Today, any young person 12 or older can ask for and receive mental health support without parental consent. Mental health support is now accessible to people between the ages of 12 and 18 at The Collingwood Youth Centre as a result of a partnerships with The Collingwood General and Marine Foundation, The Collingwood Blues Hockey Team, The Environment Network and several like minded mental health professionals in our community.
For well over a decade mental health services in our community, particularly for youth, have been challenging for young people to access.
A significant number of local youth are experiencing social anxiety and depression for many different reasons including childhood trauma, accidents, isolation due to the pandemic, just to mention a few.
Mental health support is often out of reach for the majority of our youth for a variety of reasons. Funded services have significant waiting lists (sometimes over 6 weeks) while fee for service providers can be too expensive for many families, not to mention they too now have waiting lists, depending on the practitioner. In addition, a young person is less likely to reach out to a professional often because it is not direct, not easy for them. The process for asking a parent or teacher for help to find the appropriate professional creates a barrier, it is just too cumbersome.
The Collingwood Youth Centre now has a dedicated space for a therapist and clients to meet privately. Therapists are available throughout the week between 3 and 8pm. Appointments are required but, a young client simply signs up for a session themselves and a Registered Psychotherapist will contact them within 1 business day to help them choose the therapist that is right for them and has availability.
It is our intention to assist as many young people as we are able by providing them with direct access to mental health professionals preferably in person, or online or the telephone so that they can gain the tools necessary to move forward with their lives in a healthy way instead of turning to self harm, drug or alcohol use.
Resources for immediate support for mental health:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Help is available through Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) and the Hope for Wellness Help Line (1-855-242-3310).
Or, contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 705 728 5044.
IMAGINE IF…
How might your life be different if there was a place for you to go to share your story and get support in a way that your friends and family weren’t able to help?
How might your life be different if in that place there was someone who understands and can answer your questions, can share your worries, and can laugh with you and you can learn from?
How might your life be different if in this place it was safe to reflect upon yourself and to try new things?
If you know someone who is looking for support, please share this information with them.
We Can Help With
• Anxiety
• Grief
• Sexuality
• Depression
• Divorce
• Family Conflict
• LGBTQ+
• Obsessive Thoughts
• Compulsions
• Peer Relationships
• School Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Self Esteem
• Stress
• Transgender
• Trauma
• PTSD, CPTSD
• Women’s Issues
• … and SO much more!
Connect with someone now!
Click the Red Chat button to connect, a Registered Psychotherapist will reply within 1 business day
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Talking to a therapist is a lot easier than you think
Therapist
Luke Selvester
I aim to provide you with a safe, caring, nonjudgmental environment where you are free and comfortable to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviors. I intend to stand with you as you begin the journey of finding solutions, meanings and ultimately healing.
You may be feeling anxious, angry, sad, frustrated, overwhelmed and hopeless but by entering therapy, you have already displayed the strength of a first step and it is my honor to help you take the next.
Each of us are unique, so my approach will always be tailor made for you. Often, we continue using old keys that prevent us from opening new doors that lock us out from moving forward. Therapy can be a great place to build, discover and create those new keys. Most importantly you deserve to be heard and listened to and often this alone can be so empowering.
Therapist
Carly Moulton
People seek psychotherapy for various reasons, whether it be finding a solution or just having an opportunity to speak to someone. At its core, psychotherapy provides a supportive and confidential space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships. I approach therapy better understanding one’s inner child. Understanding, reconnecting, and healing those emotional wounds from our childhood that will allow us to better understand and manage our current behaviours and emotional distress in order to empower ourselves in personal growth and emotional healing.
As a dedicated and compassionate psychotherapist, I offer a range of services designed to support individuals on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. My therapeutic approach is grounded in a person-centered philosophy, where the unique needs and experiences of each individual guide the direction of our work together.
Therapy can feel scary, however I ensure that all my clients feel safe and comfortable in a judgment free, non-biased environment. As a therapist I believe that there is nothing more powerful than the relationship created between client and therapist.
Therapist
Aggie Trzeciak
If you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, challenging relationships, loss of a sense of self, I can help. Past trauma can affect your day-to-day life, relationships, ability to function, even your ability to learn and work. Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, lost, are all challenges we face and sometimes need help with. It’s hard living up to someone else’s standards… or just getting through the day. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
I specialize in anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples. I believe there is hope, and there are answers, and you can live a happier life. I will listen to you, help you manage your symptoms and together we can heal the root cause of your issues.
Therapist
Kathryn George
Kathryn integrates a holistic, systemic approach to therapy, recognizing the impact of relationships with family, friends, and community on one’s identity and thought processes. Her therapeutic practice is informed by evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). Having recently completed specialized training in Emotion-Focused Therapy, she skillfully helps clients navigate emotional processing and relational issues. Kathryn’s interventions are tailored to each client’s individual goals, needs, and belief systems.
Her work is centered on creating a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic space for youth, individuals, couples, and families. Kathryn believes that healing and growth are fostered through meaningful connections and that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective therapy. She collaborates with clients to explore the barriers they face and empowers them to harness their inner strengths as they move toward their purpose. Kathryn looks forward to partnering with you on your journey to self-awareness, healing, and personal transformation.
Use the QR code above to connect with a therapist, or Click Here.
Support is also available through Home Horizon, a local organization specializing in helping individuals ages 16-29 experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.