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)
Autism Spectrum
ADHD
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