The Addiction and Mental Health Program at Thunder Bay Counselling provides a safe and judgment free place for you to work through substance use and mental health issues. We use a harm reduction approach to support your recovery journey and reduce harms associated with substance use.
Our counsellors provide confidential assessments and outpatient treatment to help you identify what makes you vulnerable to addictive substances and behaviours, to learn new ways of dealing with life challenges, and to reduce the negative impact of your use of substances. Where more intensive treatment is the recommendation from the assessment, we will work with you to make the referrals to other services.
Call us at (807) 684-1880 to learn more and to make an appointment.
Addiction & Mental Health Services:
Alcohol & Drug Assessment
Pre and Post Treatment Support
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Case Management Support
Corporate Services
Breaking Free Online
Breaking Free is an online wellbeing and recovery support program that is FREE to use. It allows people to recognize and actively address the psychological and lifestyle issues that are driving their use of alcohol and/or drugs to help support their recovery. The program provides resources, positive coping strategies, and proven behaviour change techniques to support their long-term recovery.
An assessment is an important first step in figuring out how best to assist you in moving forward. The assessment will help determine which treatment option is the best fit for you today. Our staff are trained in using the GAIN (Global Appraisal of Individual Needs) which is the assessment supported by the Province of Ontario. Many residential treatment centres require the completion of the GAIN before someone can attend residential treatment.
If you come for an assessment, we will ask questions about your substance use and treatment history, mental health, trauma, grief and loss, your supports, strengths and resources, legal problems, and more. The assessment may take one, two, or more sessions to complete. After the assessment is completed, your counsellor will talk to you about your treatment options.
There are many different treatment options associated with substance use:
Self-Directed Programs
Outpatient Treatment
individual and group counselling and psychotherapy
case management programs
pre and post residential treatment support
Day Treatment
Residential Treatment (inpatient)
Short-term (about 1 month)
Medium-term (2 to 6 months)
Long-term (6 to 12 months)
For more information, watch the video below or call us at (807) 684-1880.
Pre and Post Treatment Support
If Day or Residential Treatment is the best option for you, we will support you through the process of going to and preparing for the program. This may include providing counselling and/or case management support for making changes with substance use, finding childcare and much more. We are also available after the treatment program is finished to provide you with ongoing counselling and support.
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counselling and psychotherapy are forms of “talk therapy” and are a type of outpatient treatment. Talk therapy provides you with a confidential, safe and supportive environment to share what is troubling you. It is a process that can be used when you want to change something in your life, like your use of substances, and have not been able to make the change on your own. Our counsellors are skilled professionals who use a variety of approaches to best meet your needs and to help you explore, make changes and/or prevent relapse with your substance use.
Case Management
Sometimes people need more support than counselling alone to help them make changes. We also provide “case management” services which help people with addiction and mental health issues, but also in accessing other services like housing, financial assistance and medical supports. This could mean that your counsellor will meet you out in the community, assist you in getting to appointments, and join you in attending meetings with other service providers.
We have specialized case management services for:
Adults being released from a correctional facility or those involved in the criminal justice system
Adults involved with a forensic facility or individuals living with mental health and substance use issues who are involved with the legal system
Adults who are receiving Opiate Replacement Therapies (ORT) like methadone or suboxone, or those who are wanting to access ORT
Women and people who identify as women who are pregnant or parenting young children
Youth or youth who are transitioning into adult services and are living with mental health and addictions.
For more information about our case management services for women who are pregnant or parenting, watch the video below.
Corporate Services
Our team of Addiction and Mental Health professionals is also available to provide services to businesses and workplaces, including:
Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP or EAP)
Assessment and counselling for employees
Workshops and training
If you are interested in our Corporate services, please contact Allane Danchuk, Director of Business and Finance, at (807) 684-1892 or allane.danchuk@tbaycounselling.com for more information.
Back on Track
Back on Track is a program for individuals who have been convicted of an impaired driving offence or have had a 2nd or subsequent roadside suspension in the Warn Range.
The program has three parts; the assessment, the education or treatment program and the six month follow up. A Warn Range suspension drivers require the one day education or two day treatment workshop only.
To avoid delays in getting your license back, register for the program as soon as possible.
For complete details about this program or to register, please go to the Back on Track web site: www.remedial.net or call 416-595-6593 in Toronto; or Ontario toll free 1-888-814-5831.
Community Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DTB) Based Skills Group
A DBT Based Skills Group is an educational group that teaches skills in the following areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Facilitators participate in a consultation team to ensure fidelity to DBT and support facilitation.
The RAAM Clinic provides specialized services and care for individuals seeking treatment for any substance use issue. Our team offers judgement free services in a safe and healing environment.
Individuals looking to book an appointment can call (807) 626-8478 during clinic hours. We also receive formal referrals.
Thunder Bay wins a Transformative Change Award 2019
Thunder Bay Counselling is delighted to be a community partner in the RAAM Clinic.
Ontario Health North
In accordance with section 8.5 of the Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (MSAA) between Ontario Health North and Thunder Bay Counselling, we are required to make available a copy of the MSAA. Should you have any questions about it, please contact us.
For more information on programs in Thunder Bay and the district, click here.
Lawni LaBelle-Paynter
Social Worker
Lakehead Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic
Lawni has over 20 years of experience in the health care sector. She brings extensive knowledge in the areas of mental health and addictions, primary care, acute care, chronic care, long term care, palliative care and home and community care support services.
Lawni possesses skills in the area of home care management, counselling therapy, chronic disease management, community development, case management, program development, implementation, evaluation and risk management.
Kari Chiappetta
Owner – Kari Chiappetta Consulting Inc.
Kari was born and raised in Thunder Bay and loves the people and the sense of community in our city. She wants to give back to the community to help make it the best place for her children and future grandchildren to call home. Kari joined the Board of Directors at Thunder Bay Counselling as a way to build a stronger community. She believes strongly in the Vision, Mission, and Values of the organization and believes her skills and experience tie in well to work of the board at TBC.
Carlina Marchese
Research Coordinator & Research Manager – Lakehead University
Carlina is a member of the Audit & Finance Committee. She recently completed her Master of Health Sciences, and is now a Research Coordinator and Research Manager at the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health.
Rose Bakke
Director of Family Services, Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay
Rose has worked in various capacities in the field of child welfare for over 30 years. She is currently the Director of Family Services at the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay. Rose is born and raised in Thunder Bay and has a strong commitment to community and district. She has previous Board experience and a strong belief in volunteer work.
Kari Wesley
Well-Being Ambassador & Brand Manager, TD Bank
Kari has over 20 years of experience in Financial Planning and Financial Services. She is a Professional Executive Coach specializing in Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. Kari is passionate about work/life balance and volunteers as a National Well-Being Ambassador with TD.
Becca Stephenson
Becca (she/her) is a Human Resources Officer at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Becca is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and has been a member of the Board since 2019.
Aimee Jaun
Associate Vice Provost, Lakehead University
Aimee Jaun is the Associate Vice-Provost, Students at Lakehead University. She comes to the Board with diverse experiences that include post-secondary education, mental health and addiction, public health, management consulting, training and development, and organization development.
Renée Monsma
Chair
Manager of Infant & Child Services – Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
Renée has over 20 years experience in the mental health sector and is the Manager of Infant & Child Services Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. Renée has served on the board of directors for the past 3 years and holds the position of Chair of the board. Renee is also a member of the strategic planning committee.
Jeff Moorley
MEMBER AT LARGE
Lawyer at White MacGillivray Lester LLP
Jeff is in his second term as a director, having been elected to the Board in 2015 and re-elected in 2018. Since 2015 he has chaired the Board’s Nominating and By-law Committee which oversees the recruitment of new Board members and the legal rules governing the Board.
Melissa Beaucage
Student – Lakehead University
Melissa is currently a student enrolled at Lakehead University in the Specialized Psychology program who brings a youth perspective to the board. She has chaired the Strategic Planning Committee in 2018-2019 and participated in Family Service Day at Queens Park in 2019.
Tuomas Minor
Corporate Management Professional
Tuomas is a Professional Engineer working in the local telecommunication sector. He brings extensive experience in Corporate Leadership and specializes in strategic planning, program development, and data analysis.
Katherine Couzelis
Forest Technician, Owner of WAYfinder Trails & Recreation
Katherine obtained her Aboriginal Canadian Relations Certificate while studying Natural Resource Management at Confederation College. She was elected as a board member in September 2020 and is part of the Audit Committee.
Gustavo Petterle
Director of Organizational Health, NorWest Community Health Centre
Gustavo is Director of Organizational Health at the NorWest Community Health Centre. He has extensive experience in health policy development and health care administration with special interest in quality improvement and its relation with corporate planning.
Becca Stephenson
Human Resources Officer at the Children’s Aid Society
Becca is a Human Resources Officer at the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay. Becca is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), with extensive experience in the areas of recruitment and selection, policy development and implementation, research, data analysis and anti-oppressive practice.
Terra Lofts
Director, Programs and Services Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
Terra is a Director, Programs & Services at Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. She has 20 years’ experience in the developmental and children’s mental health field. She has extensive experience in program development, program implementation, and system planning.
Terra was elected to the Board in September 2018. She was a member of the Nominating and By-Law Committee for 2018-19. Terra is a recent graduate of University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management Executive Programs, Public Sector Leadership Institute. Terra has a strong passion for Children’s Mental Health.
Emily Morris
Lawyer
Emily is a member of the Nominating and By-Law Committee and has been actively involved in review the agency’s By-Laws. Emily is a lawyer with Courtis, Desmoulin Law Office.
Heather Gray
Director
Heather joined the Board in 2018. She brings extensive experience in the health care sector in planning, education, clinical practice and administration.
Prior to her recent retirement, Heather was the Director of Health System Design and Development at the North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). During her tenure at the North West LHIN Heather provided oversight to the following portfolios: seniors, chronic disease management, emergency planning, mental health and addictions, alternate level of care (ALC), and First Nations health. She has extensive health care experience throughout Northwestern Ontario in clinical practice, education, administration and planning. Heather has a special interest in mental health and addictions services.
Smart Saver
Darcy McWhirter
Secretary
Supervisor – Concurrent Rehabilitation Services
SJCG – Sister Margaret Smith Centre
Darcy joined the Board in 2012 and has been Secretary since June 2015. She has extensive Committee experience having served on the Nominating and Bylaw Committee, the Retreat Planning Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee and the Executive Director Performance Review Committee. Darcy currently sits on the Audit Committee.
Darren Lillington
Regional Service Coordinator, Indigenous Lead
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Darren is a member of the Thunder Bay Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Thunder Bay Accessible Sport Council. He is an active member of our Board and has been involved in numerous committees including 50th Anniversary Committee, Compensation Policy Development, Executive Director’s Performance Review and supported the Board to prepare for accreditation in 2015. He has been an eager participant in the United Way Billboard Rescue. Darren is in his second term on the Board.
Carol Cline
Manager of Upgrading
Confederation College
Carol started her first term with the Board in June 2015. She has 25 years of experience in the Mental Health field, most recently in the past 10 years specializing in the area of Domestic Violence. She is currently a member of the 50th Anniversary Committee and the Retreat Planning Committee.
Christina Brassard
Social Worker, Supervisor
Children’s Centre Thunder Bay
Christina joined the Board in 2015. She is currently a member of the Nominating and By Law Committee and has been an active participant in the United Way Billboard Rescue.
Lori Golab
Retired Principal
Lakehead Public Schools
Lori has been an active member of the Board since 2011. She has supported many agency events and has served on numerous committees including the Executive Director’s Performance Appraisal and Compensation Committee, Audit Committee, Nominating and Bylaw Committee, AGM Planning and most recently the 50th Anniversary Committee. Lori is a member of the Board of Directors of Family Service Ontario.
Lynda Roberts
Director of Health Promotion
Thunder Bay District Health Unit
Lynda began her first term on the Board in 2015. She is a member of the Nominating and Bylaw Committee and is chair of the Compensation Policy Development Committee.
Tony DeAgazio
Director of Corporate & Human Resources
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay
Tony was elected by the Board in October 2016. He is President of YES Employment Services, with Corporate Services Consultation – Indigenous Child Well-Being Societies and a Human Resources instructor for College and University.
