Searching for Counselling For People Experiencing Abuse

Wide range of programs and supportive services for older adults

Seniors Support Program

• support to seniors and family caregivers
• friendly visits, phone calls or emails to seniors or family caregivers
• access to social worker for information, referral or brief counselling upon request

Community programs

• day programs for frail and cognitively impaired seniors
• dental clinic for the frail elderly
• geriatric assessment
• audiology and hearing aid dispensary
• counselling and referral service (memory and aging program)

Virtual Behavioural Medicine Program -- 416-785-2500 ext 2005

• short term behavioural medicine consultation service supplementing behavioural teams
• assists clients and families to manage any severe neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia
• program delivered virtually, referral required

​Holocaust Resource Program

• consultation, counselling, and education for survivors and families

Mental health programs

• geriatric psychiatry assessment, support and referral
• mood clinic
• day hospital for depression

Family Caregiving Innovations - Koshitzky Support Centre

• support, counselling and education for caregivers providing care to family members with dementia including children caring for an individual with dementia and a spouse caring for a partner with dementia or recently diagnosed individuals with Alzheimer's Disease

Community Falls Prevention Program

• Falls prevention classes for older adults and people with mobility issues or chronic conditions

Youth Violence Prevention

• support to Black youths aged 15-29 in or around Northwest Toronto who are facing challenges related to substance use and mental health
• offers support to Black youths and their families, helps them overcome obstacles, embark on a journey towards recovery, and make informed decisions for their well-being
• reduces stigma associated with substance use and mental health challenges, so that youths can seek help without fear
• improves access to and the quality of care for youth dealing with substance use and mental health concerns

Rites of Passage Youth Mentorship Program

• for African-Canadian youth in or around Northwest Toronto, ages 12-16 years
• one to one mentoring with an adult; culturally appropriate workshops

Services for Adults

• general counselling, family violence and child welfare counselling
• seniors services - this service location focuses on seniors; services also at various locations in the community - includes social/recreational programs and case management

Multi-service agency working with Portuguese-speaking communities and local residents

Pathways to Income Empowerment Program
Includes information and referral and community education on food, housing and income security issues, including assistance with forms

• youth outreach program including workshops for middle and high school students
• newcomers settlement and orientation

Seniors Program

• Seniors Life and Hope education and recreation program for adults 55 years and older

Gender-based Violence Counselling services
Individual and group counselling for women and children who are victims or witnesses of gender-based and intimate partner violence or abuse

• youth services include counselling, life skills, advocacy

Parenting Programs

• Success by Six parenting groups for Portuguese-speaking mothers with children birth-6 years - online/virtual groups only
• Mindful Fathering parenting group in partnership with Yorktown Family Services (see separate listing)

Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

• holistic, culturally appropriate and responsive community-based program serving youth ages 12-20, and their families in the Northwest areas of Toronto.
• prevention and intervention services to at-risk youth and high-risk youth to develop a positive, goal-oriented lifestyle.
• offers counselling, employment and training supports, and mentorship

• for youth 12-29 years from East African, Muslim and Black communities
• youth outreach workers offer services to empower youth
• goal of the program is to promote engagement of youth and their families in the community as well as increase youth access to opportunities
• pre-employment development services such as help with job search, resume, cover letter, interview skills
• helps youth apply to programs such as Skilled Trades and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs and Bridging Programs to Post-secondary Education

• supports East African, Muslim and Black youth who are disadvantaged; by providing one-on-one support to high-risk youth ages 12 to 25 and their families to prevent youth from further risk/violence.
• short-term counselling and support services to youth in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model
• assists youth in dealing with mental health, addiction, school, and family conflicts
• helps youth to identify their needs, goals, aspirations, skills and abilities as well as barriers to accessing services

Residence and emergency shelter (capacity 24) including counselling for residents and non-residents, crisis intervention and sexual assault counselling

• Full-Moon ceremony, Sharing Circle and Healing Circle
• life skills program and cultural activities from Indigenous perspective

Services for women who have experienced domestic violence

• crisis counselling by telephone or in person
• support groups
• information on legal rights and guidance; educational workshops
• assistance finding transitional housing

• health promotion programs and services for families, newcomers, youth, adults, and older adults
• care coordination
• system navigation

• Francophones Language Health Services Navigation
• Sexual Health Clinic

Counselling

• individual, couples and family counselling
• family violence - counselling, support group for assaulted women
• Mental Health Clinic with psychiatrist - mental health evaluations and follow up
• family support, mental health education
• Women's Depression Group - short-term psychoeducational groups for women diagnosed with depression
• cross-cultural training and consultation to other agencies

Passi Nuovi (Partner Abuse Response Program), individual assessment and group intervention program for abusive men for Italian Canadian men in the Greater Toronto Area

• for men 18 years and older, ordered by the court to attend the program in response to a criminal charge involving domestic violence or those who wish to voluntarily participate
• 16 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict
• victims/partners provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use, [email protected]

• individual, couples, family, group and telephone counselling to identify and treat problem gambling or help those affected by it
• Family Education workshops
• referrals
• prevention activities

Housing Help Services

• housing search and application assistance
• eviction prevention and landlord tenant mediation
• rent and utility financial support applications and referrals
• crisis intervention
• weekly ID clinic
• individual counselling and housing support for survivors of domestic violence

Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre - financial assistance to individuals and families with a low-income who are in rental arrears or need first and last month rental deposits

• applicants must have a low income with adequate income to sustain their housing
• must have legal status in Canada, and pay market rent (not subsidized)
• additional eligibility criteria apply, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients not eligible, but can be referred to other programs

Access Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program - assistance with applications

• also for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), sponsored by Toronto Hydro Electric System and United Way Toronto - assistance for individuals and families with a low income who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327

Services include:

• individual and family counselling
• counselling, safety planning and advocacy for abused women
• face-to-face crisis intervention
• senior programs
  
• settlement services - immigration
• assistance with subsidized housing applications and Ontario Works
• information and referral
• student placement and volunteer opportunities

Youth empowerment, parent support and women's support groups have been run in the past at this organization and are likely to return; contact organization for updates

Women-led organization providing support to South Asian and racialized women in the language of the client's choice

Violence Against Women Program: counselling and referral for assaulted women, social assistance, crisis intervention, immigration assistance

• health education and promotion
• multicultural wellness support groups
• life skills support group; sewing collective
• seniors group for all South Asian women
• youth group for girls, homework club for children
• first language literacy instruction
• job search workshops, employment assistance and counselling
• legal clinic -- advice on family law, immigration, custody, child support, abuse, legal education workshops

Intersectional Services

• settlement services, information and referral, translation and interpretation, advocacy, group activities
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process
• year-round income tax clinic for individuals and families with low incomes
• food bank, member of the Daily Bread Food; emergency food including South Asian dry goods provided to those in need on alternate Tuesdays; call ahead for details
• volunteer opportunities

Satellite location at Frontline Community Services (see separate listing), 2761 Markham Road, Scarborough

Interdisciplinary coordination of services for child abuse victims and child abuse investigations including

• assessment, support and intervention for child abuse victims and their families
• research, consultation, training and education on child abuse prevention, recognition, intervention, trauma

In partnership with Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, Jewish Family and Child, Toronto Police Service, Radius Child and Youth Services, and Hospital for Sick Children Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program (see separate listings)

Child Abuse Protocol
Establishes guidelines for coordinated investigations, prosecutions and case management of child abuse cases

Assessment Directed Therapy
Individual trauma assessments for children 4-17 years who have been abused or have experienced trauma due to violence; includes

• child-focused, family-centred, strength-based therapy
• adolescent and parent/caregiver support groups
• facilitation of interagency responses

Child Victim Witness Support
Individual court preparation and support for witnesses 3-17 years and supporting adults prior to criminal court proceedings

Boost Accredited Reliable K9s (BARK) program available to children and youth requiring additional support while accessing CVWS program in Toronto and Peterborough

Multi-service agency

Meals on Wheels and Kosher Meals on Wheels
Bulk delivery once per week or once per two weeks of frozen meals (as well as meal replacements, sandwiches and soup packs if applicable/available)

Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes
Free group classes to increase mobility, relieve pain and reduce the risk of falls by building strength and improving balance

• virtual and in-person
  
• provided by fitness professionals
  

Home Support Services
Includes caregiver support/respite care, companionship, homemaking, housekeeping, personal care, supportive housing services, palliative care

Adult Day Program (see separate entry)

Transportation
Ride-share transportation (iRIDE Plus) for older adults and people with mobility issues, provided by special trained drivers to medical appointments and other outings

Elder Abuse (Vulnerable Populations) Prevention Program
For individuals 55 years and older who are experiencing or have experienced abuse

• includes individual and group counselling

Holocaust Survivor Services

Services for Holocaust Survivors with oversight from specially trained staff

• case management
• personal support and homemaking
• transportation
• Kosher Meals on Wheels,
• referral to other community agencies
• counselling & support
• Adult Day Programs
• socialization programs

Social Work Services

​Includes information and referral, counselling, case management, support groups, workshops

• free

Social Activities & Groups

Free activities and programs for seniors to socialize and learn together

• virtual and in-person
• available in English and Russian

Volunteer Services

​Includes friendly visiting, security checks and telephone reassurance

• inter-generational programs
• volunteer hospice program

Settlement services

• English language classes (LINC)
• one on one information and referral, orientation
• counselling
• documentation
• social assistance applications
• interpretation
• information sessions and workshops

Women support groups

• counselling and support groups for assaulted women
• Spanish-speaking seniors club
• Portuguese-speaking seniors group
• groups for Portuguese-speaking, Spanish-speaking and Mandarin-speaking women
• wellness and fitness program
• advocacy and public education
• community development

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) -- in-home school readiness program for low income families, serving Jane and Finch, Malvern, Thorncliffe and Toronto West

Tutoring program -- for students of Portuguese or Spanish-speaking heritage

Live-in Caregiver support program -- individual support, employment and employer related issues, employment training opportunities

Community engagement -- community led activities, volunteering, leadership development for youth, women and seniors

Services for people with social and emotional problems, including counselling, information and referrals, supplementary financial assistance program (government assistance recipients), support groups, supports for assaulted women, in-home palliative care program, English conversation café for new immigrants, and parenting, mental health and wellness programs and workshops; all services confidential

• Pathways to Employment in partnership with JVS Toronto
• Restitution Services for Holocaust Survivors
• Holocaust Survivor Emergency Funding
• chaplaincy services
• speakers
• Café Europa monthly group for Holocaust survivors in partnership with Bernard Betel (see separate listing)

Jewish Child Protective Services

• investigates allegations that children may be at risk of harm due to neglect and abuse
• provides guidance, counselling and other services to families
• recruits adoption and foster families
• places children for adoption
• offers file and adoptions disclosure

Children and Youth

• individual counselling
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters program
• homework club
• school outreach counselling

Families

• individual, couple, family and group counselling
• family life education and life skills programs
• financial assistance combined with poverty reduction counselling for persons on social assistance
• assistance maximizing benefits and entitlements, and finding employment and accommodation
• support for families with special needs children

Woman Abuse Program

• individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, emergency financial assistance, and support groups
• Here to Help group program for children and their mothers
• advocacy and community outreach
• education and consultation
• referrals

Expressive Arts support group includes three 12-week cycles each year (winter, spring, fall)

• TTC fare provided
• program locations in Central Toronto provided at intake

In partnership with the Archdiocese of Toronto, Catholic Family Services of Toronto offers the New Beginnings Program, which supports separated, divorced and bereaved.

• offers women and men a learning environment which is safe, welcoming and non-judgmental
• provides counselling opportunities for reflection and spiritual guidance, as part of the healing journey through retreats, seminars, and monthly in-person grief support sessions
• Online Programs
  • Bereavement Introductory Program
  • Separated/Divorced Introductory Program
  • Advanced Program
  • Drop-In Support Sessions
  • Retreats and Seminars

Individual and family counselling, woman abuse groups, wellness programs

Here to Help
Group programs for women, and their children 4-16 years

• focus on the impact of abuse, setting boundaries, and non-violent ways of parenting
• in partnership with Violence Against Women (VAW) agencies
• 3 sessions per year, contact for information
  

Housing Transition Support Program
Counselling and assistance to women leaving an abusive relationship, in accessing shelter or housing

• information and referrals to community services such as housing, legal, financial, health, immigration, children's services, education and employment
• safety planning and goal setting

Navigating Emotions Thoughtfully
Group support and strategies to manage emotions due to trauma

RISE
Drop-in group includes support, resources and information for women dealing with the impact of intimate partner abuse

Understanding Abuse
8-10 week closed treatment group offered 3 times a year

• focus on self esteem, safety, understanding the impact of abuse, breaking isolation

• 12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict
• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

Provincial telephone and online (chat) crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services, as well as culturally appropriate resources for women who have experienced abuse

• liaison with diverse communities
• confidential and anonymous

Toronto only: initial assessment and intake for assaulted women's shelters, call 416-863-0511 or toll free 1-866-863-0511