FAQ - Addiction & Mental Health

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Do I have to pay a fee or is there a cost if I want to attend a program?

A:  All of the Addiction and Mental Health services and programs are free.

Q:  Do you have appointments after 5:00 p.m.

A:  Yes, you can schedule an appointment with one of the addictions counsellors for after 5:00 p.m., we will work with your schedule.  Also if you just want to drop by and talk with someone, the Walk-in Clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Q:  Are the services confidential, because I don’t want anyone to know?

A:  You must provide written consent before we can share information with family or another service provider.  The Agency would only share information without your consent under the following circumstances:

• This must happen when we have suspicions of child abuse (past or present).  By law, this information must be reported to the Children’s Aid Society and/or police.
• This will also happen when there is a danger of harm to someone.  For example, if you have suicidal thoughts or intend to harm yourself or someone else, we need to act to prevent that harm.  This may include informing the person who is at risk, or the police, or your family, or a medical doctor or another person in authority.
• A court of law may subpoena (legal demand that we release) information and we must do so.
• It is also the policy of St. Leonard’s Community Services to inform emergency or medical personnel of a client’s suicidal thoughts or intent, regardless of the client’s age.

Q:  Do I have to attend a session with a counsellor on my own or can I bring someone with me?

A:  Yes, we encourage you to bring a support person or someone you feel comfortable with if it will help you to feel safe when talking with a counsellor.

Q:  Am I the only one struggling with a gambling problem?

A:  No you aren’t the only one there are lots of people who struggle with gambling.

Q:  My teenager has a drug problem but can’t come into the office for an appointment.

A:  The addictions counsellors also spend time in the high schools.  Just call (519) 754-0253 and let us know which high school.  We can tell you the name of the counsellor and the day they are at that school.

Q:  Can I come and talk to someone even though it is not my problem?

A:  Absolutely and you have a couple of options.  If you wish to talk about someone who might have a drug or alcohol problem, you can call and make an appointment to meet with an addictions counsellor or attend our Family Support Program. The Family Support group is an ongoing support group for family members (over the age of 18) who are seeking answers or support about their family member or significant other’s substance use.  The Family Support group is held each Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Addictions and Mental Health Centre located at 133 Elgin Street, Brantford. 

This is a free group and no registration is required.  The first Monday of each month provides information about substance use, stages of change, etc.  If you have any questions or would like an information package mailed to you, contact Diana Rigg at (519) 754-0253, extension 313

Another option that you have is to meet with one of the mental health crisis support counsellors.  Just drop by our Walk-in Clinic Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and a counsellor would be available to meet with you.

Q:  Who do I contact about volunteer opportunities?

A:  You can check out the volunteer opportunities section of our website or call our Human Resources Administrator at (519) 759-8830.

Q:  My teenager won’t talk to me, how do I get them to talk with a counsellor?

A:  Sometimes it is easier for people to talk with someone who isn’t a family member or a friend.  The counsellors are very experienced and know how to make it easier for people to open up and talk.

Q:  How long to I have to wait for an appointment?

A:  An appointment for an assessment with an addictions counsellor can usually be scheduled within 7 days.  If you need to talk with someone while waiting for your scheduled appointment, please call our Crisis Line (519) 759-7188 or 1-888-811- 7188.  If you wish to meet with one of the mental health counsellors just drop by, they are available Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. no appointment necessary.

Q:  I was told that I had to go for a substance abuse assessment, what does that involve?

A:  An assessment usually takes a couple of meetings with a counsellor, sometimes it can take a little longer.  We will go at your pace and it shouldn’t be rushed.  The assessment is made up of two parts:  the first part is helping you fill out some questionnaires and the second part involves the counsellor asking questions about your family, relationships, employment/school, leisure activities, legal history and previous treatment involvement.  The counsellor will then take all of this information and write up a report, which they will go over with you.  The report will include some ideas about next steps.

Q:  How long will it take to get into substance abuse treatment?

A:  That depends on the type of treatment that you are looking for.  If treatment involves meeting with a counsellor here and/or participating in a group that will start as soon as the assessment is finished.  If you are looking at residential treatment that will depend on their waiting list, start date for the next program, etc.  The counsellor will be able to give you more information once the assessment is completed.  If you are waiting for residential treatment, we have some programs that you can attend to help you feel safe and supported.

Q:  What if I am not sure if my substance use is a problem?

A:  Call and book an appointment, sometimes it can help to talk with someone.  Also there are some questionnaires (self-assessments) in the Information section of the website.