I’m a Registered Social Worker, with experience supporting both youth and adults navigate their life’s challenges. For the last three years, I’ve been working in Fernie providing mental health support to the surrounding Elk Valley area. I am experienced in working with youth and adults with anxiety, depression, and supporting people navigate their neurodiversity and neurodivergence. By using evidence based treatments, like CBT an d Mindfulness, and a client centred approach, I hope to help you better understand yourself and grow.

I’m a Registered Social Worker, with experience supporting both youth and adults navigate their l... 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 following the completion of 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, such as Baseball, Martial Arts, and Curling. Growing up, I did not have access to mental health support and services. I believe there needs to be appropriate mental health systems for rural communities that address the unique challenges presented here.

​​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. 

As a Therapist, I take a caring, compassionate, and nonjudgmental approach to working with my clients. I believe that with the right time and support, individuals often have the resources available necessary for healing and growth. My education and training was specialized in working with Childhood & Complex Trauma, Anxiety/Mood Disorders, Affirming Counselling, and Culturally Safe Counselling. While completing my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UBC Okanagan, I worked as a Clinical Assistant in the Psychology Clinic for 3 years, which formed the basis of my understanding of assessment and treatment of Clinical Disorders.

In 2019, I completed a Master of Science degree, focusing my Research and Thesis on creating programs to support the mental health of young Indigenous men from a Cultural Perspective. This project was funded through the Canadian Institute of Health Research, where I was recognized as a Top Indigenous Researcher in Canada. I received the Award for Future Health Professionals by the Center of Indigenous Excellence in Health, the Graduate Dean’s Aboriginal Entrance Fellowship, BC’s Graduate Scholarship, and the Fredrick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship. In 2020 & 2021, I was awarded the Aboriginal Graduate Fellowship, the University Graduate Fellowship, and the Irving K. Barber Indigenous Masters/Doctoral Studies Award.

In 2021, I entered a Master of Clinical Social Work degree to further my specialization in Affirming and Culturally Safe clinical mental health treatment and become a licensed professional through the BCCSW. This program provided me with the necessary time to learn the practical applications of the theory and knowledge gained in my previous studies. During my MSW program, I worked as a Counsellor at the Okanagan Indian Band, specializing in child and youth counselling while running educational mental health programs in their cultural school and advising the band on Two-Spirit issues in mental health.

I have also worked in non-profit settings with children, youth, and young adults with Autism and other neurodivergent presentations as a support worker and group coordinator at the Trail Association for Community Living and Autism Okanagan. Much of my current work revolves around supporting neurodivergent, queer, and Indigenous clients in a clinical mental health setting and providing supervision/consultation to clinicians.

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