FAQs

SOLUTIONS THAT CHANGE LIVES
DES SOLUTIONS QUI CHANGENT DES VIES

How much will I have to pay?

Most of our services are available at no cost, including our substance use services, financial counselling and support services, Walk-In Counselling Clinic, services for youth and families, and counselling for people who have experienced gender based, intimate partner or sexual violence. Should there be a fee for the service most appropriate for you, it will be discussed with you prior to you starting service.

How long will I have to wait?

Many of our services are available without any wait time. Should there be a wait time for the service most appropriate for you, it will be discussed with you at the time you contact us for service.

Are the services confidential?

We have strict policies about client privacy and confidentiality. Any information we have about you or anything that’s discussed with you cannot be disclosed without your permission. There are limits required by law:

A threat to harm yourself and/or others
Sharing information in an emergency situation
Reporting a suspicion of child abuse or neglect
Court subpoenas or court orders
Reporting required by the Province related to serious occurrences
Sharing with others within TBC who need to know.

Where are services provided?

Thunder Bay Counselling has a facility at 544 Winnipeg Avenue in Thunder Bay. Services may be provided at our facility but some types of services are also available in the community, by telephone, through video conference, or using a secure online platform. Please let our staff know if you have a preference on where you receive services.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Thunder Bay Counselling provides professional services which require we provide you with and collect from you information about the services, confidentiality, your rights and responsibilities, your goals for service, any risks, personal and demographic information, and your consent to participate in service. Typically, your first appointment will include providing this information.

Should your appointment be at our facility, when you arrive, you will need to ring the front doorbell and let our receptionist know why you’re here. When you enter the facility, you will likely be asked to wait in our waiting room for your worker. Your worker will then bring you to their office or one of our meeting spaces to begin discussions.

What are Thunder Bay Counselling staff qualifications?

Thunder Bay Counselling staff are all professionals in their fields. They have the needed education and experience to best meet your needs. Our counselling staff are all registered with Provincial regulatory bodies (either the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).

All of our staff have a supervisor who works with them to make sure they are meeting expectations and staying up to date in their roles.