CONDITIONS OF SERVICES
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment for all clients and staff. While we strive to be as inclusive as possible, there are certain situations where we may not be able to offer services. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on safety and clinical appropriateness.
While we strive to be as inclusive as possible, there are circumstances where we may not be able to offer services. This may include working with individuals in the following situations:
1. Safety Risks: Clients who pose a risk of violence, harassment, or threatening behaviour toward service providers, other clients, or our property may not be eligible for in-person services. Where appropriate, we may offer telephone or video counselling as an alternative.
2. Unmanaged Acute Needs: We are not equipped to support individuals who require crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatric care, or services beyond the scope of outpatient counselling. In these cases, we will do our best to connect the individual with more appropriate resources.
3. Substance Use During Sessions: Clients must not attend sessions under the influence of substances in a way that prevents meaningful participation or compromises safety.
4. Informed Consent: We can only provide services to individuals who have the capacity to give informed consent to counselling. If there are concerns about cognitive functioning or severe mental health issues impacting decision-making, we may refer the individual to another provider.
5. Repeated No-Shows: To ensure fair access to care for all clients, we ask that appointments be attended or cancelled in advance. Missed sessions without notice limit our ability to support others waiting for services. If no-shows happen repeatedly, we may need to pause or discontinue counselling and explore alternative options or referrals, while always aiming to balance compassion for individual circumstances with our responsibility to the wider community.
6. Technology Limitations (for Remote Sessions): For phone or video sessions, clients must have access to a safe and private space with the necessary technology. If this is not available, we will try to accommodate, but it may limit the services we can offer.
7. Harassment or Disrespectful Conduct: Ongoing disrespect, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour toward staff or other clients may result in discontinued services.
8. Indigenous Counsellors: Our Indigenous counsellors may choose to work exclusively with Indigenous clients. This helps ensure that Indigenous community members who wish to see an Indigenous provider have the best opportunity to access that care.