September 21, 2023 (TIMMINS, ON) — North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is incredibly proud to be a part of One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant (OST/PM), a new virtual and confidential counselling service rolling out across the province. This innovative, pan-provincial initiative, funded by the Ministry of Health, provides children and youth (aged 0-17 years) and their families with immediate, low-barrier access to free mental health support when needed. The service connects children, youth, and families with a network of agencies across the province. NEOFACS has two registered clinicians trained to participate as part of this network.
“NEOFACS is thrilled to be a part of One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant (OST/PM). This innovative service allows NEOFACS to work collaboratively with a number of sector partners to support children and youth in their moment of need,” said Cléo Charlebois, Executive Director of NEOFACS. “This initiative represents a significant step forward in offering another pathway for children and youth to access free mental health services in the north.”
To be connected to a professional clinician for a virtual or telephone session of brief therapy, children, youth and families can either visit onestoptalk.ca or call 1-855-416-8255. There is no limit to the number of times this service can be accessed.
The focus of the session will usually be on a single issue and the clinician will support the individual through the development of an action plan. If additional or ongoing services are needed, an OST/PM Service Navigator will be available to provide a warm handoff by sending a referral to local services.
Individuals waiting to receive Counselling and Therapy Services with NEOFACS can also use the OST/PM platform and retain their position on the waitlist.
OST/PM is available Monday to Friday from 12 PM to 8 PM (EST) and from 12 PM to 4 PM (EST) on Saturdays.
With a strong commitment to inclusivity, OST/PM provides access to Francophone clinicians and interpretation services in over 200+ languages.
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About NEOFACS:
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is an integrated agency providing services to children, youth and their families in the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming. Our Agency provides Child Welfare, Child and Youth Mental Health, Youth Justice, and Prevention programs. Our client-responsive programs and services are innovative, evidence-based, and designed to meet the unique needs of those we serve. For more information, please visit https://www.neofacs.org.
For more information, please contact:
Rada Deletic, Manager of Continuous Improvement, Strategic Projects, and Communications
705-360-2114
rada.deletic@neofacs.org
Mélanie Watson, Communications Coordinator
705-360-2121
melanie.watson@neofacs.org