Question 1

Who can access our mental health services?

Accepted Answer

Our one-on-one mental health services are available to primary care patients of NFCHC and community.

Question 2

How do I access counselling?

Accepted Answer

To access counselling, register below for a counselling info/intake session.

Question 3

Why would I go to counselling?

Accepted Answer

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, down, having trouble in your relationships, or struggling in your day, then counselling may be beneficial.

The NFCHC Mental Health & Wellness team will work with you in counselling to improve your day-to-day quality of life and overall wellbeing.

Question 4

How much does counselling cost at NFCHC?

Accepted Answer

It is FREE.

All of our counselling services and mental health programming are free.

Question 5

What counselling issues can be addressed at NFCHC?

Accepted Answer

• Symptom management (i.e. anxiety or depression symptoms)
 • Coping with life circumstances
 • Managing difficult emotions (anger, stress, grief, etc.)
 • Relationship issues 
 • Conflict resolution

Question 6

What happens if I don't know where to start in counselling?

Accepted Answer

Your first counselling session is where we will walk you through the process. Just come as you are.

Counselling is a collaborative effort between client and counsellor. The counselling process and goal is to clarify problems, identify your strengths, create strategies to improve day to day coping, and investigate resources that may sustain the changes you are making.

Question 7

What if I need help right now?

Accepted Answer

NFCHC is not a crisis or a same day counselling service, if you are currently in crisis these immediate options can help:

- COAST 1-866-550-5205 Press 1

- Distress Centre 
St. Catharines, Niagara Falls & Area – 905-688-3711
Port Colborne, Wainfleet & Area – 905-734-1212
Fort Erie & Area – 905-382-0689
Grimsby, West Lincoln – 905-563-6674

- CMHA single session 905-641-5222

Question 8

What issues are not addressed in NFCHC counselling?

Accepted Answer

• Psychosis
 • Mania
 • Substance Abuse
 • Domestic Violence
 • Diagnosed Eating Disorder 
 • Long term trauma counselling

See our list of additional resources in Niagara for support.

Question 9

Who are the counsellors?

Accepted Answer

Our counselling services are provided on a short-term basis by either a Registered Psychotherapist or a Registered Social Worker. You are welcome to ask your counsellor about their training and experience.

Our counsellors are trauma-informed and non judgmental.
They are trained in several different modalities including: 
 • CBT
 • Solution-focused therapy
 • Narrative therapy
 • DBT skills training

Their credentials do not include providing a mental health diagnosis, nor prescribing medication.

Question 10

What to expect?

Accepted Answer

• During your first counselling appointment, you and the counsellor will explore the issues concerning you, explore solutions/coping tools and review counselling options to support you best
 • Counselling at NFCHC is short term - the number of sessions is based on individuals needs ranging from a few sessions up to a maximum of 8 sessions. 
 • Sessions are 50 minutes long
 • We will be working with you throughout to improve your mental well-being using strengths-based counselling, tailored to your unique needs

Question 11

How can I access additional resources?

Accepted Answer

*this is not a complete list of all mental services in Niagara

COAST Crisis Outreach and Support Team - 1-866-550-5205- Press 1
 • COAST provides services to people who are in crisis, having suicidal thoughts and/or have a mental health concern

Distress Centre 24/hr crisis support lines
 • St. Catharines, Niagara Falls And Area – 905-688-3711
 • Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Area – 905-734-1212
 • Fort Erie and Area – 905-382-0689
 • Grimsby, West Lincoln – 905-563-6674

ACCESS LINE - 1-866-550-5205- Press 2
 • ACCESS line matches you with free mental health services across Niagara

CONTACT Niagara - 905-684-3407
 • Children/Youth Under 18

CMHA Single Session – 905-641-5222
 • Immediate access to same-day single-session counselling

Click the file below for a more comprehensive list of mental health services available in Niagara.

Counselling

To access counselling at NFCHC, click and register below for counselling info session.

Counselling FAQs:

NFCHC Counselling Info/Intake Session