Free walk-in counselling to support our Brantford-Brant community
We’re expanding access to free, walk-in counselling in Brantford-Brant for for individuals, couples and families — and we want you to know about it.
Willowbridge will run regular walk-in counselling sessions from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month, starting with our first session on Tuesday, May 26. No appointment needed. Just drop in to speak with a trained counsellor*.
What is walk-in counselling?
Walk-in counselling lets you speak with a trained counsellor the same day — no referral, no waitlist, no appointment required. You simply show up when you’re ready.
This model is designed to meet people’s needs in the moment. Whether something feels off, life has gotten overwhelming, or you just need someone to talk to, walk-in counselling offers a low-barrier way to get support quickly.
What to expect
When you arrive, you’ll complete a brief intake* and then meet one-on-one with a counsellor for one hour in a private, supportive setting**. Together, you’ll identify one or two areas to focus on and leave with a clear next step or short-term plan.
Sessions are:
• Free
• Confidential
• Judgment-free
• Action-focused — you leave with something you can use right away
Counsellors can support a wide range of concerns, including workplace stress, men’s mental health, relationship challenges, life transitions, low mood, grief, isolation and more.
To make the most of your time, we encourage you to fill out the online intake form prior to attending the walk-in session. If you’re unable to fill out the online form, please account for an additional 10-15 minutes to complete the process in person.
Who can attend?
Our walk-in sessions are open to individuals, couples and families living in Brantford-Brant. Current Willowbridge clients are welcome to attend, but you don’t need to be a current client to access support.
The importance of walk-in counselling
While we’re working toward reducing our subsidized counselling waitlist, our new free walk-in sessions will help bridge the gap — offering timely support before challenges become overwhelming.
Research shows that walk-in counselling clients experience faster reductions in anxiety and depression. In one study, nearly 20 per cent of participants said they would have gone to the emergency department if walk-in counselling had not been available.
Getting help early makes a difference — for individuals, families and communities.
Fueled through grants and programs
This initiative is made possible through the support of 2-1-1 Ontario’s Men’s Counselling Link program and a $597,000 Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) — funding that is helping us expand our free and subsidized counselling services across Brantford-Brant.
Monthly walk-in sessions to support our community
We’ll continue running free walk-in sessions for individuals, couples and families in Brantford-Brant at 54 Brant Ave. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month.
Our first walk-in day will run on Tuesday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at our main office – 54 Brant Ave., Brantford.
We’re here to support you
If you’re unable to attend our walk-in days, support is still available by booking a specialized counselling appointment. To learn more, contact our Warm Welcome team at 519.753.4173, ext. 239.
If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 519.753.4173 or [email protected]. We are always here for our community.
*To save time, you can fill out our online intake form.
**Our team will see individuals on a first come, first-served basis.