Patient Discharge Resources
We have gathered these resources to be helpful to you in your self-management of chronic pain. Please note that the TAPMI clinic at Women’s College Hospital is not affiliated with the services listed below. This list is reviewed annually, and all resources are subject to change without notice.
Patient Discharge Resources:
-
APPS
Availability of mobile applications can vary from device. Some apps have free of charge and paid subscription options.
Manage My Pain
Developed in consultation with leading hospitals and clinics. Designed to allow you to track your pain and activity, analyze your pain and share this information with your providers. https://managemypainapp.com/
Bearable
Allows uses to track their health and recognize patterns by recording their mood, symptoms, activity and other health factors such as sleep, medication, exercise and food. https://bearable.app/
Loop habit tracker
Designed to help you create and maintain good lifelong habits based on your goals. https://loophabits.org/
CBT-I Coach
For people who are engaged in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia with a health provider, or who have experienced symptoms of insomnia and would like to improve their sleep habits.
Calm
Calm improves well-being by promoting better sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and developing more mindfulness. https://www.calm.com/
Insight Timer
Designed to support sleep, anxiety and stress. www.insighttimer.com
-
AQUATHERAPY
For a list of physiotherapists who specialize in Aquatic Rehab:
-
BOOKS about CHRONIC PAIN
- 8 Steps to Conquer Chronic Pain: A Doctor's Guide to Lifelong Relief. By Andrea Furlan (2023).
- Changing Your Pain Pathways: Ways to cope with pain in daily life. By B. Cai-Duarte, C. Kircher, B., Moore, & S. Sheffe (2018).
- Explain Pain. By D. Butler & L. Moseley (2013).
- The Explain Pain Handbook: Protectometer. By D. Butler & L. Moseley (2014).
- Managing Pain before it Manages You. By M. Caudill (2016 edition).
- The Brain that Changes Itself. By N. Doidge (2007)
-
CANNABIS and PAIN
PAIN U Cannabis and Chronic Pain Module
TAPMI’s online education module designed to help you understand the context of cannabis in chronic pain. https://tapmipain.ca/patient/about-chronic-pain/cannabis.html
Health Effects of Cannabis - Government of Canada
Outlines the health effects of Cannabis use.
Consumer Information - Cannabis - Government of Canada
Outlines the common and immediate effects of cannabis use, the potential harms and ways to reduce risk when using cannabis.
Canada’s Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
10 Ways to Reduce Risks to your Health when Using Cannabis.
Questions about cannabis and the answers that may surprise you
A booklet for people thinking about starting medical cannabis.
https://www.rxfiles.ca/rxfiles/uploads/documents/Cannabis-Medical-Patient-Booklet.pdf
-
CRISIS
In case of an emergency, call 911.
If you are thinking about suicide, or worried about someone else thinking about suicide, call or text 988. All calls or texts to 988 are confidential and toll free, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No personally identifiable information will be disclosed or shared outside of the 988 networks, except as required or permitted by law, or in cases where emergency intervention is required to support the safety and well-being of the caller or texter, and the safety of others.
-
FEE for SERVICE COUNSELLING
If you have extended benefits or are willing to pay out of pocket for counselling, we recommend accessing services with someone registered with a professional college. Professional colleges exist to protect the public and ensure practice is monitored and regulated. Check with your insurance company to ensure the services of a specific profession are covered prior to commencing your care.
If you have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) you may be able to speak with a provider for free through your specific EAP service. Most employers can access a specific number of sessions per year. Make sure to ask how many sessions you are allotted before commencing your care. Contact your human resources team, union representative or manager if you do not know the name or number of your EAP service.
College of Psychologists of Ontario
College of Psychologists of Ontario website can be found here https://cpo.on.ca/. This website has a “Find a Member” feature to help you find a psychologist who can support your needs. https://members.cpo.on.ca/public_register/new
Ontario Association of Social Workers
The association’s homepage https://www.oasw.org/ has a “how to find a social worker” to help you learn to find a social worker and what to expect when seeing a social worker. https://www.oasw.org/Public/Public/Social_Work_in_Ontario/How_To_Find_A_Social_Worker.aspx?hkey=03c22a66-963a-4b4a-8452-b72f141dcc37
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
The College’s homepage https://www.coto.org/ has a “how to find an occupational therapist (OT)” feature to help you search for an occupational therapist. https://www.coto.org/clientsandthepublic/how-to-find-an-ot
Psychology Today
Main website https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca has a “find a therapist” drop down icon that can help you search by location and later by other features like “types of therapy” and “cost”.
-
FINDING A FAMILY DOCTOR or PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER
In searching for a family doctor or primary care provider (PCP), your first option is to ask your family and/or friends if their PCP is accepting new patients or would be willing to accept you as a patient. If they are willing to accept you as a patient into their practice, follow the process they require in registering with their clinic.
The next option is to contact Health Care Connect. Health Care connect is a service that refers Ontarians without a family doctor to a primary care provider who may be accepting new patients. To learn more about what Health Care Connect does, please visit this website: Find a doctor or nurse practitioner | ontario.ca. To register for the service, you can either call 811, 24 hours a day, 7 hours a week or complete the following registration on this link: https://hcc3.hcc.moh.gov.on.ca/HCCWeb/faces/layoutHCCSplash.jsp. Once you are registered, a nurse navigator will then help support you to find a primary care practitioner.
-
FREE and LOW-COST COUNSELLING
Family Service Toronto
Offers individual, family and couple’s counselling available in multiple languages. Single-session virtual “walk-in” clinic also available.
Fees: Charged on a sliding scale based on household income and are designed to be accessible for all income ranges for anyone living or working in the City of Toronto.
https://familyservicetoronto.org/
Catholic Family Services Toronto
Offers individual, family and couple’s counselling.
Fee: Charged according to a client’s income level. No one is denied service because of inability to pay fees.
Woodgreen Toronto
Counselling and Support Services: Offers Walk-In counselling virtually, by phone (416-645-6000 x1990) and in person at 815 Danforth Avenue.
*As of November 2023, in person takes place on Tuesdays, virtually or by phone on Wednesdays from 4pm-6:30pm
Fee: Free
https://www.woodgreen.org/programs/walk-in-counselling-wic
https://www.woodgreen.org/programs/counseling-and-support-services-css
Gestalt Student Clinic
Students at Gestalt Institute of Toronto provide therapy at low-cost and under supervision of trained professionals. Offering virtual and some in-person across the GTA.
Fee: $40.00 per session
https://gestalt.on.ca/low-cost-therapy-clinic/
Affordable Therapy Network
Provides an online database of therapists across Canada (incl. Toronto/Ontario) that provide low-cost ($65 or less) or sliding scale ($70-$120) rates.
https://affordabletherapynetwork.com/
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
Offers variety of peer support or one-to-one short term counselling. There is a waitlist for structured 1:1 counselling. Once registration is submitted it will take about 4 weeks to be contacted for intake. Interested individuals can register on https://mooddisorders.ca/ by clicking on “Registering for Structured for One-on-one Peer Support and/or Counselling.”
Visit https://mooddisorders.ca/ for more information on peer support groups running every week for people living with depression, anxiety or bi-polar disorder. Many of these support groups are drop-in.
Fee: Free
BounceBack Ontario
https://bouncebackontario.ca/adults-18/
BounceBack provides access to materials and resources covering a variety of concerns from stress and worry, unhelpful thinking and relationships. The program provides access to workbooks, activities, videos, and a trained coaches who can provide up to six telephone sessions.
BounceBack Coaching is available through the provincial Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program. To be referred to the program interested individuals will need a referral from family doctor or mental health care provider. Referral form is here: https://bouncebackontario.ca/bounceback-coaching/osp-camh/
Fee: Free
Wellness Together Canada
Provides resources, information, self-guided courses, coping strategies, access to counselling or create a profile to connect to more personalized mental health and substance use support. Provides support for all ages. For free counselling, call and create a profile, patient is then transferred to a professional to complete an intake session 30-60min at which point they will scheduled with a registered/certified counsellor for ongoing support. There are 4-6 sessions available to all patients but left at the discretion of counsellor if they need more. Can be telephone counselling and/or video. Service is 24/7. Can speak to anyone on call at any time even if they are receiving ongoing support.
Fee: Free
-
LIFESTYLE and EXERCISE
PAIN U Physical Activity Module
TAPMI’s online education module designed to help you learn the importance of physical exercise, types of exercise and how to set activity goals.
https://tapmipain.ca/patient/managing-my-pain/pain-u-online/physical-activity.html
PAIN U Pacing Physical Activity Module
TAPMI’s online education module designed to help you learn the importance of pacing activity, the impact of pacing on pain and how to make a pacing plan.
https://tapmipain.ca/patient/managing-my-pain/pain-u-online/pacing-module.html
PAIN U Simple Stretches Module
After completing the Physical Activity and Pacing Physical Activity modules, this TAPMI online education module will help you understand how, why, and when physical activity is good for persistent pain.
https://tapmipain.ca/patient/managing-my-pain/pain-u-online/simple-stretches.html
YouTube Channel: Dr. Andrea Furlan
For videos by TAPMI physiatrist Dr. Andrea Furlan about chronic pain including the causes of pain, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, nutrition for pain, mind-body therapies, and exercise for people with chronic pain.
https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAndreaFurlan
Government of Canada - Physical Activity Tips
Understand the health benefits of activity and get tips to help you be more active.
Physical Activity Tips for Adults (18-64 years):
Physical Activity Tips for Adults (65 years and older):
-
MENTAL HEALTH SELF-MANAGEMENT
BOOKS
- Mind over Mood. By D. Greenberger & C. Padesky (2016).
- The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook, By Davis, M. Eshelman, E. R., Mckay, M. (2019)
WEBSITES
Wellness Together Canada
Provides resources, information, self-guided courses, coping strategies, access to counselling. Can create a profile to connect to more personalized mental health and substance use support. Provides support for all ages. https://wellnesstogether.ca/
BounceBack
A life skills building program designed to help people aged 15+ manage low mood, mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, or may be feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable and/or angry. https://bouncebackontario.ca
The Science of Well-Being
Free enrollment in a Yale University online course (approx. 19 hours to complete) https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being
Engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. Learn about the misconceptions of happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life
-
NUTRITION
PAIN U Eating Healthy Module
TAPMI’s online education module designed to help you learn about healthy eating as a tool in the self-management of chronic pain.
https://tapmipain.ca/patient/managing-my-pain/pain-u-online/healthy-eating.html
Nutrition and Chronic Pain
Fact sheet created by the International Association for the Study of Pain. Offers nutrition interventions that can support pain reduction.
https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/fact-sheets/nutrition-and-chronic-pain/
YouTube Channel: Dr. Andrea Furlan
For videos by TAPMI physiatrist Dr. Andrea Furlan about chronic pain including the causes of pain, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, nutrition for pain, mind-body therapies, and exercise for people with chronic pain.
https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAndreaFurlan
Arthritis Dietitian's Sjögren's Gut Care Series
The Sjögren's gut care series aims to spark a conversation about the impact of Sjogren's on digestive health and quality of life.
-
PAIN SELF-MANAGEMENT
PAIN U Online
A series of online learning modules developed by TAPMI and designed to support you to:
- Become knowledgeable about chronic pain
- Focus on goals that are important to you
- Minimize stress
- Identify warning signs and avoid flare ups
- Improve overall quality of life
- Stay active to improve your pain levels
- Pace your activities to reduce your risk of flare up
- Practice daily relaxation techniques
- Learn how to communicate with family, friends, and care providers
- Improve your sleep so you can cope better with your pain
https://tapmipain.ca/patient/managing-my-pain/pain-u-online/#/
Progress Over Pain
A provincial self-management resource that is OHIP covered and can include groups, online workshops or one-one health coaching designed to help you manage your chronic condition and get the most out of life. These services are free, evidence-based and peer-lead. The goal is to provide education and skills training to individuals living with chronic conditions (like pain). The focus is on addressing behaviours and choices that may improve your condition or reduce complications.
See the Online Self-Management Program at the following website https://selfmanagementontario.ca/ for details of the Progress Over Pain program. Progress over pain is a 6 week online program that focuses on self-management for people living with chronic pain.
LivePlanBE and LivePlanBE+
LivePlanBe and LivePlanBe+ are free online educational programs created with the input of people living with pain. Explore the LivePlanBe Library to learn about chronic pain and the different ways of managing it. Evidence-based resources include videos, text-based articles, audio files and webinars. Or access the LivePlanBe+ program that helps you learn to make small changes that add up to big improvements in our well-being. https://www.liveplanbe.ca/
Pain Canada
Partnership of advocates, researchers, experts and people living with pain. Offers a listing of free resources for people living with pain. https://www.paincanada.ca/
Painaustralia
Offers education, advice and resources when coping with common pain conditions. https://www.painaustralia.org.au/
My Chronic Migraine
A source of information and tools designed to help people understand symptoms and discover treatment options for headache. MyChronicMigraine.ca
Arthritis Society Canada
A source of information and tools designed to help people understand symptoms and discover treatment options for arthritis. MyChronicMigraine.ca
-
PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other. There are different types of peer support, but they all aim to bring together people with shared experiences to support one another.
People in Pain Network
People in Pain Network aims to promote well-being for people living in persistent/ chronic pain and those who care about them, by strengthening self-management programs, access to resources, and community support.
Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre-Living well with Chronic Conditions Workshop
A highly interactive, 6-week online workshop led by two trained online leaders who live with chronic conditions themselves, or who care for someone that does. Workshops take place once a week for 2.5 hours per week. Groups run September to June on the first Wednesday of each month. All residents of Ontario are welcome. Advance registration is required, see website for details.
https://www.bqwchc.com/events/2024-02-14/living-well-chronic-conditions-virtual
Interstitial Cystitis Network
Online support groups for people with interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome and pelvic pain. Canada Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder & Pelvic Pain Support Groups (ic-network.com)
-
PELVIC PAIN and PELVIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
Health information and resources for patients with chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. Pelvic Pain/ Endometriosis (bcwomens.ca)
The Endometriosis Network of Canada
Website includes the Endo Hub, a go-to resource for all things endo, providing information about endometriosis including pathways to diagnosis and management options. The Endometriosis Network Canada
Interstitial Cystitis Network
Online support groups for people with interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome and pelvic pain. Canada Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder & Pelvic Pain Support Groups (ic-network.com)
BOOKS
1. A Headache in the Pelvis: A New Understanding and Treatment for Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes by David Wise, Ph.D. and Rodney Anderson, M.D.
2. Why Pelvic Pain Hurts by Sandra Hilton, Carolyn Vandyken, Adriaan Louw.
3. Hello Down There by Alexandra T. Milspaw, PhD, ME.
For a list of pelvic physiotherapists in Canada: https://pelvichealthsolutions.ca/
-
PODCASTS and RECORDINGS
Reframing Pain in the Mind - The Current with Matt Galloway (January 17, 2024)
Hear a patient’s experience of chronic back pain, learn about the role the brain plays in chronic pain from a neuroscientist and listen to the perspective of TAPMI anesthesiologist Dr. Hance Clarke in his support of patients with chronic pain.
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current This segment of the episode starts at the 47 minute mark
The Huberman Lab - Sleep Toolkit: Tools for Optimizing Sleep and Sleep-Wake Timing (August 8, 2022)
Hear Andrew Huberman describe a comprehensive toolkit that one can use to enhance the quality, duration, and impact of their sleep. The toolkit also includes guidance regarding how to recover from poor sleep, jet lag and harnessing food, light and other tools to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Sleep Toolkit: Tools for Optimizing Sleep & Sleep-Wake Timing - Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab - episode 159 deals with Tools to Reduce & Manage Pain with Dr. Sean Mackey
Hear Andrew Huberman and his guest Dr. Sean Mackey discussing pain in the body and mind, including the pain threshold, causes of pain and the effective protocols for pain management.
Dr. Sean Mackey: Tools to Reduce & Manage Pain - Huberman Lab
Chronic Pain Reset: Redefining Life Beyond the Threshold
Hear Dr. Hasset discusses the connection between pain, emotions, and the brain and how individuals can use the power of sleep, exercise and mood in influencing pain experiences.
Ologies with Alie Ward-Dolorology (PAIN) with Rachel Zoffness
Hear pain psychologist Dr. Rachel Zoffness enthusiastically explains the brain, pain and how to retrain it.
-
SALTWATER POOLS
Name and Location
Phone Number
Comments
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
750 Spadina Avenue, (Spadina Ave & Bloor St)
416-924-6211
Pool temperature: 82-84 degrees
Fee based program.
-
SEXUAL HEALTH and INTIMACY
BOOKS
1. The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain and Illness, by Miriam Kaufman, Cory Silverberg and Fran Odette (2007). Cleis Press.
2. Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How women can cultivate desire by Lori Brotto (2018). Vancouver, Canada: Greystone Publishing.
WEBSITES
Liveplanbe.ca: Four Keys to Satisfying Sex When You Live with Chronic Pain
Liveplanbe.ca: Chronic Pain and Sex
https://www.liveplanbe.ca/pain-education/support-relationships/chronic-pain-and-sex
-
SLEEP
PAIN U Sleep Module
TAPMI’s online education module designed to help you understand the context of sleep challenges and interventions available to patients with chronic pain https://tapmipain.ca/patient/managing-my-pain/pain-u-online/sleep.html
BOOKS
- No more sleepless nights, by Peter Hauri PhD (1996)
- Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep: Solutions to Insomnia for Those with Depression, Anxiety or Chronic Pain by Dr. Colleen E Carney, PhD (2009)
- The Insomnia Workbook, by Stephanie Silbernman PhD (2009)
- The Feeling Good Handbook, by Dr. David Burns MD (1999)
- The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, by Edmond Bourne PhD (2020)
- The Sleep Book, By G. Meadows (2014).
WEBSITES FOR COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT-I)
mysleepwell
Education, resources and tools to support people with insomnia https://mysleepwell.ca/.
Sleep On It Canada
Canadian Public Health Initiative about sleep (Available in English and French). Designed to demystify sleep for the general public, offer solutions to deal with sleep disorders and make healthy sleep a public health priority https://sleeponitcanada.ca/.
-
SUBSTANCE USE
Connex Ontario
Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling by connecting them with services in their area. https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/ or Call 1-866-531-2600.
Smoking and Persistent Pain
TAPMI resource offering information about smoking and the link between smoking and chronic pain. Learn a few key steps on how to quit using the STOP approach and access resources to help you stop smoking.
https://tapmipain.ca/patient/managing-my-pain/pain-u-online/smoking-and-persistent-pain.html
Breaking Free Ontario
A confidential wellness and recovery support program for residents of Ontario who want to address their substance use concerns (including cigarette smoking). https://breakingfreeonline.ca/
Women for Sobriety (WFS)
The first peer-support program tailored specifically for women overcoming substance use disorders (SUDs). https://womenforsobriety.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
A fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking. It is free to attend AA meetings. AA’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety. https://www.aa.org/
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
A global, community-based organization with a multilingual and multicultural membership. NA members hold more than 72,000 meetings weekly in 143 countries today. They have in person and online meetings listed on this website: https://www.na.org/
Naloxone Responding to Opioid Overdose Factsheet
A factsheet describing an opioid overdose and the risks of opioid overdose.
Page 1: https://pharmacy-nutrition.usask.ca/mac/services/ucpc/naloxone-infographic-1r.pdf
Page 2: https://pharmacy-nutrition.usask.ca/mac/documents/ucpc/naloxone-infographic-2-r.pdf
-
THE PAIN TOOLKIT
The 12 Pain Toolkit tools are a set of practical strategies designed to help people manage their persistent pain more effectively. These tools include simple skills for pacing and planning activities, relaxation to get back on track and in the driving seat.
-
TRAUMA RESOURCES
Trauma care is an important part of supporting the overall wellbeing of our patients. We commend you for taking the first steps to access this type of care. Please consider the list below to access trauma services in the community. These community resources may be helpful in supporting your journey to manage the impact of trauma in your life. Please review these services to determine which, if any, may be right for you.
While hospital-based programs to address trauma symptoms do exist, this care is often limited and involves lengthy wait times which can be frustrating. If you prefer a hospital-based trauma program, please ask your family physician for a referral.
All services are free unless otherwise noted. These services are open to anyone in Ontario unless otherwise noted.
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
Address: 194 Jarvis St., 2nd Floor, Toronto
Phone:
- Toronto & Mississauga: 416-363-1066
- Scarborough: 416-750-3045
Website: https://ccvt.org/mental-health-counselling-support/
Programs: Mental Health and Counselling Support programs include a wide range of services available to clients depending on their needs, including psychological and psychiatric care, counselling and other services by professionals.
Service Details:
- Service is open to anyone who has experienced any form of abuse or trauma at any time in their lives.
- Services are available in person, virtually or by telephone depending on the client’s preferences.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
- Call to self-refer: 416-363-1066 or 416-752-3045 and ask for an intake appointment.
- Online referral form: https://ccvt.org/referral-form/
- An intake worker will schedule a follow-up appointment.
COSTI Immigrant Services
Address: Sheridan Mall, 1700 Wilson Avenue, Suite 105, Toronto
Phone: 416-244-7714
Website: http://www.costi.org
Programs: COSTI Family and Mental Health Services Centre offers confidential and culturally competent one-on-one trauma and group care. Clients typically start with individual counselling and are then ushered into appropriate programs.
Service Details:
- Service is open to anyone who has experienced any form of abuse or trauma at any time in their lives.
- Clients can be new to the country, have no status or be a Canadian citizen.
- Fee: Individualized to every client. Sliding scale is available and is based on the client’s ability to pay.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
- Call to self-refer: 416-244-7714 and ask for an appointment with the intake worker for assessment. Clients challenged with substance abuse will be redirected to other service providers. However, this service can support clients who have process addictions (gambling, shopping, gaming etc).
The Gatehouse
Address: 3101 Lakeshore Blvd West, Toronto
Phone: 416-255-5900
Website: www.thegatehouse.org
Programs:
- Phase 1 Program: 15-week Peer Support Group called “Out of the Darkness-Into the Light.”
- Phase 2 Program: 16-week Peer Support Group called “Forging Individual Transformation.” (Pre-requisite: Phase 1 program)
- Expressive Arts Therapy Group: 12-week program led by CREATE Institute Practicum Student(s) and a Gatehouse Peer Facilitator. Only available in person. Pre-requisites: Phase 1 program.
- Young Adult Program (ages 18-25): 5-week peer support program. No pre-requisite required.
- The Road from Estrangement to Reconciliation Program: 15-week peer support program. Pre-requisites: Phase 1 and 2 programs.
- Partners/ Support Persons Program: monthly online meeting for partners or support persons of clients registered to attend, attending, or have completed the Phase 1 program.
Service Details:
- Program is open to anyone living in Canada who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
- There are separate groups for men, women and all genders depending on client preference.
- Groups are limited to less than 10 participants. Most groups run in the evenings, but daytime offerings are available.
- Most groups are available in-person or virtual.
- Fee: $25 for Phase 1, Phase 2 and The Road from Estrangement to Reconciliation programs.
- Fee: $250 for the Expressive Arts Therapy program.
- Partners/Support Persons program is free.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
- Self-refer by downloading and completing the intake form here: https://thegatehouse.org/adult-support-program/
- Email the completed intake form to Stewart Thompson, Program Assistant, at stewart@thegatehouse.org
- If clients do not have online access, they can call 416-255-5900 and advise that they need help completing the intake form.
- Once the intake is complete, someone from The Gatehouse will reach out to client the conduct an intake interview.
- Persons who have sexual offenses/sexual offending behavior are not permitted in the group program.
Fred Victor
Address: Several locations in downtown Toronto
Phone: 416-644-3081
Website: https://www.fredvictor.org
Programs:
- Seeking Safety Group is 6-session skills building group for people with traumatic experiences. There are men only, women only, and coed groups available.
- For people who have completed seeking safety, there is a follow-up group for 10-12 weeks available to those interested in learning additional trauma skills.
- There is also a 1-hour co-ed drop-in seeking safety group where clients have dinner as part of the group. Clients do not have to register, just show up at the 145 Queen Street East site.
Service Details:
- Program is open to women and men aged 20-65 years of age who have a history of trauma and substance use disorder.
- Clients must have a substance use disorder but do not need to be wanting to work on their substance use to access the program.
- All groups are in-person currently running out of the 40 Oak Street site in Regent Park.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
- Self-refer by completing and submitting the referral form: https://cdss-fredvictor.org/trauma-services-or-row/
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Address: 499 College St., Suite 503, Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-323-9149
Website: https://www.schliferclinic.com/counselling-services/
Programs:
- The clinic offers different groups throughout the year with specific criteria.
- Groups are very well attended and generally available to be viewed online, including the criteria to access the group.
- Groups require registration.
- Brief individual counselling can be accessed for up to 6 visits.
Service Details:
- Service is open to women (self-identified), non-binary, intersex, and Two Spirit people who have experienced any form of gender-based violence including human trafficking, sexual assault or intimate partner violence at any given point in their lives.
- Some groups are in person, some are virtual.
- Service does not maintain waitlists.
- If the service does not have capacity for individual counselling client will be redirected to other services or they will ask the client to call back.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
- To self refer: client can either call 416-323-9149 press 1 or communicate by email at intake@schliferclinic.com.
- Please provide your full name, phone number and a description of what support you need/want. For example, “I need help with nightmares,” or “I would like group counselling.”
- Someone from the intake team will then call the client to complete the intake interview.
- Speak to your intake worker about what kind of support you are asking for and to understand the process for registration in groups
Jean Tweed Centre
Address: 215 Evans Avenue., Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-255-7359
Website: https://jeantweed.com/trauma-services/
Programs:
- Seeking Safety: 20-week program explores and addresses the impact of trauma and substance use and/or gambling, with a focus on safety skills, coping, empowerment, and personal support.
- Building Resilience: 4- week group will help you understand the impacts of trauma, its connections to substance use and/or gambling, and builds on existing resources to cope with these challenges.
Service Details:
- Clients do not have to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder or mood disorder to access care.
- If substance use or gambling are not primary concerns, individual counselling program is the pathway to access Seeking Safety then the Building Resilience groups.
- All group programs are currently running virtually.
- 1:1 counselling is available virtual or in-person.
- Fee: Most services are free. There is a minimal charge to cover group materials for some group programs.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
- Clients can attend an “information night” to learn about their programs and meet staff.
- To self-refer: call 416-255-7359 ext.227/260 or fill out a form on https://jeantweed.com/getting-started/.
- Indicate you are interested in the individualized counselling program.
- The intake department will then contact the client to schedule an appointment for an assessment.
PTSD Coach Canada
Mobile App: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/resources/stay-connected/mobile-app/ptsd-coach-canada
Programs: The App that helps individuals learns about the management of symptoms that can occur after trauma.
Service Details (features include):
- Reliable and current information on PTSD and about treatments that are effective.
- Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms.
- Convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you manage stress symptoms.
Information on crisis support and how to get help.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
Download the app on your mobile device.
There are non-interactive portions of the app that can be accessed without a mobile device.
Women’s College Hospital
Website: https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health-v2/general-psychiatry-program/
- Seeking Safety Virtual Treatment Group
- Go into the “Programs & Services” Tab and then Click “Seeking Safety Treatment Group (SS)”
Programs:
- This 13-week group will assist individuals to develop strategies to manage previously overwhelming situations thereby increasing their self-awareness and reducing their symptoms.
- This treatment is designed for people with substance abuse and trauma and emphasizes the relationship between the two.
- The co-facilitators will encourage and provide opportunities for individuals to develop a practice of using safe coping strategies and tools in a supportive virtual group setting.
Service Details:
- This program is open to both men and women with a current substance use disorder.
- Patients must have a history of relational trauma AND symptoms of PTSD AND be deemed appropriate for the group milieu.
- Relational trauma can be the result of ongoing abuse, abandonment or enmeshment that occurred within a close relationship.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
A referral is required from a treating physician who can follow the patient while they are in the group.
- Referral can be accessed on the following website: https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health-v2/general-psychiatry-program/
Go into the “Programs & Services” Tab and then Click “Seeking Safety Treatment Group (SS)” and scroll to the bottom of the paragraph where you will find the
Click “Seeking Safety Treatment Referral Form.”
The intake process includes an in-person orientation session and virtual intake session after which suitability for group is determined.
YWCA of Greater Toronto
Phone: 416-487-7151 ext. 266
Website: https://www.ywcatoronto.org/OurPrograms/supportservices
Service is based near Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue.
Programs:
- Breakthrough-healing through the Arts is an arts and mindfulness program.
- This is not a talk-based program but meant to connect people to the present moment.
Service Details:
- Catchment area: Anyone in Ontario who can come onsite for the care.
- Program is designed for women, non-binary and trans people who have experienced or are experiencing violence (physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, financial or spiritual) at any time in their lives.
- Waitlist: varies between 3-9 months.
- Fee: Free
- Groups are onsite, currently in Central Toronto near Dundas subway station and offered on weekdays, during the day. All groups have two professional facilitators.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
Self-referral has two-stages, including:
- Step 1: Client to call and leave a message, indicating the best number for them to call back and whether they can leave a voicemail. Client will be scheduled to complete an intake interview and, if appropriate, be placed on a waitlist.
- Step 2: Client will have 1:1 meeting over zoom to determine if the program is a good fit closer to the start date of the group.
Ontario Network of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres (SADVTC)
Phone: 416-323-7327
Website: https://www.sadvtreatmentcentres.ca/
Programs:
- Provide comprehensive, trauma-specific care and treatment. Services include:
- Acute Care
- Non-Acute Care
- Follow-up Care
**Services vary between Centres.
Service Details:
- Catchment area: Anyone in Ontario who has recently experienced sexual assault or domestic violence.
- There are 37 hospital-based sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centres across Ontario. Click here to find a centre near you: https://www.sadvtreatmentcentres.ca/find-a-centre/
- Counselling services provided at no cost.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals who have been seen through the acute/non-acute service are prioritized for counselling services.
- When possible, referrals for counselling are also accepted from within the community.
- Contact the SADVTC near you to inquire about available counselling services and referral process.
Women’s College Hospital
Trauma Therapy Program
Phone: 416-323-6230
Website: https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/trauma-therapy-program/
Programs:
Service includes:
- Stage One: Resourced and Resilient Group
- Stage Two: Access to various Pathways to Healing groups
- Following the completion of up to 2 group pathways, individuals will be discharged for one year to consolidate gains made in therapy. Individuals can be re-referred to the program or to WRAP after this one-year period, if they are interested in additional services.
**Service does not provide crisis support or long-term therapy.
Service Details:
- The program offers confidential, time-limited and primarily group-based psychotherapy to adults who have experienced childhood interpersonal trauma including physical, sexual, emotional abuse and/or neglect that occurred between the ages of 0-18.
- The program fees are covered by OHIP and service are available between the hours of 9am-5pm.
Referral Process and Exclusion Criteria:
This program is temporarily closed to new referrals.
-
WARM LINES
For individuals who need someone to talk to. Support is offered by peers (not professionals) and is not for those in crisis. Hours vary. Services often offer information and support.
Progress Place Warm Line
Available 4 pm to Midnight Ontario, 7 days a week
416-960-WARM (9276)
OR text 647-557-5882
OR online chat through website
Krasman Centre Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Services
https://krasmancentre.com/what-we-do/warm-line-peer-crisis-support/
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1-888-780-0979
OR online chat through website (available from 10am-midnight only)
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
Available 9:30am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Support offered by trained volunteers with lived experience.
416-486-8046
OR 1-888-486-8236
For residents of Toronto. Can re-direct to other local services for those who reside outside Toronto.
-
WARM POOLS
Location
Phone Number
Comments
1 Faustina Drive, (Kipling Ave and Lakeshore Ave)
416-394-8726
Warm Water Pool: 85-86 degrees
Sauna: unknown degrees
205 Humber College Boulevard, (Hwy 27 & Humber College Blvd)
416-394-6050
Hot Tub: 102 degrees open during lane swim times.
5100 Yonge Street, (Yonge St & Sheppard Ave W)
416-395-7585
Offer aquafit arthritis: Mondays and Fridays 10:15am- 11:15am. (Winter 2024 schedule)
Therapy Pool: 100 degrees
Agincourt Community Recreation Centre
31 Glen Watford Drive, (Midland Ave & Sheppard Ave E)
416-396-4037
Offers aquafit
Hot tub: 96 degrees
Sauna: 86 degrees
93 Birchmount Road, (Birchmount Rd & Kingston Rd)
416-396-4311
Hot Tub: 93 degrees
Sauna: 93 degrees
1967 Ellesmere Road, (Markham Rd & Ellesmere Rd)
416-396-4057
Finnish-Canadian Senior Centre
795 Eglinton Avenue East, (Laird Dr & Eglinton Ave E)
416-425-4134
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
150 Kilgour Road, (Bayview Ave & Eglinton Ave E)
416-425-6220 x 3063
Programs are routinely changing. Contact the hospital to find out details of current programming.
285 Cummer Avenue, (Willowdale Ave & Cummer Ave)
416-224-6948
Requires referral, fee-based program.
3701 Danforth Avenue, (Kingston Rd & Danforth Ave)
416-699-7167
Hot tub: 94 degrees
Offers aquafit
Requires active membership, fee-based program.
West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre
313 Pharmacy Avenue, (Pharmacy Ave & St. Clair Ave E)
416-755-9215
Pool is still under renovations (Feb 28, 2024).
Various locations
Some locations with warm water pools, fee-based program. Sliding scale available.
Mary McCormick Recreation Centre
66 Sheridan Avenue, (Brock Ave & Dundas St W)
416-392-0742
Warm Water Pool: 82 degrees
Scadding Court Community Centre
707 Dundas Street West, (Bathurst Ave & Dundas St W)
416-392-0335
Warm Water Pool: 88 degrees
Wallace Emerson Community Centre
1260 Dufferin Street, (Dufferin St & Dupont Ave)
416-392-0039
Warm Water Pool: 86 degrees
Cornell Community Centre in Markham
3201 Bur Oak Ave, (Bur Oak Ave & Church St)
905-479-7753
Attached to Markham Stouffville Hospital and remains closed.
7755 Bayview Avenue, (John St & Bayview Ave)
905-944-3800
Therapy Pool: 92 degrees
Richmond Hill's Richvale Community Centre and Pool
160 Avenue Road, (Avenue Rd & Castlerock Dr)
905-884-0855 (main centre)
640 Dundas Street East,(Dundas St & River St)
416-338-2237
Women’s only leisure swim: Saturdays 1:30pm-3:30pm.
-
YOUNG ADULT
People in Pain Network - Young Adults in Pain
People in Pain Network aims to promote well-being for people living in persistent/ chronic pain and those who care about them, by strengthening self-management programs, access to resources, and community support. Young Adults in Pain is an online self-management, education and support group for those between 19 and 35. https://www.pipain.com/manage.html
Family Navigation Project
Family Navigation Project (FNP) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre serves youth and families in the Greater Toronto Area (Durham, Halton, Peel, Toronto, York). Provides help to youth, 11 to 29 years old experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues, and their families. Team helps young people and/or their families navigate the system more easily, to find and gain access to resources, such as service providers and treatment centres. https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=family-navigation-project
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO)
YWHO Hub Networks provide high-quality integrated youth services to support the well-being of young people aged 12 to 25, including mental health and substance use supports, primary health care, community and social supports, and more. https://youthhubs.ca/
Decode Insomnia Clinic
A treatment program for chronic insomnia for individuals ages 13+ in Ontario based on cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Access the decode insomnia video series to learn, jumpstart and receive general sleep advice. https://www.decodeinsomnia.com/start
-
YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Title
Channel
Link
Understanding Pain: What to do about it in less than 5 minutes?
Brainman
Tedx Talks
Tame the Beast – It's time to rethink persistent pain
YouTube Channel: Dr. Andrea Furlan
For videos by TAPMI physiatrist Dr. Andrea Furlan about chronic pain including the causes of pain, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, nutrition for pain, mind-body therapies, and exercise for people with chronic pain.
https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAndreaFurlan