What to Expect

What to Expect

Initiating Service for You/Your Child/Youth

If you are at a place where you or your child/youth may need mental health services, calling/connecting with Pathstone is your first step.

Here’s what to expect:

Connect with someone via phone

  • You will be able to speak to a Pathstone clinician immediately
  • They will have a conversation with you about what your concerns are, what you might be noticing in all areas of your/your child/youth’s life (School life, social life, work life, etc.)
  • They will also discuss with you what your hopes/goals are by accessing services
  • They will confirm with you that you/your child/youth is aware that you are making a call to access services, and that they are willing to attend as all community-based services in Niagara are voluntary and you/the child/youth must consent and be willing to participate/ engage in treatment
  • Once that initial conversation is completed, your file will be reviewed and a plan of action will be determined to met your unique meets
  • You will receive an email from Pathstone with a copy of your intake package and information about the program you will be participating in along with the estimated waitlist, and the contact information of the person you should connect with if you have any questions/concerns

Completing the Initial Assessment Online

  • You can provide information for the initial assessment online above
  • Once your submission has been received, one of Pathstone’s clinician will follow up via phone call to review the information, ensure it is accurate, and potentially ask any clarifying information
  • They will confirm with you that you/your child/youth is aware that you are making a call to access services, and that they are willing to attend as all community-based services in Niagara are voluntary and the child/youth must consent and be willing to participate/ engage in treatment
  • Once that initial conversation is completed, your file will be reviewed and a plan of action will be determined to met your unique meets
  • You will receive an email from Pathstone with a copy of your intake package and information about the program you will be participating in along with the estimated wait list, and the contact information of the person you should connect with if you have any questions/concerns

If you are placed in Solution Focused Brief Services or Family Intervention, here’s what to expect:

Goals and Principles

  • Collaboration with families to provide services and build on relational strength
  • Deliver services in an inclusive, effective, and culturally respectful manner
  • Continual and mutual respect diversity of race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, gender identify, religion, and sexual orientation
  • Interventions are offered based on research and evidence proven to be effective

In the event that more intensive services are needed, an internal referral will be made.

Our Solution Focused Brief Intervention aims to provide brief individual or family sessions for children and youth under 18. The treatment is goal-driven and can comprise up to 3 sessions within 8 weeks from the first session. Should additional services be required, this can be explored through collaborative discussions with your therapist. Our focus is on delivering effective and tailored support based on identified needs and goals, always with a commitment to facilitating positive change.

Should you/your child/youth or family require additional services this can be explored through a collaborative discussion with your therapist.

What to expect at your first appointment:

  • During the first appointment, clients will receive a comprehensive review of the program and a discussion about their treatment goals to establish a clear path forward.
  • Therapists will arrange appointments with clients through phone or email communication to ensure effective coordination and scheduling.
  • Clients will be requested to review and sign consent forms as well as a treatment contract, ensuring mutual understanding and agreement on the terms of the therapeutic process.
  • In addressing family dynamics, the family role involves encouraging clients who face challenges in family relationships to involve caregivers in their treatment, fostering a more holistic approach to therapy.

If you are attending any groups/clinics, here is what to expect:

Groups/clinics provide evidence-based psychoeducation and strategies targeted to the specific theme of the clinic. They provide a safe space and can support you in feeling less alone in your journey. They give an opportunity to learn from others with similar struggles and promote social skills for you/your child/youth. The ultimate goal is to support you/your child/youth to overcome fears, learn new skills, and coping strategies. You can expect at the first clinic a complete review of the program/clinic, what to
expect, what the expectations of your participation are, and have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.