Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact Front Door?
Call 519-749-2932 and speak with reception. They will point you in the right direction. Click here if you have an immediate need.

What happens when I call Front Door?
You will speak with an Intake Clinician who will talk with you about your situation and provide you with relevant resources for your family. The Intake Clinician will connect you with immediate supports and services if needed.  If you require a referral to one of our programs they will take additional information from you and schedule you an appointment to meet with an Intake Clinician who will see you through the referral process.

What type of assessments do you provide?
We provide intake assessments to determine the treatment needs and next steps for your family. We do not offer psychological or psychiatric assessments through Front Door.

Is there a cost for Front Door Services?
No. Our services are covered by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services.

Do I need a referral?
No, families are encouraged to contact Front Door directly, although we do accept referrals from other professionals in the community with your permission.

What should I do if I’m in crisis?
We offer walk-in counselling at various locations throughout the week for non-emergency situations.  We also have crisis workers that we can link you to for support in a crisis.
If someone in your family is in a life-threatening situation, call 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department for assistance.

Who operates Front Door?
Front Door is jointly operated by Carizon Family and Community Services and Lutherwood, which are two organizations that provide mental health services to families with children between the ages of 0 and18.

Who can attend a Front Door walk-in session?
Parents of children between the ages of 0 and 18, parents and children together, children under the age of 12 with their parents’ consent (please note, we require the consent of both parents for children under the age of 12 when parents hold joint custody). Youth who are 12 or older can attend without an adult.  You are always welcome to bring any other significant/supportive person with you to a walk-in session.

What will happen when I arrive for a Walk-In session?
You will be given a brief questionnaire and consent to complete and sign.  You will be given a comfortable place to wait for your counsellor.  You will be given a good idea of when the next counsellor will be available to meet with you.

What will happen during my Walk-In session?
You will meet with an experienced counsellor who will talk to you about the concerns or questions that brought you to Walk-in.  You will establish a goal for the session and the focus of the session will be on what is most important to you.  You will leave with a written summary of the session, which may include one or several of the following: your plan for next steps, coping strategies, referral information, or relevant/helpful written information.

How long will I have to wait for my Walk-In session?
Wait times vary depending on how many other people come to Walk-In that day.  We will do our best to provide you with a good estimate of your wait time, or alternatives if the wait time for that day does not suit you.

How long will my Walk-In session be?
Most sessions are about 1 to 1 ½ hours each.