Indigenous Counselling
About
At Willowbridge Community Services, we believe that the experience of trauma within First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Communities (FNIM) at the hands of the Settler State contributes deeply to the mental health and relationship challenges now faced across generations.
The legacy of Indian Residential Schools, the sixties scoop, ongoing concerns with the child welfare system as well as the discrimination, violence, oppression and displacement that continue today can make it difficult for individuals to see a positive future. We understand that this is why Indigenous communities face far higher rates of suicide, addiction, mental illness, violence and abuse than non-indigenous groups living in Canada.
If you identify as a member of the FNIM community and are struggling with your mental health, our agency can support you on the journey to build a life you can celebrate. We focus on healing the body, heart, mind and spirit through improving relationships, managing conflict and strengthening community.
Counselling at Willowbridge Community Services offers a safe and caring space that honours Indigenous knowledge, experience and healing. Our counsellors have received Cultural Sensitivity Training and collaborate with community partners to ensure that our services are safe, informed and meaningful.
Call our warm welcome team at 519.753.4173, ext. 239 to make an appointment, or book online.
We support individuals experiencing:
- Mental health
- Intergenerational trauma
- Identity/cultural identity
- Family and children
- Intimate relationships
- Communication
- Violence and abuse prevention
- Addiction and substance use/abuse
- Depression and anxiety
- Parenting
Anyone aged 7 and up who identifies as a member of the Indigenous community. Additionally, if you have an Indigenous Status Card, you are eligible for free counselling services. See Fees for Counselling for more information.
Willowbridge offers virtual (online or telephone counselling) Ontario-wide. We have in-person counselling offices in Brantford, Paris, Simcoe and Hamilton. See our service map for specific locations.
At Willowbridge, there are no requirements to access counselling. While we do accept referrals from anywhere, you do not need a referral to access service. To make an appointment with our welcome team and be matched with a counsellor that best suits your needs, you can book online or call our warm welcome team at 519.753.4173, ext. 239.
If you are 18+ and experiencing mild – moderate depression and anxiety, you could be eligible for free counselling through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program. Willowbridge is a proud provider of the OSP. Please use this link to register: https://www.ospwest.ca/mental-health-support/self-referrals
At Willowbridge Community Services, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to create positive change in their own lives. For this reason, no one is ever turned away from our services based on their ability to pay. All fees and subsidies are determined during your 20-minute welcome appointment before you meet with a counsellor.
Free Indigenous Counselling
We are providers under Canada’s Non-insured Health Benefits Program. If you have an Indigenous Status Card, you can access 22 hours of free mental health counselling each year at our agency.
Full Counselling Subsidies
Full subsidies are available for many people, including those with Indigenous Status Cards, women and their dependents who experience intimate partner violence, and those experiencing low incomes. Most university and college level students are also eligible for free counselling services through the extended medical insurance offered by their schools.
Workplace health benefits
Most employee assistance programs and private health insurances cover sessions with registered social workers/psychotherapists. If you have benefits through your workplace, we can provide you with receipts so you can be reimbursed for your counselling sessions. Check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.
Sliding Fee Scale
For those without full subsidy coverage, we offer a sliding fee scale to make sure counselling is affordable for everyone. Our sliding scale is based on individual income and is determined during your welcome appointment before meeting with a counsellor.