Abhinandhan Balakrishnan - Mental Health Diabetes Directory
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Abhinandhan Balakrishnan

Clinical Counsellor, Social Worker

Virtual appointments available

Direct Billing Available for Insurance:
No
Languages spoken:
English Hindi
Caring for:
Adult
Provinces:
Alberta, Saskatchewan

Biography

Hello! My name is Abhi, and I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Counselling. My journey into the helping professions began with a deep curiosity about human resilience and a genuine desire to create a safe space where individuals feel truly seen and heard. I believe that everyone possesses an innate capacity for healing and growth, and my role is to walk alongside you as you discover and strengthen those inherent abilities.
My therapeutic approach is collaborative and client-centred, meaning our work together will be tailored to your unique needs and goals. I draw from a blend of evidence-based modalities, including [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Practice, Mindfulness-Based approaches]. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment where you can explore challenges, gain new insights, and develop practical coping strategies.
I have experience working with individuals facing a range of concerns, including [ chronic conditions, anxiety, depression, stress management, grief and loss, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma]. My aim is not just to address immediate symptoms, but to empower you with the tools and understanding to navigate future difficulties with greater confidence and well-being.
Clients often describe my style as compassionate, direct, and supportive, with a touch of gentle humor when appropriate. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect. It’s a privilege to witness the transformation that occurs when individuals commit to their own healing journey, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Outside of my practice, I am passionate about community volunteering, love exploring new recipes in the kitchen. This helps me maintain balance and empathy in my work.
If you are seeking a supportive and practical approach to navigate life’s complexities, I invite you to connect with me for a brief consultation to see if we’re a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you.

Disclaimer

THE DIRECTORY IS NOT INTENDED FOR URGENT CARE OR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR ATTEND THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM. IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS YOU CAN CONNECT WITH RESPONDERS AT CANADA’S SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICE AT 1-833-456-4566.


Important information for individuals using the Directory

a. Breakthrough T1D is not a mental health provider

Breakthrough T1D Canada and the parties it has collaborated with to make the Directory available to you (the “Breakthrough T1D Parties”) are not healthcare providers, do not engage any healthcare providers, and are not engaged in the practice of medicine, nursing, psychology, psychotherapy, social work or any other health profession. The inclusion of a mental health provider in the Directory is not a referral,  endorsement or recommendation of the mental health provider. The Breakthrough T1D Parties make no representation or warranty as to the qualifications, skill, effectiveness or responsiveness of any mental health provider listed in the Directory.

b. Breakthrough T1D is not liable for any health services

Your decision to engage a mental health provider is personal to you and you are responsible for verifying whether any mental health provider you choose to contact has the qualifications and experience that are appropriate for your situation.  You should seek advice from your primary care provider if you require assistance determining which mental health provider is right for you.  None of the Breakthrough T1D Parties are a party to any doctor-patient or therapist-patient relationship that may be established if you contact a mental health provider through the Directory.  None of the Breakthrough T1D Parties are responsible or liable for any health services provided by a mental health provider listed in the Directory or any other aspect of your interaction with a mental health provider listed in the Directory. It may be the case that mental health providers listed in the Directory are only qualified to provide mental health services to patients physically located in certain jurisdictions of Canada. You should confirm with any mental health provider you contact by using the Directory whether they satisfy the criteria of your insurer to be eligible for coverage, if applicable.

c. Breakthrough T1D is not responsible for any mental health provider

While the Breakthrough T1D Parties have taken certain steps to confirm that mental health providers who apply to be included in the Directory have accurately represented their qualifications to provide mental health services at the time of their application, the Directory is a connection tool only and in some cases the Breakthrough T1D Parties will not be able to independently verify a mental health provider’s qualifications, membership or registration with a particular mental health regulatory authority.  The Breakthrough T1D Parties will engage in periodic reviews of the Directory, but the Breakthrough T1D Parties are not responsible for any inaccuracies in or changes to the information included in the Directory.   

Information about the Directory for Mental Health Providers

Only certain Canadian mental health providers are eligible for listing in the Mental Health + Diabetes Directory.  If you are a mental health provider and you would like to be listed in the Mental Health + Diabetes Directory, you must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the Mental Health + Diabetes Training Program.  Additional information and the terms and conditions applicable to the Mental Health + Diabetes Training Program and the terms and conditions applicable to mental health providers who wish to be listed on the Mental Health + Diabetes Directory are available at https://learn.BreakthroughT1D.ca/terms-and-conditions/

Footnote applicable to clinical counsellors

In certain jurisdictions of Canada, the term “clinical counsellor” is not a restricted term and clinical counsellors are not subject to regulation or oversight from a self-regulating health authority or College.