There are a handful of free counselling services in the province that have expertise in LGBT2SQ -affirming care. Some are housed within mental health agencies, for example KW Counselling’s OK2BME, Central Toronto Youth Services’ Pride and Prejudice Program, and The Gilbert Centre’s Gender Diverse and Trans Program. Others are in community health centres and clinics, for example London Intercommunity Health Centre, NorWest Community Health Centre, and Centretown Community Health Centre.
If you are currently a client at a community health center or a family health team, you may be able to access mental health supports within the practice at no cost. Ask your doctor or support worker for more information. You may also be able to access free counselling through your workplace if they have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
There are also a number of advocacy groups and coalitions throughout the province which may be able to point you in the direction of an affirming counsellor or therapist. Some examples include We Trans Support in Windsor, The Hamilton Trans Health Coalition and Trans Health Information Ottawa (THIO).
If you are a First Nations person or Inuit person living in Ontario, you also have access to Mental Health Counselling through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program.
If you are looking for supports in your area then check the Rainbow Health Ontario Service Provider Directory to find services near you or contact info@rainbowhealthontario.ca.
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