Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, although CFS is committed to delivering the same high-quality, professional services to all residents and employees regardless of their ability to pay. Our multi-session counselling blocks are valued at $150/session. If this amount is a barrier to service, CFS does offer a sliding scale option at the time of booking.

CFS has reserved this time for you and requires at least 2 business days’ notice to avoid a charge to your account. Failure to do so will result in being charged the full amount of the session fee. We understand that emergencies arise when we least expect them to. If this occurs, please discuss the situation with your clinician.

CFS’s clinical team consists of registered social workers and psychotherapists. Most insurance plans cover registered social workers and/or psychotherapists. To avoid disappointment, please check your coverage to ensure that your insurance plan does indeed cover counselling services with one of these providers - and that your coverage matches the credentials of your assigned clinician.

We take e-transfer, credit card, and cash (if your session is in person).

Yes! Your receipt will include your clinician’s professional designation (e.g., Bachelor or Master of Social Work, Master of Counselling), and their registration number. At this time, we do not direct bill. However, you can submit your receipt to your healthcare insurance provider following your payment to our agency. If you do not have healthcare insurance or if your insurance does not cover the entire fee, you may be eligible to claim the uncovered portion of your fee on your year-end personal income tax forms. Please discuss your eligibility with your tax preparer.

Although CFS is a non-profit agency, we rely on a variety of revenue sources to meet the needs of our operating expenses. Client fees contribute directly towards our clinical programs and provide CFS with the ability to continue offering inclusive community-based counselling and psychotherapy sessions.

No, CFS offers quick-access single-session professional counselling in person or virtually by appointment, or through our walk-in clinics at no cost to participants. The cost for running these clinics is covered by the Ministry of Health.

Yes. CFS offers inclusive and professional couples counselling services to residents and employes within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.

Yes. CFS offers inclusive and professional family counselling services to residents and employes within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.

Yes. Adults aged 26+ may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinics. Those aged 12-25 are elgible for professional counselling through CFS's YouthCALL program, which offers youth-focused programming. Individuals under the age of 12 may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinic as part of a family session only.

No. CFS's accessible clinics are available by self-referring. No diagnoses is required.

Absolutely! CFS is proud to provide low-barrier, inclusive programming, and strives to create a safe space for all members of our community. All CFS staff members have completed the Safer Spaces training program offered by the Gilbert Centre.

No, CFS offers inclusive , professional counselling in person or virtually by appointment, or through our walk-in clinics at no cost to participants. The cost for running these clinics is covered in part by CFS funders and donors.

Yes. CFS offers inclusive and professional couples counselling services to youth residents and employes within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.

Yes. CFS offers inclusive and professional family counselling services to residents and employes within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.

Yes. YouthCALL counselling programs are limited to youth aged 12-25 living and/or working in Simcoe County. Adults aged 26+ may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinics. Individuals under the age of 12 may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinic as part of a family session only.

No. CFS's accessible clinics are available by self-referring. No diagnoses is required.

Absolutely! CFS is proud to provide low-barrier, inclusive programming, and strives to create a safe space for all members of our community. All CFS staff members have completed the Safer Spaces training program offered by the Gilbert Centre.

Counselling clients aged 12+ can expect full confidentiality, except where disclosure is required by law. For example, in cases of suspected child abuse or when a client poses a risk to themselves or others.

The PAR Program runs for 12 sessions.

No, The questions are quick and easy to complete.

Yes. If you require interpretation services, please call us at 705-726-2503, ext. 111.

No. The individual completing the booking must be the one who is attending the intake.

If you are unable to complete the online bookng, we can assist you. Please call us at 705-726-2503, ext. 111.

Yes. We can arrange an in-person intake in both Barrie and Orillia.

Yes. This will be discussed at your intake appointment.

Yes. CFS offers virtual counselling to residents and employees of Simcoe County and Muskoka. In-person services are also currently available in Barrie, Collingwood, Innisfil, Midland, Orillia, and Wasaga Beach. Our Barrie location offers a weekly walk-in counselling clinic on Wednesdays from noon-8pm on a first-come, first-served basis through our #ready2talk and YouthCALL programs. All other counselling clinics and programs require an appointment.

CFS's #ready2talk and YouthCALL counselling clinics, which are the starting point for all CFS counselling programs, are available at no cost. If additional blocks of counselling are scheduled, there is a fee of $150/session, which can be reduced to an affordable level to ensure cost is not a barrier to service.

Yes. Adults aged 26+ may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinics. Those aged 12-25 are elgible for professional counselling through CFS's YouthCALL program, which offers youth-focused programming. Individuals under the age of 12 may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinic as part of a family session only.

Yes, with an age restriction. CFS offers professional individual, couples, and family counselling services to residents and employes over the age of 12 within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. CFS is proud to provide low-barrier, inclusive programming, and strives to create a safe space for all members of our community. All CFS staff members have completed the Safer Spaces training program offered by the Gilbert Centre.

Yes. In-person services are currently available in Barrie, Collingwood, Innisfil, Midland, Orillia, Stayner (youth counselling for ages 12-25 years only) and Wasaga Beach. Our Barrie location offers a weekly walk-in counselling clinic on Wednesdays from noon-8pm on a first-come, first-served basis through our #ready2talk and YouthCALL programs. Otherwise, CFS offers virtual counselling to residents and employees of Simcoe County and Muskoka. All other counselling clinics and programs require an appointment.

Yes. CFS offers virtual counselling to residents and employees of Simcoe County and Muskoka. An appointment is required for all virtual services.

Babies and children who are not part of individual and couples therapy sessions are not permitted in the session room, regardless of whether the session is taking place virtually or in person. At this time, CFS does not provide childminding services. If you need assistance in attending, please call CFS's Client Care Coordinator prior to your session by calling (705) 726-2503.

There is paid parking at our Collingwood location ($2/1.5hr) and limited free parking in Midland. All other CFS locations currently offer free on-site parking

Yes, where public transit is available.

Key benefits for organizations that establish a workplace wellness program include: optimized productivity, improved mood and employee satisfaction, effective communication, increased staff recruitment and retention, enhanced teamwork, conflict-resolution skill-building.

Organizations can take part in scheduled workshops that are open to multiple workplaces, book a single workshop that is specific to your own employees, or discuss how an ongoing or more fulsome wellness program could be customized to fit your organizational culture.

CFS offers location flexibility across Simcoe County and Muskoka. Programming can take place onsite at your workplace, at CFS offices, at a third-party location, or virtually. Location can be determined when booking.

Yes. CFS Wellness@Work program offerings are fee-based professional services. Our team will work with your organization to tailor workshops and programs to fit your specific needs, deadlines and budgets.

Yes. To discuss Wellness@Work programming options, please contact Program Manager Amanda Fellows by phone (705-726-2503, ext. 113) or email (afellows@cfssc.ca).

Yes, although CFS is committed to delivering the same high-quality, professional services to all residents and employees regardless of their ability to pay. Our groups and workshops are valued at $25/hour. If this amount is a barrier to service, CFS does offer a sliding scale option at the time of booking.

Currently, CFS groups and workshops are not covered by OHIP, or most benefits plans. Nor are they eligible for tax deductions. However, you are encouraged to consult your benefit plan and tax preparer to better understand your individual eligibility.

Yes. Space for CFS groups and workshops is limited, so pre-registration is required. Please follow the prompts associated with the listing for your preferred group or workshop.

Currently, we do not have any grief-specific groups. You may book an appointment with one of our therapists to assist you during this difficult time.

Currently, all CFS groups and workshops are delivered virtually. As this may change at any time, please check individual listings for details.

Cameras may be left on or turned off for single-session workshops and workshop seriesm as you wish. Cameras must remain on during group sessions.

A single workshop is a stand-alone event providing an overview of a single topic. A workshop series comprises multiple sessions that focuses on different aspects of a topic. Questions and discussion are encouraged, but not required. Participants may join one or more session in a series, without an attendance requirement. Participants in a group work together over multiple session with an expectation of full participation and attendance.

Yes, with an age and location restriction. Unless otherwise noted, CFS offers professional groups and workshops to residents and employes over the age of 18 within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. CFS is proud to provide low-barrier, inclusive programming, and strives to create a safe space for all members of our community. All CFS staff members have completed the Safer Spaces training program offered by the Gilbert Centre.

CFS is an accredited registered charity and, although some of our programs are partially funded, others are not. Donations allow us to run vital unfunded programs and provide subsidies for fee-for-service programs to ensure everyone in our community has access to professional mental health and wellbeing services when required.

Yes, there are options when making a donation online, or you can make this request when making your donation in person, by phone or mail.

No. CFS welcomes and appreciates donations in any amount.

Absolutely! These options are great if you’d like to support CFS on a monthly basis, to leave a bequest in your will, or to give a gift in tribute of a loved one. To discuss the options, please contact our Business Development Manager directly by phone (1-888-726-2503, ext. 121) or email (mlawson@cfssc.ca).

Yes! There are benefits to you, your loved ones and your community by exploring ways to give other cash. To discuss the options, please contact our Business Development Manager directly by phone (1-888-726-2503, ext. 121) or email (mlawson@cfssc.ca).

Thank you! We love third-party fundraisers (as this is called). Yes, please see the form that’s available on this page to apply to become an official CFS fundraiser. If approved, you will be entitled to use the CFS logo and access other supports. Once the CFS team has reviewed your application (expected review time is two weeks from receipt), we’ll be in touch to discuss next steps!

Absolutely! To stay up-to-date, please follow CFS on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn – and share, etc.. Our handle is @cfscounselling. Additionally, you can find YouthCALL-specific Instagram at @youthcallhub.

Since a charitable receipt is only given out by law for an unrewarded gift, receipts for fundraisers are in the amount that reflects that regulation. For example, if your fundraiser ticket price includes a meal or other benefit, the cost of that meal/benefit would be deducted from the ticket price.

Please follow us on our social media channels, check our website event page, and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date!

Please contact our Business Development Manager Michele Lawson directly by phone (1-888-726-2503, ext. 121) or email (mlawson@cfssc.ca).

Absolutely! CFS offers a menu of sponsorship opportunities that provide win-win partnerships for local businesses and corporations. For a list of current opportunities, please contact our Business Development Manager Michele Lawson directly by phone (1-888-726-2503, ext. 121) or email (mlawson@cfssc.ca).

Enhance your corporate reputation through a charitable sponsorship! Consumers and companies want to do business with companies that care about the same things they do. By partnering with a charity that aligns with your organizational values, your audiences will quickly recognize your corporate social responsibility efforts and affiliations. This will result in deeper and more loyal connections with your current patrons, and in opening doors to new markets.

Typically, companies sponsor charity activities as a strategic marketing initiative to boost their reputation, visibility and/or consumer base. Because of this beneficial expectation, sponsorships are not considered no-strings-attached gifts and are not eligible to be receipted as a charitable donation. However, sponsors are provided with a sales receipt for their support, and that receipt can usually be used for tax purposes as a marketing expense.

There are many types of sponsorship: pro bono services, in-kind gifts, financial backing for programs and events, and promotional support, for example. Each type and level of investment comes with its own set of benefits, which can be negotiated to create a win-win experience. Every CFS sponsor signs a sponsorship agreement that details the rights and responsibilities agreed to by both parties.

The volunteer page on the CFS website provides a job description of all agency volunteer opportunities and provides application instructions for each. Just choose a role you’re interested in and follow the specific directions provided. If you have questions along the way, please email volunteering@cfssc.ca.

Yes. To complete the application process and prior to volunteering, candidates must submit a criminal record and vulnerable sector check. CFS will provide a letter for you to use for this purpose. CFS’s volunteer coordinator will provide you with more information when you get to that point in the process.

Board and governance experience is considered an asset for candidates. Interests, skills, volunteerism, professional experience are also considered.

Absolutely! CFS works with youth to create flexible opportunities. Please submit an application to that volunteer position on the volunteer page of our website, and you’ll have a chance to discuss the opportunities further when you connect with our youth team.

Every opportunity has a minimum time expectation. Please refer to the job description that you’re interested in for commitment details.

Yes! Our MatureMinds runs a robust volunteer program for older adults. Please see the MatureMinds job description for details about that program. We encourage you to apply for all other positions you are interested in and are eligible for as well.

Spark'd welcomes immigrants, newcomers, protected persons, international students, and Ukrainian nationals to its programs. Program participants must be Simcoe County residents, employees or students aged 18+. Individuals may self-refer.

No. Spark'd is a fully funded program and available to eligible participants at no cost.

Among CFS's staff are professionals who speak English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi and Arabic. They may be called in to assist with Spark'd services as required.

Yes. CFS subscribes to a language service that can assist with in-person, or online interpretation requirements.

Yes. All Spark'd progam leads have lived experience as newcomers.

MatureMinds is a strengths-based program geared towards older adults residing in Simcoe County. CFS volunteers are older adults, our community programs are for older adults, our community resource consultation is with older adults. The one exception is our education and advocacy piece: we provide workshops and presentations for professionals, organizations, conferences, older adult groups (like PROBUS), recreational groups, and high school students- every age benefits from ageism awareness and together we can make the future better!

We are reticent to attach a chronological age to “older adult” since older is relative and dependent on who else is in the room. However, we generally say that an older adult is a person who is at least 55 years old.

We believe that older adults are valuable members of our community and as such, we believe that getting older is full of opportunities and possibilities. We know that every stage of life has its challenges, but we have built MatureMinds to focus on the positive; to see our future as bright, and to develop our sense of intrinsic value as we grow old together. Getting old can be a good thing.

you can contact the MatureMinds Coordinator directly to find out more information. There isn’t an ongoing MatureMinds calendar because our Community Programs move around to different areas of Simcoe County. If there is a program available in your area, our coordinator will be happy to get you connected.

Get in touch with us! We have an incredible opportunity to build a brighter future for all of us. We can work together to provide innovative events like Generations Over Dinner and Everybody’s Birthday. You can sponsor a Slow Cooker club and provide space for social interaction, skill development, and good food. If you would like to host a Slow Cooker Club in your community, please contact our Coordinator to be added to our waitlist.

Youth 12-25 may access by visiting our online booking tool to make an appointment, by calling or texting 705-790-2338, by visiting our Wednesday afternoon walk-in counselling clinic at 20 Anne Street South in Barrie, or by attending one of our YC Drop-ins.

A single session of counselling is like a quick check-in with a counsellor to talk about what's on your mind. It’s a one-time meeting where you can share your thoughts, feelings, or any challenges you’re facing.

During this session, the counsellor listens to you, helps you explore your feelings, and offers support. It’s a great way to get some clarity or guidance without committing to multiple sessions. Whether you need help with school stress, relationships, or just feeling overwhelmed, a single session can be a helpful step in the right direction!

No, CFS works with community partners and funders to ensure YouthCALL services are inclusive and accessible for all Simcoe County youth.

Yes! YouthCALL provides youth-focused professional counselling for all young people 12-25 who live/work/go to school in Simcoe County. CFS offers in-person counselling in Barrie, Orillia, Stayner and Innisfil. Virtual counselling is available across Simcoe County. Appointments are required for all counselling sessions, except our Wednesday afternoon walk-in clinics at 20 Anne St. S. in Barrie.

School administrators, teachers, mental health leads and other educators are eligible to book a TBN workshop.

There are a limited number of live workshops available. If you are interested in offering a live workshop in your classroom, please register as soon as possible.

You will be contacted by the program facilitator, who will discuss date options with you.

Please register only once and indicate all the workshops you would like to access.

Yes! For more information, or to book your workshop, please contact CFS Program Manager (Community Programs) Amanda Fellows by calling 705-726-2503, ext. 113, or emailing AFellows@cfssc.ca. Fees may apply.