Durham (Region of). Social Services Department

Community Counselling

• intake, assessment, referral
• short-term individual, couple, family and group counselling
• professional counselling for a variety of mild to moderate issues including:
  • substance abuse, problem gambling, other addictions
  • anxiety, depression
  • grief and loss
  • anger and emotion management
  • personal stress, self-esteem
  • communication, couple and family conflict, extended family issues
  • separation and divorce, blended family issues
  • abuse and violence, sexual assault and abuse, trauma
  • job stress, workplace violence and conflict
  • school problems
  • balancing work and family life
  • caring for elderly parents

Service is offered in-person at various locations throughout Durham Region, or remotely by phone or video

Partner Assault Response (PAR) (see separate listing)

• mandated structured group program for men and women who have been found and/or pled guilty to domestic violence

Employee Assistance
Available for people whose employers contract with Family Services to provide employee assistance services and supports as part of their employee benefits program

• intake, assessment and referral
• counselling for employees and their family members
• critical incident counselling and support services
• organizational support and wellness seminars for employee groups

Adult Protective Services (APS) (see separate listing)

• assessment, information and referral
• service coordination and system navigation
• case management
• advocacy and supportive counseling for adults with a developmental disability

Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Offers support services and short-term counselling to help survivors deal with the impact of abuse and to develop improved coping strategies

• partner agency of Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse - Central

Primary Care Outreach Program (PCOP)

​Primary care paramedic and social worker offering basic health care services and assessment, counselling and referrals to those who are unhoused and may be struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges

Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP)

​Mobile team of social workers offering outreach counselling and psychotherapy to those who are unhoused or recently/precariously housed and may be struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges.

Older Adult Safety Advisor (OASA)

​Works to help improve the safety and well-being of older adults who are experiencing and/or at risk of abuse or other harm, including supports:

• advocacy
• referrals and service navigation
• education

• must be an Ontario resident
• families of the survivor may also be eligible for service

• Abuse / Assault - Counselling for People Experiencing Abuse
• Abuse / Assault - Sexual Assault Support
• Emergency / Crisis - Elder Abuse
• Government / Legal - Community Legal Services
• Homelessness - Street Outreach
• Older Adults - Elder Abuse