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The Mental Health Program offers a range of counselling services to adults who are living with mental health problems. Counselling services are offered through individual counselling, couple and/or family family counselling, education workshops and group programs.
We hold the perspective that mental health exists along a continuum and that everyone struggles with mental health at different times in their lives. Our program addresses those aspects of the continuum where daily functionioning is impaired. We support people living with chronic or acute mental helath issues or who have been diagnosed within a range of psychiatric diagnosis.
Individual, Couple and Family Counselling
Our counselling services are based on our belief in the value of working with people to better understand their challenges and their personal strengths. Through our counselling services, we work with people to create change in the direction of desired outcomes.
Our counselling services provide:
- Assistance in understanding aspects of mental health
- An opportunity to strengthen your ability to cope with stressors in your life
- An avenue to clarify your ongoing goals and develop changes that enhance your daily life
- A resource that works in partnership with you to support your recovery from a mental illness
Our counsellors work closely with each indiviual situation to identify and develop options for change that seem most appropriate to achieving goals.
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Group Services
Our counselling services include workshops series and group programs that are focused on a variety of issues that are related to mental health and well-being.
The topics of these services include:
- Beyond Mental Illness
- Paths Beyond Anxiety
- Progress Not Perfection
- Creating Profound Change
- Making Connections
- Creativity
- Book Club
- Confidence in Action
A complete description of groups currently offered by the Mental Health Program is available on our Schedule of Current Events. back to top
General Program Information
Our Mental Health Counsellors
The Mental Health Program counselling staff at Family Services à la famille Ottawa are professionally trained counsellors who have obtained a Masters Degree in Social Work, Counselling, or Psychology and who have specialized experience working with issues related to mental health.
Languages
The Mental Helath Program is currently offered in English.
Locations
Counselling services are provided at Family Services à la famille Ottawa situated at 312 Parkdale Avenue.
Hours of Counselling Services
Counselling services are offered Monday to Friday between 8:30 and 5:00. A limited number of evening hour appointments are also available. Groups and Workshops are offered during the daytime. A list of groups and workshops currently offered by the Mental Health Program is available on the Schedule of Current Events.
Program Policies
Accessibility and Fees
The Mental Health Program is available to persons living in the Province of Ontario. There are no fees for this service. This program is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for the provision of counselling services to persons living with acute or chronic mental illness. Our Intake Worker will discuss our program services with you to see if the services we offer would be appropriate to your situation.
Cancellation Policy
It is important that you are able to be on time for appointments in order for us to utilize our counsellor's time well. You will need to notify us at least one working day in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Confidentiality
All notes, records and communications created by Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSFO) during your involvement as a client are kept secure and confidential and can be shared only with your written consent. The agency keeps a record of all appointments/visits. Information my be shared within FSFO for case management, quality assurance and eligibility purposes. Any information about a client is kept within the agency in strictest confidence.
There are a few exceptions to confidentiality when the law requires that our records be disclosed under strict conditions. In the following situations the law requires that reports be made and/or information released:
- Suspected child abuse
- Any life threatening danger to a client or to a third party (threat of suicide, threat towards others)
- Court orders and subpoenas
Privacy Policy
Family Services à la famille Ottawa (FSFO)adheres strictly to the current legislation governing personal privacy (Personal Health Information Protection Act).
The information the we collect is used to:
- Ensure we can contact you
- Maintain accountability as a services provider
- Ensure safety, legal and ethical standards are met
- Assess the quality of services provided and the effectiveness of outcomes
All clinical files and data are the sole property of FSFO and are stored in a secure location or on a secure server. Any questions or concerns can be addressed directly to the Privacy Officer, who is the Executive Director.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mental health issues can you provide counselling for?
How do I know if I or someone I know needs help?
What is the first step to take if I think I'm dealing with a mental health problem?
Do I need a referral from my doctor or psychiatrist to access the Mental Health Program?
Can your mental health counsellors prescribe medication?
How often are the sessions ?
How can I deal with mental illness in my family ?
How do I access service?
Is there parking available?
What types of mental health issues can you provide counselling for?
Our counsellors are trained and experienced in working with a broad range of issues associated with mental health. We do not exclude people from our services based on diagnosis. Access to the Mental Health Program is based on our capacity to work with the identified issues and the persisitence of the mental health issues.
How do I know if I or someone I know needs help?
If there are issues which impede some area of functioning in daily life, it is worth seeking help. Talking with a professional experienced in mental health issues can be very helpful in understanding what you are dealing with and clarifying what type of assistance would be useful to you.
What is the first step to take if I think I'm dealing with a mental health problem?
Consulatation with a professional who is experienced and trained in mental health is important. Discussing your concerns openly with a professional is necessary to determining if you might benefit from various treatment options, which may include options such as medication and counselling/treatment programs. Treatment of mental health problems usually involves a psychiatrist who can provide an assessment of the symptoms. The first step in obtaining this type of assessment is to contact your family doctor. If your family doctor feels that you would benefit from an assessment, they will refer you to a pscychiatrist and this pscyhiatric assessment will be covered by OHIP. If through the assessment process, a psychiatric diagnosis is made, your doctor or psychiatrist can explore various treatment options with you. Counselling within the range of treatment options is important to explore as developing the skills to address the stressors related to your mental health can be key to your recovery process.
Do I need a referral from my doctor or psychiatrist to access the Mental Health Program?
You do not need a referral to obtain counselling through the Mental Health Program at Family Services à la famille Ottawa. We ask that the person requesting the counselling contact our Intake Worker. In some situations, our counsellors, with your permission, will talk with other professionals in order to provide the best service for you.
Can your mental health counsellors prescribe medication?
Only your family doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medication. Our counsellors' work focuses on the psychological, emotional and social aspects of mental health.
How often are the sessions ?
The Mental Health Program offers a range of services; how long of a time period that each individual remains in counselling depends on what issues they are dealing with and the progress they are making towards their goals. Generally, our counsellors meet with clients every two weeks for a one hour appointment. You and your counsellor will discuss and determine what is appropriate for you in terms of a service plan.
How can I deal with mental illness in my family ?
Mental illness affects not only those who are diagnosed, but also their families and loved ones. It can be very difficult and stressful to watch someone you care about struggle with mental health issues. You may try to deal with this on your own but it's important to know that you are not alone.
Family or couple counselling may be beneficial to family members trying to cope with mental illness in the family. Many families struggle with concerns about safety, medication compliance, and lack of appropriate services for their loved one. You may call our Intake Worker if you would like more information about family or couple counselling in the Mental Health Program.
There are associations and organizations that offer support groups for family members of those affected by mental illness. To find out about such support groups in your community, contact the Canadian Mental Health Association at 613-737-7791.
How do I access service?
To request counselling, contact our Intake Worker by one of the following:
Someone will contact with you within 5 business days to discuss your request for counselling. Note that no counselling will be provided over the phone and that counselling will begin at your first face-to-face session with a counsellor. If you are in crisis and require immediate attention, please contact the Distress Centre at 613-722-36914 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Is there parking available?
There is free visitor’s parking available in our parking lot and there are street parking meters available on nearby streets. For more detailed information, review our map of available parking.
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Contact Information
If you would like to access counselling services or would like more information, please contact our intake worker by telephone at
613-725-3601 (ext. 117), by TTY at 613-725-6175 or by email at intake@familyservicesottawa.org
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