Northumberland Hills Hospital - Community Mental Health Services
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Community Mental Health Services
NHH's Community Mental Health Services assist individuals who are experiencing mild to severe mental health concerns. Programming is geared to those 16 years and older. Individuals younger than 16 are eligible for selected services in some circumstances.
The program provides treatment and support for individuals experiencing: depression and bipolar disorder; anxiety, phobias, panic disorders and traumatic stress; schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders; personality disorders; and mental health crisis. Counselling services are available for those coping with mild to moderate mental health issues. Self-referrals are accepted, as are referrals from family physicians, the Hospital and community agencies.
Services Offered
Services are organized as follows: * Early Psychosis Intervention * Crisis Intervention Service * Northumberland County Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team * Community Mental Health Supportive Housing Services - Northumberland * Individual and Group Counselling * Walk-In Counselling Clinic * Psychiatric Consultation (physician referral required) * Intensive Case Management Service (including mental health supports provided in partnership with Northumberland County through the Hoarding Support Program and Homelessness Case Management)
Walk-In Counselling Services A walk-in counselling option is currently being piloted for individuals 16 years of age and older on Tuesdays (8:00am-4:00pm) and Thursdays (10:00am-6:00pm) at NHH's Community Mental Health Services office located at 1011 Elgin Street West, Suite 200, Cobourg. Clients meet briefly with a case manager to identify goals for the walk-in session, and attend a same-day therapy session.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
