Fred Victor is a social service charitable organization that fosters long-lasting and positive change in the lives of homeless and low-income people living across Toronto.
Every day, more than 2,000 people use our programs and services. And each person who comes through our doors is experiencing poverty and/or homelessness. many struggle with their mental health.
On April 1, 2015, Community Resource Connections of Toronto (CRCT) integrated with Fred Victor. CRCT had a respected, 40-year history in Toronto of redefining and improving the care and support of people with mental health challenges.
Now, as an integrated organization, we have a greater capacity than we did as separate entities and the ability to serve more people in a more effective manner.
Services Offered
Community Mental Health Services * Community Support Services - are available for anyone over the age of 16 who is having difficulty managing day-to-day living as a result of severe and persistent mental health illnesses or issues. Long-term community support is available in several languages and includes assisting with: > meeting basic needs, such as accessing food, housing, clothing and healthcare > managing and learning from crises > teaching skills > connecting to other resources and services
* The Hostel Outreach Program (HOP) - is a community-based mental health program for women who are homeless, are affected by serious mental health illnesses or issues and have difficulty functioning in the community. Long-term case management and support includes assistance with: > meeting basic needs, such as accessing food, housing, clothing and healthcare > managing and learning from crises > assessing needs and determining appropriate referrals > connecting to secure resources and services
* The St. Jamestown Outreach Program (STOP) - helps adults over the age of 55 whose mental health illnesses or issues (e.g. social isolation, deterioration of physical health, risk of eviction, hoarding and infestation) are impacting their ability to safely maintain their housing. Outreach support includes: > short-term intensive support > referrals and service coordination > personal support worker service through CNH (if eligible) > liaisons to primary care services within the community
* Early Intervention Programs - provide culturally appropriate case management in Scarborough for people between the ages of 14 to 35 experiencing their first psychosis episode. Support is available in several languages and is also available for the people who care about them. Staff: > help meet basic needs, such as accessing food, housing, clothing and healthcare > work with family members or other trusted individuals > connect people to other resources and services
Concurrent Disorders Support Services Fred Victor is the lead agency in this agency referral network for people with both mental illness and substance addiction in the City of Toronto. Concurrent Disorders Support Services (CDSS) offers a high-degree of support to its clients by helping them fast-track and navigate the system.
The CDSS partnership serves clients who are concurrent: * Has, or are suspected of having a substance use disorder * Has, or are suspected of having at least one other psychiatric disorder
And who are experiencing at least three of the following further complexities: * Homeless (or precariously housed) * Actively psychotic * Polysubstance use (3 or more, excluding nicotine) * Dual diagnosis OR ABI OR dementia OR apparent cognitive impairment * Between ages of 16-24 years OR 65+ years * Limited daily functioning (self-care, meals, money management, housekeeping, mobility, transportation, medication management) * Transitioning from a more supportive environment (ex. hospital, residential treatment, jail) or out of child welfare * Women who are pregnant or parenting young children * Recent suicide attempt OR recent self-harm OR history of trauma OR involved in the criminal justice system
Fees and Payment
Counselling services are free.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale
Online Counseling: During COVID-19
Could You 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.
