As a Registered Social Worker, I specialize in supporting youth and adults through life’s challenges using evidence-based approaches. Over the past three years, I’ve been providing mental health assessment and treatment services in Fernie and the surrounding Elk Valley region. My practice is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and a client-centered approach, with experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and neurodivergent conditions.

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (2019) and a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (2022). My background includes nearly a decade of facilitating group programs that integrated mindfulness, CBT, and martial arts for youth at the Child Development Institute in Toronto. Today, I’m proud to be part of the Kootenay Virtual Clinic, where I lead services focused on boys’ and men’s mental health across the region.

In addition to general mental health support, I offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)—a structured, short-term, and highly effective treatment for chronic sleep difficulties. CBT-I helps clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors around sleep, improve sleep hygiene, and develop healthier sleep patterns. As a trained CBT-I provider, I tailor this therapy to each client’s needs, helping them regain restorative sleep without relying on medication.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about kayaking, martial arts, and spending time in nature. I’m also an assistant instructor at the local jiu-jitsu club in Fernie, where I enjoy building community and resilience through movement.

Reach out today to discuss Clinical Counselling Services with me.

As a Registered Social Worker, I specialize in supporting youth and adults through life’s challen... Read More

Hello! I’m Lia Kay, Clinical Director/CEO of Kootenay Virtual Clinic. I’m thrilled to be back in the Kootenays with my family after completing my studies at UBC Okanagan. For most of my life, I lived in the Beaver Valley, graduating from J.L. Crowe, and playing sports throughout the region.

As a therapist, I specialize in Complex and Childhood Trauma, Anxiety/Mood disorders, Neurodivergence, and 2SLBGTQIA+ Mental Health. I’ve worked with Indigenous youth, neurodivergent children, and queer communities in both clinical and nonprofit settings — and I’m committed to supporting healing and growth for all.

Starting at Selkirk College in 2014, I developed a passion for mental health assessment and treatment. While completing 2 degrees at UBC Okanagan (2016 - 2021), I became recognized as a Top Indigenous Researcher in Health and Mental Health, receiving prestigious awards such as BC’s Graduate Scholarship and the Irving K. Barber Indigenous Masters Studies Award.

In 2021, I entered the Master of Clinical Social Work program while working as a counsellor at the Okanagan Indian Band. This furthered my specialization in mental health assessment and treatment in rural communities. Since then, I have become a Registered Social Worker (#16623), allowing me to assess and treat complex mental health disorders. Shortly, I will complete my licensing requirements to provide DSM-5 Diagnoses.

Today, my passion lies in developing mental health programs and services for rural communities while continuing my clinical practice. I believe we all deserve access to high-quality, affordable mental health programs and services, regardless of where we live.

I started Kootenay Virtual Clinic with one simple mission: to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible mental health services to community members throughout the Kootenay Boundary.

I am currently not accepting new clients

Hello! I’m Lia Kay, Clinical Director/CEO of Kootenay Virtual Clinic. I’m thrilled to be back in ... Read More

Hi, I’m Rena Kundu (she/her), a Clinical Counsellor specializing in child and youth mental health. With over a decade of experience supporting young people through complex life challenges—such as trauma, addiction, family conflict, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm—I offer a safe, affirming space where people can feel seen, heard, and supported.

I meet children and youth where they’re at—whether through play, story, movement, or creative expression. Healing takes many forms; it can emerge through art, breath, or within moments of healthy connection.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed and relational care. I draw on narrative therapy, somatic practices, EMDR, mindfulness, and DBT-informed tools to support emotional regulation, resilience, and self-understanding. I’m committed to creating safer spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and honouring neurodiversity, cultural identity, and the many ways young people make sense of their world.

Hi, I’m Rena Kundu (she/her), a Clinical Counsellor specializing in child and youth mental health... Read More

As a Certified Clinical Counsellor, I offer compassionate, evidence-informed support for individuals navigating life’s challenges. My approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration — creating a space where you can feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment. I believe there is more to a person, than just their problems and take a humanistic approach to therapy.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, stress, parenting concerns, or simply feeling stuck, I work alongside you to explore what’s getting in the way and what’s possible for your future. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-based frameworks, and trauma-informed care — always tailoring our work to meet your unique needs and goals.

My background includes over ten years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan in clinical, community, and private practice settings. I believe that healing happens in relationships — and that with the right support, change is not only possible, but sustainable.

After taking time off to raise my family, I am thrilled to return to the work I love — helping people build stronger relationships and emotional resilience. I look forward to connecting and working with you.

As a Certified Clinical Counsellor, I offer compassionate, evidence-informed support for individu... Read More