Thunder Bay Counselling Achieves CCA Accreditation
Thunder Bay Counselling achieves CCA Accreditation, upholding consistent standards of excellence in mental health services.
Thunder Bay, ON, February 8, 2024 – Thunder Bay Counselling is pleased to announce it has once again achieved accreditation from the Canadian Centre of Accreditation (CCA) for the next four years.
Thunder Bay Counselling achieved 100 per cent of all mandatory and leading practice standards.
“This accreditation status ensures that Thunder Bay Counselling is holding itself to the highest standards of service for the clients and communities we serve,” says Board Chair, Rose Bakke. “It is truly a seal of approval, confirming that we have undertaken extensive internal and external processes that measure our professional practices against sector and industry standards nationwide. I applaud the organization for rigorously exemplifying what it means to provide quality mental health services.”
For clients, receiving services from an accredited organization such as Thunder Bay Counselling guarantees that:
- Programs and services are of the highest quality;
- Staff are qualified and up to date on the best and most effective ways to meet client needs;
- The organization’s community partnerships enhance the client’s experience and ensure clients get the services they need;
- The organization takes meaningful action to provide a safe space for clients and staff, physically, psychologically and culturally;
- Systems and processes ensure that people’s confidentiality and privacy are protected.
Says Director of Programs & Services, Sheri Fata; “In order to meet the needs of every individual who accesses Thunder Bay Counselling services, we need to ask ourselves: Are we prioritizing diversity and inclusion? How are we answering the phone? Have we set up our facility in a way that is accessible and approachable? Are we prioritizing the safety of both our clients and staff? Our job is to provide our clients with services backed by knowledge, empathy, and experience, and the accreditation process helps us to ensure we’re reaching quality standards. I’m proud of our team for achieving excellence in all areas.”
The accreditation process included a three-day intensive on-site review conducted by an independent panel of trained accreditors from across the country, and backed by evidence provided by Thunder Bay Counselling. Assessed standards focused on a variety of areas, including (but not limited to) risk management, program and service processes, and human resources management, with a special interest in DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility). The organization’s Board of Directors also requires that CEO, Nancy Chamberlain, achieves accreditation as a way of ensuring quality in all areas.
Says Chamberlain; “Our Board sees accreditation as a way of externally monitoring the standards and performance of our organization. It allows us to measure our achievements at not only an operational level, but also in our business management and community governance. Participation in the accreditation process promotes a quality and safety culture across the organization, helping us to prioritize what matters most – the well-being of every individual that comes in contact with Thunder Bay Counselling.”
Thunder Bay Counselling’s accreditation status was renewed at the beginning of January 2024, and will be up for renewal once again in January of 2028.