Frequently Asked Questions
- How can FST help me?
- Is FST open to anyone?
- Is my information/counselling confidential?
- Where are you located ?
- Is parking available?
- Can I bring my children with me for my counselling appointment?
- What type of counselling do you offer?
- What are the qualifications of FST counsellors?
- How much do I have to pay for service?
How can FST help me?
Sometimes the challenges we face in our daily lives become too difficult to manage alone. We may need someone to talk to who can help us find solutions. Family Service Toronto (FSA) is a non-profit, social service agency which offers a variety of counselling programs; one-to-one, with couples and families, or in groups – to help people cope with the challenges of:
• personal, job, relationship, parenting and family problems;
• aging and caring for an aging family member;
• coping with developmental disabilities;
• dealing with separation, divorce and new relationships;
• surviving domestic violence and sexual abuse;
• accessing community resources;
• dealing with sexual and gender orientation issues;
• coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS;
• living in poverty;
• and so much more.
Is FSAT open to anyone?
FSAT is strongly committed to anti-discrimination practices for all our clients, volunteers and employees. Our services are available to everyone living or working in Toronto, regardless of their age, cultural background, race or sexual orientation. In order to serve Toronto’s large and diverse population, we offer service in numerous languages and many of our offices are wheelchair accessible.
Is my information/counselling confidential?
All your personal data and anything discussed between you and your counsellor is private and confidential within FSA. To get advice on how to be most helpful to you, your counsellor may consult with the service team, supervisor or program consultant. We will not provide other individuals with your information without your written consent.
There are some special circumstances where we may release information regarding your counselling:
• if we believe you or someone else is in imminent danger of
physical harm, and information we have might prevent it;
• if a child under 16 may be at risk of abuse;
• if we’re subpoenaed by a court of law;
• or if we’re presented with a search warrant.
For more information about our practices please read FST Privacy Policy
Where are you located ?
We provide services at several locations within Toronto area. However, none of these locations offers all FST services. When you call our centralized Service Access Unit (416-595-9618) our staff will help you get the service you need at the best location available. Our main locations are:
TORONTO- Central
355 Church St.
Offices are on the east side of Church St., north
of Gerard. The closest subway station is College. Programs and services
offered at this location include: General Counselling, David Kelley Services
(HIV/AIDS, Gay & Lesbian
Counselling, LGBT Parenting) Seniors & Caregivers, Next Steps and Partner
Abuse Response Program.
ETOBICOKE
North:
Rexdale Community Health Centre, 8 Taber Rd.
FST offices are on the main floor. Taber Rd. runs off Kipling, north
of the Rexdale Blvd. south of Finch. At this location we offer General
Counselling.
LAKESHORE Area Multiservice Project,
185 5th St.
Lamp is a community centre located on the corner of
5th St. and Birmingham. The office is located one block south of Lakeshore.
The closest subway station is Islington. Programs and services offered
here are General Counselling and Parenting groups.
SCARBOROUGH: 747 Warden Avenue
The closesest subway station is Warden (Bloor line). Exit
at Warden stop and take the #68 Warden North bus
and get off at the 3rd stop). Programs and services offered
at this location are General Counselling and Seniors & Caregivers.
NORTH YORK:
700 Lawrence, Lawrence Square Mall, suite 420
Lawrence Square Mall is close to Lawrence West subway station (Spadina
line), on the north side of Lawrence St. just west of Allen Rd. The
offices are on the fourth floor, west side of the mall (entrance close
to Canadian Tire). Programs and services offered here are Families
in Transition, Learn$ave, and Options (intellectual disabilities).
Is parking available?
Free parking is available at most of our locations. The Church St. location has only paid parking on the premises and lateral streets.
Can I bring my children with me for my counselling appointment?
Unless they are part of the session or group work, you can not bring your children with you. However, if they do not require supervision, they can wait for you in the general waiting room.
What type of counselling do you offer?
We offer practical solutions, short-term counselling to individuals and families going through various difficult situations. We are not a drop-in or crisis service. To learn more about our counselling service, read about our Counselling Services.
What are the qualifications of FST counsellors?
FST counsellors are experienced social workers or psychotherapists. They have post-graduate education at the Master's or Doctoral level.
How much do I have to pay for service?
Some of FST services are free (Options, David Kelley HIV/AIDS Counselling and Seniors and Caregivers). For other services, in order to make them as affordable as possible, the fees are calculated on a sliding scale based on the total household income and family size.
You will be asked to pay your fee before each session. If you miss two payments, we will have to stop your sessions until your account is settled. If your financial situation changes at any time, please let us know right away. We'll adjust your fees to fit your circumstances.
Additional Information:
If you would like additional information about our services, feel free to e-mail us at sau@familyservicetoronto.org
