A close friend sought out support for her troubled teenage son. She had been seeking the right guidance to help her son navigate his overwhelming emotional challenges, only to encounter disappointment after disappointment.
Each social worker seemed more detached and ineffective than the last, leaving her feeling hopeless and unassisted in her time of need.
Watching someone I care about so deeply struggle without the necessary support prompted me to take action. I teamed up with the rest of The Best Calgary team and did thorough research on the social workers in the area.
After speaking with countless individuals who had received life-changing support and guidance from these professionals, we compiled a list of the best social workers in Calgary to assist those in need. Check them out here!
| How much does it cost to hire a social worker in Calgary? Hiring a social worker in Calgary costs at least 100 CAD per hour. This is just an estimate and the cost will vary depending on the experience of the social worker and more. |
Table of Contents
1. Calgary SCOPE Society
Address: 219 18 St SE, Calgary, AB T2E 6J5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (403) 509-0200
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
For many people, the Calgary SCOPE Society has made a meaningful impact on the community. Many told us they felt heard and included in community planning, which gave them a sense of belonging they hadn’t felt before.
People like their disability-related counseling services. A few shared that their counselor became a lifeline during a really rough patch. They felt like they had a true ally—someone who listened and offered real, practical advice.
Another program worth noting is the Gateways Family Service Coordination program. Through this, they’ve helped many with healthcare and school support, making everything a bit more manageable.
We also noted that the social workers here are amazing at connecting people with the right resources. Several mentioned the social workers here helped them find a job that they love and a good home, something they had been struggling to do on their own for years.
However, there is room for improvement in the internal coordination among the social workers. Streamlining these processes could enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.
Customer Reviews
My experience here has been exceptional
“Calgary Scope Society stands out as the premier agency in Calgary, dedicated to supporting individuals facing various challenges in daily life. As a front-line worker for over two years, I’ve witnessed the unwavering efforts and passion invested in improving lives. The organization not only fosters a supportive environment for clients but also prioritizes the well-being of its staff. My experience here has been exceptional, and it’s heartening to see both staff and clients thriving in this nurturing community”
— Denil Dennis, Google Reviews
Mental health services are top notch
“Their mental health services are top notch. I felt like I was treated like an adult and my concerns were taken seriously. It was real mental health therapy and not just behaviour modification like alot of disability mental health services are. As a bonus, their services are completely free if you’re on PDD”
— Alex Jack, Google Reviews
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area
Address: 5945 Centre Street S, Calgary, AB T2H 0C2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (403) 777-3535
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday – 9 AM to 8 PM
The social workers at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary don’t just go through the motions. From what we’ve gathered, they’re dedicated professionals who care deeply about making meaningful connections.
People really appreciate the effort and empathy these social workers put into every match. Many told us how much the recruiting and screening process made them feel valued.
Several people felt the social workers they worked with were genuinely invested in helping them. Others commented on how the social workers here ask about their likes and dislikes to find a mentor who truly clicked with them.
Many also highlighted the supportive role these social workers played throughout the mentoring relationships. Once mentors and mentees were matched, the social workers didn’t just disappear. They were constantly checking in and providing resources.
However, the organization’s detailed matching process, while great, can take quite some time.
Customer Reviews
Really hit the jackpot with the big sister that BBBS selected
“Really hit the jackpot with the big sister that BBBS selected for my daughter who waited a long time to find a match but it was well worth it! I love what she brought out in my daughter. She’s simply marvelous! She will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you so much BBBS and my daughter’s big sis.”
— PC, Google Reviews
Amazing staff, well organized
“Amazing staff, well organized and committed to serving the children and youth in the Calgary area.”
— Leslie Crapo, Google Reviews
3. Carya
Address: 839 5 Ave SW #180, Calgary, AB T2P 3C8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (403) 269-9888
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
A lot of people have had some heartfelt, eye-opening experiences with the social workers at Carya, especially with their amazing low-to-no-cost programs.
Several people couldn’t stop talking about how much their mental health programs helped them. They mentioned feeling more connected and understood, something that was seriously missing in their life before joining the sessions.
Another common thread we noted was how the social workers at Carya help strengthen families. Many told us the support they received helped them deal with personal issues at home and develop better communication skills.
Additionally, Carya has helped people find their place in the community. Many have built friendships and networks through their programs.
That being said, the wait times for getting into certain programs Carya offers can be a bit of a drag.
Customer Reviews
Contributes to the health and well being of the Calgary population
“Carya is non profit organization that contributes to the health and well being of the Calgary population, particularly low income families.Among their services includes mental health services provided by highly qualified Counsellors.”
— Hector Canales, Google Reviews
Lots of people benefit
“This non profit organization has over 100 years of good work for the community. Lots of people benefit because of their delicated good work and effort.”
— Bob Lee, Google Reviews
4. McMan Youth Family & Community Services Assn
Address: 1538 25 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8Y3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (403) 280-6293
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
McMan’s social are known in the community for their dedication and adaptability. Almost everyone loves how invested the social workers are. They really take the time to listen to their clients’ struggles and help them cope.
A few people who used their mental health support services appreciated how their social workers adapted to what they needed. This really made them feel valued and understood.
Their family therapy program has also been helpful among many in the community. Several families said the social workers helped them navigate complex family dynamics and led them to be more equipped to handle challenges together as a family after their sessions.
However, others mentioned experiencing delays in scheduling appointments with their social workers, which can be frustrating.
Customer Reviews
Always very professional with excellent communication skills
“My daughter has received tremendous support from this organization and her support worker, Darrien, is always very professional with excellent communication skills. Thank you McMan for being there for my daughter when she needed someone most.”
— Tanya Sand, Google Reviews
Left our family comforted
“Lois Atkinson had done an amazing work in my family. It looked like we are just playing together. But the results left our family comforted and the strategies are sustainable.”
— Diana C, Google Reviews
5. Calgary East Alberta Supports Centre
Address: 2752 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 0A5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (403) 297-1907
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
The range of social services Calgary East Alberta Support Centre provides is what sets them apart. They’ve got income support, employment assistance, and even housing support.
Several people praised the social workers for their patience and dedication. They mentioned how they felt genuinely understood and not just like another case file.
Employment assistance, in particular, has been a standout service. Several individuals found jobs sooner than they expected, thanks to the help they received. Clients raved about how their social worker helped tweak their resume and provided valuable interview tips.
Additionally, the housing support the center offers has been a life for many. Many also told us that their social workers went the extra mile to find them suitable housing.
Despite this, the initial housing process took a while. Some felt like they were stuck in limbo for a bit.
Customer Reviews
The staff was really good and helpful
“The staff was really good and helpful, we worked things throughly and fast she was polite and kind I recommend this for people who is stuck in some situations and is struggling.”
— Sara Tesfay, Google Reviews
Extremely helpful
“Extremely helpful. And Randy was especially helpful!!”
— Alexandra McDonald, Google Reviews
