Skip to content
Sponsored Content

Specialized, adolescent-specific mental health services coming to Collingwood

New location will bring much-needed services, including options for shorter sessions to suit young children and their families
AdobeStock_249838872

The North Simcoe Therapy Network now offers mental health care for children, youth and families from their new location at The Elgin House in Collingwood.

“The Collingwood location is in response to the need for adolescent-specific mental health services in the region,” explains NSTN Founder, Clinical Director & Registered Psychotherapist Sarah Durant. “Many families commute to our Midland location because there are so few accessible services in the Collingwood area for this population.” The NSTN has been operating out of their flagship Midland location since 2016.

The past few years have presented a marked increase in the need for child and adolescent mental health support, both locally and across the province.

“The prevalence of mental health issues since the onset of COVID has increased significantly,” says Durant. “For example, eating disorders in young people, anxiety and depression symptoms have all increased.”

This new Collingwood location meets this growing need for mental health support in an environment where young people feel welcome and comfortable. Abigail Gallagher, Child and Adolescent Therapist will be the primary therapist in the Collingwood office. Abigail uses a CBT and DBT-based framework when working with young people and incorporates play therapy when appropriate as well. “Children enjoy their time with Abigail, and families provide excellent feedback on the progress that they make - even after just a few sessions.”

One truly unique aspect of the care provided by NSTN is the option of choosing shorter sessions. “Most child therapists only offer full, one hour sessions. We recognize that can be really arduous on the child, so we started offering half-hour sessions.” The 30-minute appointment time is more palatable for the child and, at $60 per session, is more affordable for parents and caregivers.

NSTN services include:

  • Supportive Counselling
  • Consultations
  • Initial Assessments / Referrals
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • CBT-based Play Therapy 
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-informed & DBT-informed Skills Groups
  • Family Support / Psychoeducation
  • Caregiver Support Group / Individual Caregiver Support
  • Reunification Therapy/Family Therapy
  • Community Services

Attainable and Affordable Care for Everyone

North Simcoe Therapy Network finds creative ways to bring quality care in reach of all families such as providing low/no cost programs and utilizing partner agencies. NSTN works with OHIP/government-funded professionals throughout Ontario and supports indigenous populations by working directly with NIHB and providing outreach including on-site services at Christian Island Elementary School.

“We have a rule that if anyone reaches out for help and we can’t provide the service they need, we work hard to make sure they connect with those services”, says Durant.

If your child is in need of mental health support or services, contact North Simcoe Therapy Network at 705-481-1925 or email [email protected]