Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT) is a vision of the late Elder, Joe Sylvester. Initial efforts began with a diabetes research project, which realized that a more comprehensive approach to health care was needed by the Aboriginal community. In response, Anishnawbe Health Resources was incorporated in 1984. One of its objectives stated, "To recover, record and promote Traditional Aboriginal practices where possible and appropriate."
Today, AHT not only promotes Traditional Aboriginal practices but has affirmed and placed them at its core. Its model of health care is based on Traditional practices and approaches and are reflected in the design of its programs and services.
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Services Offered
Aboriginal Mental Health and Addiction Services Our program places Aboriginal culture and tradition at its core, while utilizing a client-centered, strengths-based approach to recovery. We assist individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues on their wellness journey by helping them construct their identity as an Aboriginal person and learn about their culture and traditions.
Elements of our program include: assessment for substance abuse, psychiatric consultation, support and counselling groups, individual and family counselling, traditional ceremonies, holistic care plans, art therapy, nutrition counselling, and recreation. Some aspects of health and wellness explored in our program include: stress management, anger management, coping with triggers, coping with relapse, and improving communication skills.
Mental Health Services Our service model integrates Traditional and Western approaches to assess, diagnose and treat mental health issues across the life cycle. Our multi-disciplinary team of mental health professionals goes beyond treating symptoms by identifying and addressing the underlying causes of trauma (i.e. the residual effects of colonialism and the Residential School System). Our services are for all people with concerns about their emotional, psychological, behavioural and/or cognitive health. Priority groups for this program include seniors, people who are homeless, people affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), people experiencing a mental health crisis, and people with concerns about their substance use or problem gambling.
Psychiatric Service The Psychiatrist provides assessment, diagnostic, and counselling services to assist individuals with a broad range of mental health issues.
Traditional Counselling Services What we understand as sickness begins in our spirit. It then affects our mind, our emotions, and finally our body. Our Traditional Team uses both traditional and western approaches to healing. They provide non-judgmental, compassionate support and work with individuals on a broad range of issues, for example: abuse (physical/emotional/sexual/spiritual/etc), effects of the residential school system, heritage identity, substance use, adoption and foster care issues, self-esteem, and relationship issues.
Traditional Healers, Elders and Medicine People
Through our culture and traditional healing methods, Traditional Healers, Elders and Medicine People help individuals, families and communities strive for balance, harmony and good health. The traditional team utilizes a variety of approaches to healing which incorporate the mind, body, emotions and spirit. These approaches include: Traditional Doctoring, Traditional Medicine, Guidance and Counselling, Teaching Circles, and Healing Circles. An integral part of one's healing path involves Spiritual Ceremonies, and those offered include Sweat Lodge, Shaking Tent, Full Moon Ceremony, Naming Ceremony, Clan Feasts, Pipe Ceremony, and Vision Quests.
Fees and Payment
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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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.
