In response to increasing demand for child and youth mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are expanding virtual services to include online mental health counselling in addition to call-in counselling services currently being provided.
“Families need mental health support more than ever and we want to make sure that all children, youth and their families in Simcoe County have access to free, professional counselling services,” says Michelle Vennard, New Path Youth & Family Services Director of Services. “This is why the addition of online counselling services as well as the continuation of our call-in counselling services is such an important step forward.”
Online and call-in services provide a way for children, youth and their families to access free mental health counselling services. Professional counsellors are waiting and ready to speak to any family in need within the County. Examples of services include helping children and youth with anxiety and stress or uncertainty about the future.
“The virtual (online) sessions have really helped my daughter to connect and engage in her experience with New Path. We feel very fortunate to have been able to access the New Path service via phone and internet,” says a New Path Parent. “Virtual sessions are a great way to allow children to get help from the comfort of their home. The safety system that is part of the virtual session allows a trusting and safe environment for children to receive the help they need. I would highly recommend the New Path virtual session as my daughter has had a wonderful experience.”
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario has a diagnosable mental health disorder. If left untreated, these can lead to serious long-term consequences for children or youth and their families. To access these support families and youth should call or email New Path at 705-725-7656 / 1-866-566-7656 (from 905 area code).
Read some tips on virtual counselling: Virtual Client, Counselling and Family Tip Sheet