Counselling and Therapy

Counselling and therapy is available for individuals who live or are staying in the Parkdale CHC catchment. OHIP is not required to receive counselling services. Therapy is available for the following populations:

• Adults (including seniors) and youth (16 years old and up) of all genders
• Newcomers (including non-status)
• Refugees
• People with mental and emotional health issues
• Substance users
• Sex workers
• People in conflict with the law
• Homeless or underhoused people
• Other marginalized groups

The goal of counselling and therapy services at PCHC is to:

• Reduce harms related to poverty, unemployment, lack of housing, lack of education, lack of status, social isolation, and discrimination.
• Prevent and reduce risks associated with relapse.
• Assist people living with mental illnesses reach their full potential.
• Build support system.
• Combat stigma attached to mental/emotional health issues.
• Encourage self reliance and self actualization.
• Learn how to prevent contraction of sexually transmitted infections, eg. HIV, HCV, etc. and to maintain one’s health.
• Reduce harms related to drug use, incarceration, street violence, and sex work.
• Develop coping skills to handle stressful situations.
• Discover healthy alternatives to change behaviour or improve relationships with others.

Counselling approaches at PCHC include:

• Anger, anxiety/stress management training using a cognitive behavioural approach
• Mindfulness based stress reduction therapy
• Behavioural therapy, exposure narrative therapy
• Client-centred counseling
• Feminist therapy
• Other various integrated approaches
• Harm reduction based philosophy
• Crisis counselling
• Provision of information about emergency services in the community
• Case management, accompaniment, advocacy, referrals and other practical and instrumental support as needed, eg. detox, food banks, housing help, legal aid, harm reduction supplies

Appointments are available on a weekly, bi-weekly, drop-in, or as needed basis. Length of counselling is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Referrals can be made from other community agencies, health professionals, or by the individual.

For more information regarding assessment and appointment booking, please call Reception at 416.537.2455, ext 222.