The Mental Health and Addictions Division is responsible for providing leadership in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of provincial policies and programs related to mental health and addiction in Newfoundland and Labrador. The division works in partnership with the four regional health authorities (RHAs),community groups, the provincial Mental Health and Addiction Advisory Council and Recovery Council, family members and individuals with lived experience, as well as other stakeholders in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Services Offered
Counselling Options * DoorWays - DoorWays is a single session, walk-in counselling service: > Available to youth and adults without an appointment or referral > A health care professional will meet with you and discuss your concerns on a first-come, first-serve basis. > DoorWays provides information and support focused on your need. Some examples of what you may want to discuss are: family, health, grief, work, relationships, stress, anxiety, depression, drinking or drug use.
* Community Counsellors - Counsellors are available to support individuals who have mental health or substance use concerns as well as family/friends who are affected. If you are experiencing concerns related to any of the following: > Alcohol and Drugs > Anxiety and Stress > Mental Illness > Relationships > Smoking > Gender and Identity > Eating Disorders > Fear and Phobias Grief and Loss > Depression > Parenting > Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse > Suicide > Anger > Family Issues > Gambling
* Eating Disorder Counselling - HOPE Program (Healthy Opportunities for People with Eating Disorders) - The Hope Program is for you and your family if you are 15+ and have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or other specified feeding and eating disorder. We are available to anyone in the province by phone and we are also at the Renata Elizabeth Withers Centre for Hope on Major's Path in St. John's so that you can begin your journey to wellness in a trusting, supportive environment.
Fees and Payment
Services are covered by a Medical Care Plan (MCP).
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
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.