Mental Health
Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC)’s counselling team offers brief counselling services (6-12 sessions) to individuals, families and couples, and evidence-based psychotherapy groups. We help our clients with a range of challenges, from day-to-day problems to mild to moderate mental health concerns. You do not need a doctor’s referral to access our counselling services.
DCHC’s therapists provide counselling services at no cost to our clients. As part of a community health centre, we strive to address inequities in health care
We focus on providing care to those who often have difficulty affording or accessing counselling, including:
- Those with a low income and who do not have other means to pay for counselling, such as coverage through employee benefits plans, school/educational settings, or the ability to pay for private therapy
- Those who experience barriers to care based on their identity or circumstances, including gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability, etc.
To access our counselling services, please call us at 1-877-227-3217.
In order to qualify for our counselling services, you must also be:
- Not receiving counselling elsewhere
- Attending voluntarily and willing to work on specific goals
- Comfortable with counselling services that are brief in nature (6-12 sessions)
Our services would NOT be a good fit if you:
- Are experiencing severe mental health concerns or active psychosis
- Require long-term or intensive services
- Are currently in crisis
In those cases, other services in Durham may be better able to meet your needs.
If you are currently in crisis, please contact:
- Durham Mental Health Services: 1-800-742-1890
- Distress Centre Durham: 1-800-452-0688
- Pride Line: 1-855-87PRIDE (77433)
IPC (Interprofessional Care) Mental Health Team
Comprised of a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Mental Health Therapist, the IPC-Mental Health Team aims to provide additional Mental Health support to those with an existing primary care provider.
The team works together to provide the following services:
- Comprehensive medical assessment, including past medical history and a physical exam as needed and addressing primary care concerns that may arise while in the program
- Blood work
- Mental health diagnoses according to the DSM-V
- Initiate, titrate or augment psychotropic medications, as necessary
- Counselling services up to 12 sessions. Frequency of sessions generally start as bi-weekly and may taper off to 4-6 weeks
Individuals will be monitored until they are safely in remission and will then be discharged to their existing primary care provider.
Individuals who would be a good fit for the IPC-Mental Health Team include those who meet the following:
- Mental health conditions that can be supported by an interprofessional team approach
- Complex health needs that can benefit from integration of medical management and social support services
- At least 14 years of age
- Must reside in the Durham Region
Individuals do NOT qualify for the IPC-Mental Health services if you are:
- Actively suicidal/homicidal or have a clear plan
- Severely anxious/agitated
- Experiencing acute psychosis or uncontrolled bizarre behaviour
- Concerned for your welfare – acute conflict or unstable
- Acutely intoxicated or severe alcohol and/or substance use
- Currently receiving the same care elsewhere
- Able to pay for private therapy or receive mental health benefits from work
To access our IPC-Mental Health services, please have a physician complete this referral form and fax to 905-723-3391.
To learn more about our IPC-Mental Health services click here. If you have any questions, please contact us at 905-723-0036 ext 1038.
Indigenous Counselling and Support Services
Indigenous Child & Youth Mental Health and Addictions Worker
(289) 385-3909
Through a partnership with Enaahtig Healing Lodge, our Indigenous Child & Youth Mental Health and Addictions Worker offers counselling and support for children up to 12 years of age and their families.
Our Indigenous Health Promoter and Community Facilitator facilitate a variety of programs for youth and families. Please call for more details.
For additional information on our Indigenous Health & Wellness Program, information, including upcoming community events, activities, and workshops please visit our Indigenous Health & Wellness Program page here.
Durham Counselling Walk-in Clinic
The Durham Counselling Walk-in Clinic is a free, confidential, counselling clinic, providing service for children and youth, 3-19 years (up until their 20th birthday), and their families.
Counselling sessions are available in-person and virtually. For more information, click here.
To book an appointment, call the Clinic Coordinator: 289-509-0603 ext. 3203.
