AGWELL FARMER WELLNESS NETWORK
Counselling for Alberta Farmers and Farm Families
The AgWell Farmer Wellness Network connects farmers and farm families with mental health professionals who understand agriculture.
Through this program, participants can access short-term, confidential counselling designed to reflect the realities of farm life.
The pilot is available starting April 15, 2026 in Rocky View County, with plans to expand across Alberta.
AVAILABLE APRIL 15, 2026
Free counselling is currently only being offered as a pilot program in Rocky View County, Alberta.
We are actively working to expand the program to additional communities, with the goal of making this support more widely available across Alberta.
If the program is not yet available in your area, join the waitlist below to stay connected when therapy is covered in your area.
You are still welcome to connect with therapists from our network of agriculture-informed providers. While funded sessions are currently limited to pilot communities, therapists may be able to offer support directly through their own practice.
Farming comes with pressures that don’t resolve overnight.
While reaching out for support is an important first step, many farmers need time and space to talk things through. The AgWell Farmer Wellness Network provides access to short-term counselling, helping you take that next step. If ongoing support is needed, your therapist can help you continue care beyond the program.
Who is covered?
This program is available to:
farmers and producers
farm family members
individuals working in agriculture
You do not need to be in crisis to access support.
If something is weighing on you, whether it’s stress, uncertainty, relationships, or simply needing someone to talk to, our therapists are here to support you.
How it works?
Through this program, you can access:
up to 5 counselling sessions funded by AgWellAB
confidential, professional support
flexible options (in-person, phone, or virtual)
therapists who understand the realities of farm life
This program is designed to provide meaningful short-term support and help you get started. If you choose to continue, you can continue to work with your therapist.
How to get support?
Accessing support is simple. You can:
browse the list of therapists in our network
contact a therapist directly
book your first session using their intake process
No referral is required. You can choose a therapist that feels like the right fit for you.
Getting started is simple
1
Find a therapist
Review the list our farm-informed therapists below to find someone who feels like the right fit for you.
2
Contact a therapist directly
Reach out using their booking form to ask questions or book your first session.
3
Get confidential support
Begin your sessions with a therapist who understands the realities of farm life.
Meet our AgWell Therapists
Our therapists are part of the AgWell Farmer Wellness Network. All providers have experience or training related to agriculture and understand the unique pressures of farm life. Explore their profiles and connect with any therapist directly to learn more about the process or book your first session.
Matt Groeneveld, CCC, MTS, MACP
Counselling Therapist at Greenfield Counselling
Third-generation farmer and counselling therapist who understands the realities of farm life. Offers practical, agriculture-informed support for stress, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, available online and by phone across Alberta.
Kerbi McKnight, M.Ed
Registered Psychologist at Shooting Star Psychology & Rancher
Registered Psychologist based in Stettler offering in-person support for trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. Uses a blend of evidence-based and experiential approaches, including EMDR and equine-assisted therapy.
Dennis Esayenko, M.A.C, CPC
Certified Professional Counsellor at Midwest Trinity Counselling
Certified Professional Counsellor with a background in farming and 35 years in law enforcement. Offers practical support for trauma, relationships, and life challenges, with online and in-person sessions in the Calgary and Airdrie region.
Amy Monea, MSW, RSW
Clinical Social Worker at Heard Wellness Through Horses
Registered Social Worker offering a calm, relational approach to therapy for farmers and rural communities. Provides in-person, virtual, and phone support with a focus on equine therapy, trauma, and life transitions.
Mario Fafard, CCC
Canadian Certified Counsellor at Mens Soul
Canadian Certified Counsellor offering a direct, practical approach to therapy for farmers and rural communities. Provides virtual and phone support with a focus on men’s mental health, trauma, and life challenges.
Mindy Grover
Clinical Counsellor at Spiral Connections
Clinical Counsellor offering practical, nervous system-based support for farmers and rural communities. Provides in-person, phone, and virtual counselling for stress, trauma, burnout, and addiction.
Alison Varga, MCP, CCC
National Certified Counsellor
National Certified Counsellor offering practical, down-to-earth support for anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. Provides flexible in-person and virtual sessions with an understanding of farm life and its demands.
Angie Payne
Counselling Therapist & Certified Equine Gestalt Coach
Equine-facilitated therapist offering a hands-on approach to supporting emotional awareness, stress, and life transitions. Uses the connection between humans and horses to help clients build insight, balance, and new ways of responding to challenges.
Built through partnership
The AgWell Farmer Wellness Network is delivered by AgWell in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing and aligns with the broader National Farmer Wellness Network.
This work is also supported by a number of partners who share a commitment to strengthening mental health in agriculture.
While not all partners are publicly named, their contributions help make this program possible and expand access to support for farmers and rural communities across Alberta.
STAY CONNECTED
Not available in your area yet?
The AgWell Farmer Wellness Network is currently being offered in select communities as we expand across the province. If the program isn’t available in your area yet, you can sign up to be notified when it becomes available near you.