infidelity
  • Life Transitions
  • Microdosing
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Substance Use
  • Trauma and PTSD
"
In my experience many men struggle with their mental health because they have lost track of their purpose in life. I help men reconnect with it. During our initial sessions, we will discuss the issues at hand and create a plan for addressing them. Most men see improvements within their first few sessions and sustained improvements thereafter.
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469
"
In my experience many men struggle with their mental health because they have lost track of their purpose in life. I help men reconnect with it. During our initial sessions, we will discuss the issues at hand and create a plan for addressing them. Most men see improvements within their first few sessions and sustained improvements thereafter.
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals
Group

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals
Group

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Behavioural
  • Existential
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
"
I often use a combination of existential and behavioural therapies to help men discover the underlying meaning in their lives. Self-sabotaging behaviours can interfere with men's search for meaning so I use behaviour modification to help remove them. Once removed, men can move forward and implement their purpose in life.
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469
"
I often use a combination of existential and behavioural therapies to help men discover the underlying meaning in their lives. Self-sabotaging behaviours can interfere with men's search for meaning so I use behaviour modification to help remove them. Once removed, men can move forward and implement their purpose in life.
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
or call with questions - (778) 400-1469

Groups

Location

Primary Location

Garuda Centre

Knutsford, BC V0E

(778) 400-1469

Additional Location

Vancouver, BC V6H

(778) 400-1469

Nearby Areas

Postal Codes

Neighborhoods

"
Online therapy across BC. In-person also available. Please call or email my office weekdays for assistance. We'll get back to you ASAP!
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Take the first step to help. Call now - (778) 400-1469
"
Online therapy across BC. In-person also available. Please call or email my office weekdays for assistance. We'll get back to you ASAP!
Photo of Dr. John Álvarez, Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Dr. John Álvarez
Counsellor, MD, MA, RCC, CGP, PATGC
Take the first step to help. Call now - (778) 400-1469