Notice to the Community: Longer than Usual Wait Times for Our Counselling and Therapy Services – Access Resources While You Wait

We are currently experiencing longer than usual wait times for our Counselling and Therapy Services (CTS). This is due to a high volume of service requests and recruitment challenges in finding enough workers to meet the demand, especially in the Kapuskasing area.

We want to assure you that our agency is actively exploring ways in which we can reduce wait times.

While waiting for our services, please know that there are resources available to you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Here are some possible resources and services that children, youth and their families can access while waiting to receive our services:

• One Stop Talk / Parlons maintenant:

  • One Stop Talk (OST) offers children, youth (within 18 years of age) and their families immediate access to free mental health support Monday to Friday 12 PM to 8 PM and Saturdays 12 PM to 4 PM. The program provides single-session counselling support and ensures direct referral to additional services when needed.
  • Services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child, and youth mental health agencies across Ontario through onestoptalk.ca or 1-855-416-8255.

• Kids Help Phone:

  • Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.
  • Children and youth can connect by phone (1-800-668-6868) or text (“CONNECT” to 686868) with a professional counsellor to better understand what they are going through and help take a helpful step.

• List of Resources and Supports:

  • NEOFACS has also put together a list of various resources and supports to assist children, youth and families with their mental health and well-being.

• FREE and Recommended Videos on Advanced Caregiving:

  • We highly recommend the following caregiving video series that supports caregivers interested in those who are struggling with the behavioural or emotional needs of their child/loved one. Viewers are exposed to practical skills and techniques for advanced caregiving.
  • Parents and caregivers will also be exposed to education and skills to manage their own emotional reactions – including feelings of burn-out, guilt and resentment.
  • There are also other videos available that focus on supporting children/youth with their mental health needs.

• The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program - Individual Codes available:

  • We also offer codes to parents who would like to complete our Triple P programs individually online. The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® is a parenting and family support system designed to prevent – as well as treat – behavioural and emotional problems in children and teenagers.
  • If you are interested in being issued an online code for one of these programs or for the Triple P Fearless program (Triple P Fearless program can help caregivers help their child or teenager learn to manage and reduce anxious feelings, now and in the future), please call our Intake services Toll-Free at 1-866-229-5437/KIDS or 1-800-665-7743 to make a request.

• Crisis services:

  • A reminder that NEOFACS is responsive to children and youth up to 18 years of age and includes 24-hour telephone response, risk assessment for suicide, self-harm and homicide, and supports up to and including hospitalization, where required, and linkage to appropriate follow-up services and plans of care.
  • Please do not hesitate to call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Toll-Free at 1-800-665-7743 or 1-866-229-5437 or to activate our Crisis Services if you are concerned for the safety of a child or youth.