About Mental Health Services
We provide free, private counselling services to support people addressing many different challenges. We assist people of all ages with different concerns.
Examples include:
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety or Worry
- Grief and Loss
- Chronic Pain
- Parenting
- Abuse
- Low Self-Esteem
- Relationship and Family Problems
We have also helped people access housing, financial and crisis management services.
You do not need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner at the Health Centre to access these services!
Referral Process
Please Note: There is currently a waitlist for counselling services.
Referrals are accepted only if the client is a resident of the Dutton Dunwich or West Elgin Municipality area and/or already assigned to our Primary Care Team; that is, they have a physician or nurse practitioner they see at the West Elgin Community Health Centre.
Referrals that do not meet the criteria will be contacted and the application for mental health services will be destroyed in accordance with strict confidentiality protocols.
If your application for counselling is accepted, you will receive a letter confirming your position on the wait list.
It is very important to understand that this is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis, please contact REACH OUT at 1-866-933-2023 or dial 9-8-8 for immediate support.
All applications will be handled in a confidential manner and, if accepted, will become part of your medical file. If you do not have a medical provider at the Centre, a new record will be created with the information you provide. Please speak to our Privacy Officer for more information.
Thank you for your understanding.
We take referrals for all ages.
A self-referral can be made by filling out the application form below or by filling out a referral form at the Health Centre's reception.
For counselling services, please click the link below to complete a referral form. One of our therapists will contact you within a few weeks:
We have also included a guide to completing the on-line form. E-Referral Guide
Click Here for Referral Form Complete and submit in-person, by fax or mail service. Please do not email the completed form.
Click Here To access on-line appointment booking system
Other Forms (to be completed with your counsellor):
Click Here for informed consent form for Counselling
Click Here for informed consent form for Counselling for a Child
Click Here for informed consent form for Counselling for a Youth
Consent to Virtual Service Form
Virtual Counselling:
The Mental Health Team is now offering appointments virtually through OTN. OTN is compliant with Canadian privacy legislation regarding personal health information (i.e. PHIPA and PIPEDA) and neither stores any of your personal health information.
Requirements for Counselling Using OTN
- You will need a computer or device with internet access as well as a camera and microphone (eg. laptop or mobile phone). You will need a telephone in the same room and to provide your Therapist with an emergency contact number. This will allow your Therapist to reach you if the session is suddenly interrupted or stopped.
- You will need a location with sufficient lighting and privacy that is free from distractions (including television or cell phone) or interruptions.
- It is recommended that you use ethernet (a cable) and not wifi. If that is not possible, limit other wifi using devices to try to get the strongest signal.
- Your Therapist will provide you with an email link to the appointment. Please arrive on time.
Printable Counselling Services Brochure
Mental Health Crisis Services:
Mental Health Crisis Support: Immediate Help When You Need It
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, immediate support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you need someone to talk to, help with addiction, or assistance with substance withdrawal, the following services are here to support you:
Reach Out 24/7
Free, confidential mental health and addictions support line for people in Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford and London. Call 1-866-933-2023 or visit reachout247.ca
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Suicide Crisis Helpline
A safe space to talk
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Call or text 988 www.988.ca
Wellkin 24/7 Line
Urgent access therapy for children and youth
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Call 1-877-539-0463
St. Thomas Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic
For individuals aged 18+ struggling with alcohol and opiod use. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.
Location: 475 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario
Phone: 519-631-9040
Hours: Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Withdrawal Management Services
A safe space for individuals to withdraw from substances in St. Thomas, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
A referral can be made by CMHA or any community partner
Confirm space by calling 519-668-0557