Life has a way of presenting challenges, and sometimes they're too big to handle on our own. That's where The George Hull Centre comes in. The George Hull Centre for Children and Families is an accredited children's mental health centre that serves children from birth to age eighteen and their families. By working together with families, and by providing the best possible help, we can make a difference in the lives of children as they grow and develop into valued members of society.
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Services Offered
Counselling Services The Community Clinic offers clinical services to families with children and youth from birth through 18 who are experiencing significant emotional, behavioural, developmental and/or psychiatric difficulties.
We offer the following Community Clinic services: * Assessment. * Individual, family, and group therapy. * Therapeutic groups for all ages. * An emphasis on sound, clinical, and evidence-based practice. * Partnerships with other organizations serving children and their families. * Educational workshops on topics relevant to today's family. * Education and advocacy for the prevention of mental health problems.
Group Programs * Groups for Parents - As the parent of a child or youth dealing with a mental health issue, we know that both you, and your child, are in need of service and support. That's why we've designed programming that not only services children, but also their parents, improving relationships, understanding, and providing hope.
> Help! I Have Teens - Available to parents of teens ages 12 to 18, the 'Help! I Have Teens' group teaches parents how to improve relationships, prepare their teen for independence, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and set limits.
> Nurturing Connections - Nurturing Connections is a group designed for parents who want to learn how to improve their relationships with their children so that the children will feel increasingly secure and supported by their parents even in the face of conflict and challenges and will in turn, be more responsive to limits and expectations.
* Concurrent Groups for Children/Youth and Parents - As the parent of a child or youth dealing with a mental health issue, we know that both you and your child need support towards coping and healing.
> CBT Anxiety Group - Available to children ages 9 to 12, the CBT Anxiety Group is a valuable treatment group if your child experiences issues with anxious/nervous feelings, thoughts of physical sensations. Goals of the group include recognizing the symptoms of anxiety, learning alternate patterns of thinking/feeling, relaxation techniques and exposure.
> Fun Friends Anxiety Group - Fun Friends is an early childhood program for children ages 4 to 7 who are experiencing issues with anxiety. The group helps children normalize the emotional state of anxiety and develop emotional resilience and social skills that will stay with them for life. Young children will develop life skills to effectively cope with difficult and/or anxiety provoking situations.
* Groups for Children and Youth > Teen Talk - Teen Talk is designed for adolescents ages 14 to 18 who are experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation. The group teaches skills including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulations, and interpersonal effectiveness. The emphasis will be on using these skills to handle distressing situations and improve relationships.
> Hear My Voice - Hear My Voice is a group for children, ages 4-7, who are diagnosed or exhibiting symptoms of selective mutism. Goals for the group include developing awareness of emotions, increasing eye contact, using non-verbal communication, increasing tolerance of sense of touch, increasing tolerance of proximity, increasing interaction with peers and adults, improving socio-emotional behaviour, increasing tone of voice, increasing choice making and responding to simple questions.
Day Treatment Services The George Hull Centre Day Treatment programs offer education and therapeutic interventions in a small classroom setting.
* School Program - The School Program is an integrated, therapeutic academic program for residents of Libby's Place and the Boys House, as well as community clients who are unable to manage in their regular schools due to mental health issues.
* Clear Directions Substance Abuse Program - Clear Directions is a collaborative program provided by The George Hull Centre for Children and Families, Breakaway Addiction Services, and The Toronto District School Board. This program assists GTA youth 18 years and under, who are struggling with serious substance abuse and mental health issues.
Fees and Payment
No fees are charged to children and families. Children's mental health services are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services. However, on occasion, there will be a fee associated with a group program. These fees are intended to offset the cost of group materials and supplies. No one will be turned away based on an inability to pay.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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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.