Family Services Durham (FSD) provides individual, couple and family counselling and psychotherapy to people who live, work or own property in Durham Region. We provide help for a variety of issues.
Service is offered in-person, by telephone or by video. Fees are based on a sliding scale to help support accessible services.
FSD embraces diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and understands that having a sense of belonging is vital to the success and well-being of individuals, families and the community. It is important for residents of Durham Region to feel valued, included and embraced as they bring their various cultural identities, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, religious affiliations, life experiences and other intersecting identities to the services we provide. FSD is actively committed to building and nurturing a diverse, equitable and inclusive space where all clients we serve feel valued, respected, heard and empowered.
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Request service |
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You can request a service by completing the online Counselling Request Form, or calling 311 or toll-free at 1-888-721-0622 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Arrangements will be made for you to speak with an Intake Counsellor. They will gather information about your situation. If they determine FSD’s services cannot meet your needs, information about other community supports and resources will be provided. |
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Here and Now Counselling |
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Here and Now Counselling (HNC) is a service from Family Services Durham that offers prompt access to counselling for individuals ages 12 and up. It’s designed to give you support when and as you need it. You can talk to a counsellor about mild to moderate concerns, including:
Counselling is provided by registered psychotherapists and social workers at different locations across Durham Region and remotely (by video and/or phone). You can request service by completing the online Counselling Request Form or by calling 311 or toll-free at 1-888-721-0622 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). After an intake to understand your current concerns and hopes, you may be offered a Here and Now Counselling session within two weeks, if eligible. Clients can attend up to two sessions per month. This type of counselling focuses on one issue at a time, gives you helpful strategies and offers support in just one session. Multi-Session Counselling may be offered depending on current needs presented during the intake. Fees are based on a sliding scale and will be discussed during your intake. |
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What happens during Multi-Session Counselling? |
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Multi-Session Counselling may be offered by FSD based on your current needs. During your first Multi-Session Counselling appointment, your counsellor will spend time getting to know you. They will gather information about your situation and work with you to find out what you want to achieve in counselling. Many types of therapy can be offered, including:
Fees are based on a sliding scale and will be discussed during your intake. |
| Problems we can help with |
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FSD can support you with many types of problems that are mild to moderate in severity. These can include:
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We also offer specialized counselling to the following people:
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Male survivors of sexual abuse/assault |
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We provide no-cost counselling to men ages 16 and older affected by past or recent sexual abuse or assault. This program also offers support to their partners or family members. |
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Adults who have engaged in abusive behaviour |
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The Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program is provided to those who are referred by the Crown Attorney's Office, or their probation and parole officer. The PAR program may accept voluntary clients who have no outstanding partner assault charges. The Positive Alternatives Diversion Program (PADP) is a referral-based program offered in cooperation with Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS). This program is provided to parents who have been referred by DRPS for having used inappropriate forms of discipline with their children. Counselling may also be provided to individuals who have used – or at risk of using - other types of harmful behaviour against others. |
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Adults living with a developmental disability |
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Counselling for adults who are living with a developmental disability is provided alongside case management delivered by the Adult Protective Services program. |
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Services for children |
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FSD offers counselling and psychotherapy to parents/caregivers and families with children of all ages. Direct service is available for children ages six and over when there is a clinical need. Children under 12 are provided with service within family counselling/psychotherapy. |
| Confidentiality |
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Information you share with intake staff and your counsellor will remain confidential. We will only release it without consent if we are legally required to. FSD cannot take a position in third-party matters, which may include situations involving:
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Our professional credentials |
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Our counsellors are:
They have Masters-level training. Each is registered with at least one of the following:
FSD is accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation and meets the certification requirements of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). FSD is a member of Family Service Ontario, Family Service Canada, and Family Services Employee Assistance Programs (FSEAP). |
Locations and hours
Daytime and evening appointments are available.
Appointments may be provided in person or remotely (online or by phone). In-person appointments are offered at the following locations throughout Durham Region, with hours varying by location:
- Ajax
- Beaverton
- Bowmanville
- Cannington
- Oshawa
- Port Perry
- Uxbridge
- Whitby
| Durham Regional Headquarters (main office) |
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605 Rossland Road East Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3 Phone: 311 or toll-free 1-888-721-0622 |
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Counselling fees |
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OHIP does not cover fees for counselling or psychotherapy. The fee for service is set during the Intake process based on your household income. Fees are based on sliding scale to support access to service. Fees for in-person sessions are due at the beginning of each appointment. Fees for remote sessions are due upon receipt of your invoice. Payments can be made by cash, cheque or e- transfer, and by debit or credit card at some office locations. Receipts are provided for payment. Registered Social Workers and Psychotherapists are considered medical practitioners for the purpose of the Medical Expense Tax Credit, so you can claim counselling fees as a medical expense on your income tax return. Some private health insurance plans also cover counselling fees. |
FSD’s guiding principles and values
FSD's guiding principles focus on caring, integrity and responsibility.
Caring: Show compassion and empathy for others.
Integrity: Ethical, reliable and genuine.
Responsibility: Accountable for making good decisions.
Resources and Information
- Here and Now Counselling flyer
- Resources for Crisis and Mental Health Support
- Resources for Basic Needs and Community Connection
- Intimate Abuse - Information and Safety Planning Resources
- Depression Information and Resources
- Anxiety Information and Resources
- Understanding and Coping with Stress
- Strategies for Healthy Communication
- Understanding and Coping with Grief
- Understanding and Coping with Grief Due to Violent Crime
- Supporting Grieving Children and Youth
More information about mental health
To express a concern about our service
To express a concern about the service you have received, first speak with your counsellor/worker. If you are not comfortable doing so or your concern is not addressed, call 311 or 1-888-721-0622 (toll-free) and ask to speak with a Family Services Durham (FSD) Manager. If your concern remains, you can contact the FSD Director’s office at 905-668-4113 ext. 2775. If your concern is still not addressed, you may appeal to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, based on the counsellor’s professional association.
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