Community Resources and Websites
Most advanced therapy students or "Therapists in Supervision" offer therapy services at reduced rates ($35-$65). Schools that offer this option will usually ask you to meet with a faculty member who can then refer you to a "therapist in supervision" or a graduate. Call therapy training programs in your area or try The Centre for Training in Psychotherapy at 416-964-7919, The Toronto Institute For Relational Psychotherapy (TIRP), The Gestalt Institute of Toronto or The CREATE Institute for expressive arts.
The Gerstein Crisis Centre is a 24-hour community-based crisis service for adults 16+ in the City of Toronto. Crisis Workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 416-929-5200. Services are free.
The Mood Disorders Association has many free peer-led programs including support groups, family support and a distress line. 1-866-363-MOOD (6663)
The people answering calls at the Toronto Distress Centre offer support 24/7 at 416-408-HELP (4357) www.torontodistresscentre.com.
LGBTQ2S+ community support: https://sherbourne.on.ca/primary-and-family-health-care/2slgbtq-health/
BIPOC community support:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/black-canadian/on/toronto
Mental Health Challenges for LGBT Asylum Seekers in Canada
https://www.the519.org/programs/qmcc/
https://www.salaamcanada.info/
https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Envisioning-Mental-Health-Sheet.pdf and Community Experiences: http://envisioninglgbt.blogspot.com/
"The 519" at 519 Church Street, offers about 6 free therapy sessions. Their waiting list may take while but you will have free access to professionally trained and supervised volunteer counsellors.
Phone: 416-392-6874
Anishnawabe Health Foundation: https://www.aht.ca/services-and-programs/services-offered
Hospitals have some free psychotherapeutic psychiatric services: Sunnybrook, Sinai, St Joseph, CAMH or Toronto Western. These services are covered by OHIP and might include DBT, CBT, psychotherapy, addiction support and so on. Referral from a doctor may be required. (MDs at walk in clinics can also refer you if you don't have a doctor).
Women's College Hospital houses a Trauma Therapy Program for women and other therapy services covered by OHIP. Call 416-323-6400 ext. 4230. https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/
The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre / Multicultural Women Against Rape (TRCC/MWAR) is a grassroots, women and non-binary people run collective. https://trccmwar.ca/
Addiction Resources/Supports: Metro Addiction Assessment Referral Service (MAARS)
MAARS Location: Queen Street Site - 60 White Squirrel Way Contact Phone Number: Access CAMH: 416 535-8501, press 2
Drug and Alcohol helplines (free) contact https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/understanding-and-finding-help-for-substance-use-and-addictions/
http://www.drugandalcoholhelpline.ca 1-800-565-8603.
Many individuals also access Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aatoronto.org and Jewish Addictions services (for all communities) http://jacstoronto.org as well as https://jeantweed.com/ Quote: “Every day is a new day. I get to become who I want to be instead of holding on to all this stuff. I’m not trapped by my history.”
Bereaved Families of Ontario-Toronto is a volunteer-based bereavement support organization that provides programs and services based on a mutual support model https://bfotoronto.ca/
Refugee community supports https://settlement.org/ontario/health/refugee-health/refugee-health-services/i-came-to-canada-as-a-refugee-what-mental-health-services-can-i-get/
Crohn's and Colitis
https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/Location/Ontario
Cancer Support for patients and family members: Wellspring: "At Wellspring, you will find a range of programs designed to help provide connection and belonging, ease physical pain and emotional distress, build strength and mobility, and reduce fatigue. Specialized financial, workplace, counselling and other cancer-related supports are also available." https://wellspring.ca/
Resources To Add:
Neurodegenerative diagnosis (MS, PD, MD)
Do you have community resources to share?
Let Miriam know and she will add them to the list. Please send contacts or websites to therapy@miriamschacter.com