The walk-in counselling program at Envision Counselling and Support Centre has only been running since 2019, and is already getting a big update and name change.
Walk-in counselling will now be rapid access counselling 鈥� a free, immediate and accessible form of brief counselling.
A province-wide website, www.counsellingconnectsask.ca, has been launched to reduce wait times and make booking appointments easier. Beginning in June, Envision鈥檚 rapid access counselling will be offered through this one-stop-shop website created to make it easier for people in Saskatchewan to access counselling.
鈥淧eople will now be able to book a session with a trained counsellor through the website up to 48 hours in advance,鈥� said Christa Daku, Envision Counselling and Support Centre鈥檚 executive director.
鈥淭he unique thing about this website is that if the local rapid access counselling location is fully booked for the day, individuals can view other locations with open sessions around the province and book in with another counsellor.鈥�
The service is for all individuals looking for help with a wide-range of issues, including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict and urgent needs.
Many people will go to their doctor or to an emergency room when experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. Sometimes brief talk-therapy can be the most effective way to begin resolving a problem.
鈥淲e discovered during the pandemic that individuals can thrive through remote appointments as well as in-person Walk-In Counselling,鈥� says Daku. 鈥淭hanks to our partnership with Family Services Saskatchewan and other agencies providing the same service, we were able to improve accessibility province-wide and make this website a reality.鈥�
Daku adds that access to affordable mental health counselling is an issue that significantly impacts many families, and having all counselling locations and available times in one spot makes Envision Counselling easier to find.
All other Envision Counselling program protocols outside of rapid access counselling will be staying the same and are still available by calling their local office locations.
Family Service Saskatchewan connects rapid access counselling services across the province. These services are community-based for adults, children, teens and their families. The service is available at multiple locations across Saskatchewan and aims to increase access to solution focused counselling. Services can be accessed at www.counsellingconnectsask.ca.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre has been supporting southeast Saskatchewan for over 25 years by providing innovative programming and diverse counselling and support services to individuals, couples and families. Individuals looking for more information can find it on Envision鈥檚 website at www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com.
