Where to Find Free Mental Health Services in Sault Ste. Marie

One question that I am frequently asked is where to go to receive free mental health services in Sault Ste. Marie. Although I would caution against choosing a psychological health professional or resource based solely on cost, I do recognize the need for affordable mental health care. If your need is urgent, you may want to consider a walk-in facility, or use one of the hotlines listed below. If you would like to discuss other holistic therapeutic approaches for less time sensitive issues, please get in touch.

Below are the some of the options for free mental health care in our city:

The Sault Area Hospital, 750 Great Northern Road:
The Sault Area Hospital includes a Mental Health and Addictions unit. The unit offers a variety of services for different mental health needs. Crisis services are offered in-person and via telephone for anyone within the Algoma district who finds themselves in need of immediate support. Mobile support is also available. Other services include counselling and treatment for individuals and an eating disorder program. A referral from your family doctor is required to see a psychiatrist. To learn more about the mental health services offered by the Sault Area Hospital, see: http://www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca/Directory/Organization/1525

Various groups such as CBT for depression and anxiety, DBT, men’s groups, post-partum groups and mindfulness meditation are offered. V.O.N. offers grief groups for clients who have experienced loss. They can be reached at 705-942-8200.

Walk in counselling service, 386 Queen Street East:
A free walk in counselling service is also offered through the partnership of Algoma Family Services, Algoma Public Health, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. The walk in clinic is available at the Canadian Mental Health Association, 386 Queen Street East, at the Queen Street and Elgin Street Intersection, on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To learn more, call 705-759-5989 or visit https://www.northeasthealthline.ca/displayservice.aspx?id=167654

Algoma Public Health, 294 Willow Avenue

Algoma Public Health offers addiction and mental health services. They also provide support and information regarding mental health for new parents. To learn more about how to take care of your mental health during pregnancy and after the birth of a new baby, visit http://www.algomapublichealth.com/addictions-mental-health/emotional/. For addictions or mental health services, call 705-759-5989.

Apps:
Free and paid apps are available for mental health services; listed below are free apps only. However, please note, I have not tried these apps, and an app should not be used to replace other mental health services.

I.M. Well is offered for Algoma University students and offers live counselling for stress, depression, and relationship issues, among other services.
http://www.ausu82.ca/im-well.html

Catch It may be useful for those dealing with anxiety or depression. It can help users to notice and change what they are thinking when experiencing negative thought patterns.
https://apps.beta.nhs.uk/catch-it/

Chill Panda measures your heartrate using your phone’s camera, and suggests breathing and light exercises to help manage stress.
https://apps.beta.nhs.uk/chill-panda/

Breathe2Relax helps in coping with stress by teaching diaphragmatic breathing using videos, demos, and reading materials.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/breathe2relax/id425720246?mt=8

Hotlines:
Depending on the urgency of your situation, and what information you need, here are some mental health services hotlines to use:
Mental Health Helpline for free health services information: 1-866-531-2600

Suicide Prevention:
Phone: toll-free 1-833-456-4566
Text: 45645
Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca
Kids Help Phone for People aged 5-20: 1-800-668-6868
Good2Talk for People aged 17-25: 1-866-925-5454

While insurance carriers may cover portions of a variety of mental health services, it is important to determine what you need from a mental health service professional. For example, if you require medication, psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe; however, if you would like to work through mental health issues using integrative approaches, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing or emotion-focused therapy, psychologists are often better trained in holistic methods such as these.

To learn more about some of the unique services provided by Infinity Psychological Services, please contact me at 705-257-6857.

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