Algoma Family Services is a provider of specialized services for children, youth, adults and families in the Algoma District. Our services are evidence-based, client-centered, family-focused and delivered by a team of skilled professionals.
Our work is focused in the following key areas: * Child and youth mental health services * Specialized programs for youth substance abuse, young offenders and family violence. * Community Partnerships, as a lead sponsor for a number of programs with local collateral agencies.
Services Offered
Child & Youth Mental Health * AFS Intake Services - AFS is part of a community-wide approach to obtaining government-funded children's services and, in that capacity, gathers basic information and the type of service requested, which in turn is directed to the appropriate service agency.
* Mental Health & Addictions School-Based Supports - Our goal is to provide mental health and/or addictions treatment services to clients in Grades 7 and 8 and their families. This occurs in a variety of settings, including school sites, and can include a community education component.
* Tele-Mental Health Services (TMHS) - Tele-Mental Health Services (TMHS) are funded by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services (MCYS). The psychiatric consultations are offered via video-conferencing at Ontario Tele-Health Network (OTN) sites. The psychiatrists provide consultations out of three main hubs: Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Children's Hospital of East Ontario, and the Child and Parent Resource Institute.
Youth Substance Abuse/Mental Health Programs * Genesis Day Treatment Program - Genesis Day Treatment Program services adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 who are experiencing issues with substance abuse and mental health. Genesis provides individual, group and family counselling, healthy active living education, the opportunity to learn life skills, and adventure-based learning.
* Alternatives for Youth - Alternatives for Youth (AFY) provides alcohol and drug counselling services for youth, ages 14 to 25, and their families, in Sault Ste Marie and District. Using a client-directed service model, AFY provides individual, group, and family counselling for youth and their families, school-based outreach services, substance abuse awareness sessions, programs for parents, after-care services, harm reduction/relapse prevention and drug and alcohol assessments.
Adult Counselling Services * Employee Assistance Program - Algoma Family Services (AFS) provides essential workplace counselling and consultation services, at no charge to the employee, to meet the needs of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District businesses, organizations and employees through its EAP.
* Fee-for-Service Counselling
* Support Services for Male Survivors - The Male Survivors Program provides free and confidential counselling support to men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Family members and significant others are also able to access counselling to support their loved ones.
The program supports men aged 16 and over to regain a sense of control over their lives by developing positive coping skills. It is designed specifically to meet men's needs in a way that speaks to men.
Fees and Payment
We provide services, at a rate of $85.00 per session, to adults who do not have EAP benefits or to those who have exhausted their EAP benefits.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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.
