NEWS RELEASE
NEW PATH YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
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SIMCOE COUNTY – In response to increasing demand for child and youth mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Path Youth & Family Services is expanding its virtual services to include online mental health counselling in addition to call-in counselling services currently being provided.
“Families need mental health support more than ever and we want to make sure that all children, youth and their families in Simcoe County have access to free, professional counselling services,” says Michelle Vennard, New Path Youth & Family Services Director of Services. “This is why the addition of online counselling services as well as the continuation of our call-in counselling services is such an important step forward.”
Online and call-in services provide a way for children, youth and their families to access free mental health counselling services. Professional counsellors are waiting and ready to speak to any family in need within the County. Examples of services include helping children and youth with anxiety and stress or uncertainty about the future.
"The virtual (online) sessions have really helped my daughter to connect and engage in her experience with New Path. We feel very fortunate to have been able to access the New Path service via phone and internet,” says a New Path Parent. “Virtual sessions are a great way to allow children to get help from the comfort of their home. The safety system that is part of the virtual session allows a trusting and safe environment for children to receive the help they need. I would highly recommend the New Path virtual session as my daughter has had a wonderful experience."
Approximately one in five children and youth in Ontario has a diagnosable mental health disorder. If left untreated, these can lead to serious long-term consequences for children or youth and their families. To access these support families and youth should call or email New Path at 705-725-7656 / 1-866-566-7656 (from 905 area code) / [email protected].
About New Path Youth & Family Services
New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. We are an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of innovative and timely services for children, youth and their families. We are the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.
New Path has shifted from in-person to call-in and online mental health services for children, youth and their families in Simcoe County. The switch in service delivery means that families can access a range of free counselling and therapy services by calling New Path at 705-725-7656 or emailing [email protected].
To learn more about New Path Youth and Family Services, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services Twitter: @NewPathYFS or sign up for our quarterly TrailSigns Newsletter.
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