Since 1975, Griffin Centre has been delivering services to people who thought their needs didn't count. We continue to expand our programs and services to respond to the changing and emerging needs of diverse individuals in our community. We help them find solutions to their challenges.
Griffin Centre's programs and services are primarily funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
We offer a range of professional services including; assessment, service coordination and planning, individual, family and group counselling, specialized day/residential services and respite services.
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Services Offered
Community/Family Support Services (CFSS) Griffin Centre provides support for youth and families dealing with conflicts and concerns at home, in school or in the community. For youth with emotional or mental health challenges which may be accompanied by a mild developmental disability.
* Intensive Child & Family Services - Griffin Centre provides in-home support to assist parents and youth 12-18 years of age with mental health challenges or a developmental disability to strengthen their ability to function effectively at home, in school or in the community.
* Keeping Families Together - Child Welfare Diversion - For youth between 12-16 years of age, with mental health needs, and their families who are experiencing conflict. The purpose of the program is to prevent admission of youth into child welfare agencies, or facilitate the safe return of youth to their homes by providing meaningful, timely and supportive intervention to the family, and strengthening family relationships and family functioning. Referrals for this program are made through Child Welfare workers. * reachOUT (up to 30 yrs of age) - A creative, inclusive & accessible program that support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, gender nonconforming and queer (LGBTTGNCQ) youth.
Day/School Support Services (DSSS) Griffin Centre provides a therapeutic program with an individualized academic component for youth with a dual diagnosis (mild-moderate developmental disability and mental health challenges), mental health and/or behavioural challenges who may also have challenging behaviours whose needs exceed the capacity of the school system.
* Day Treatment Programs in schools located in local communities (dual diagnosis) - A multi faceted consumer centred program for adults with a developmental disability or a dual diagnosis (developmental disability and mental health challenges) focused on developing academic, community, social and life skills to help them transition successfully into increased independence in the community.
* PATH Day/Program (Autism Spectrum Disorder) - Provides a therapeutic program with an individualized academic component for youth with a dual diagnosis (mild to moderate developmental disability and mental health challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)) and who present challenging behaviours with needs exceeding the capacity of the school system. * HYTS Day Program (mental health, substance use) - Offered in partnership with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), an intensive, educational and treatment focused program helping youth 12 to 18 years of age reduce the harm associated with substance use (drug and alcohol) in order to attain academic credits, remain within the educational system and develop social, emotional, and academic skills.
Residential Support Services Griffin Centre provides a range of 24-hour residential care and support services for youth with a dual diagnosis (i.e. mild to moderate developmental disability and mental health challenges) in community based settings.
Transitional Support Services Griffin Centre provides transitional treatment and supports to assist adults with a dual diagnosis (i.e. developmental disability and mental health challenges) and their families to transition successfully into increased independence in the community.
* Griffin Community Support Network (GCSN) - Griffin Community Support Network (GCSN) provides time-limited crisis and transitional support which includes specialized assessments, consultation and/or treatment, short-term case management services, residential safe beds and day programming options for adults 16 years and over with a developmental disability or a dual diagnosis (developmental disability, mental health challenges and/or behavioral challenges).
Day Treatment Program, including the STEP Program - A multi faceted consumer centred program for adults with a developmental disability or a dual diagnosis (developmental disability and mental health challenges) focused on developing academic, community, social and life skills to help them transition successfully into increased independence in the community.
Diversity (Supports) - Within GCSN, Griffin Centre offers specific supports to individuals with a dual diagnosis from diverse ethno-racial backgrounds that have experienced barriers in accessing services due to culture, religion and/or language.
Fees and Payment
Services are free. Griffin Centre's programs and services are primarily funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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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.