The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) is teaming up with area health and addiction organizations to provide free, walk-in counselling appointments.
The goal is to provide timely access to mental health support and reduce barriers to care.
Sessions will take place Mondays at the special services unit building at Stratford General Hospital from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sessions are available for people ages 16 and up, and no appointment is needed.
“No one should have to wait to be heard,” said Rodney Phillips, HPHA’s Manager of Outpatient Mental Health. “The single session counselling program offers immediate access to compassionate support, helping people take the first step toward wellness when it matters most.”
Phillips says it’s an opportunity for someone in need to get immediate help, be triaged if necessary, and potentially move on to other supports.
“For some, it may be going on a wait list for longer term counselling or joining one of our mental health groups. They also have the opportunity to move back into single session while they are waiting. For anyone currently on our wait list for individual counselling, come in if you need support now.”
HPHA is part of the Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Alliance, which organized the initiative through funding from Ontario Health.
Appointments are scheduled on different dates in Listowel, Wingham, Goderich, Clinton and Exeter.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with our community partners to break down access barriers,” said Phillips. “By offering a no-wait pathway to counselling, we are helping create a more responsive and accessible mental health system for residents.”
For more information contact the Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team at 1-888-829-7484.
