As Family Counselling Support Service Guelph Wellington opens a few clinics to in-person visits, they’re seeing an increased urgency to access mental health services.
Clinics in Guelph, Fergus and Harriston opened on July 20 and Ben Hesch, manager of mental health at FCSSGW, said since then the clinics have seen an increase in clients accessing care for anxiety, substance abuse and domestic violence.
“Those who are accessing our services are in more critical need than ever before,” said Hesch. “When we do see folks coming in, they’re often in a more crisis state than previous.
“My suspicion around that is because of the impact on services as a community as a whole, clients who may have been receiving support through a variety of avenues have really had those limited and it means their needs have escalated.”
Hesch said the mentioned concerns are often connected because one causes the other.
“There are certain modalities of therapy that just aren't conducive to virtual connection,” said Hesch.“We’re so thrilled to be open.”
“I still think there’s a huge underlying part of anxiety but it actually surfaced a number of other issues,” said Joanne Young Evans, executive director of FCSSGW.
Hesch said it’s critical that clinics offer these services because people want to come in and talk in person.
“When people do hear about it, they’re pleased to come in and they're so grateful and we just want more folks to know we are available,” he said.
We’re certainly seeing an increase in visitation of domestic violence. We know that there are a number of folks — because of the measures that have been put in place — have not been able to access service.
“For those, virtual counselling just isn't a safe option,” said Hesch about clients who maybe be living in the same home as their abusive partner.
Hesch said by resuming in-person consultation, children and victims of domestic violence who fell under the radar during the lockdown are now coming back to access service.
“We’re super thrilled to see those folks returning to service. You know it’s a big impact for them,” said Hesch.
He said the clinic is also seeing many parents express concerns about their children returning to school in September.
“They’re feeling quite anxious with what September is going to look like,” said Hesch about parents also inquiring about the support available to children once they return to school.
Evans said last month alone they received over 1,200 calls on the distress line. The clinics had already seen an astronomical jump in anxiety-related calls mid March
She said, if it wasn’t for community support, they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the call volume.
As soon as the lockdown hit in March, the clinic immediately shifted its gears and offered only online services for their mental health counselling until July 20.
Starting with 10 volunteers in January, the clinic is now up to 75 volunteers who were all trained virtually.
She said now that people will be returning to work and school, the clinic is looking for more volunteers.
“The community is a huge part. We wouldn’t be able to offer this service without them,” said Evans adding that funding from United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has been a crucial aspect of the services.
“We’re just thrilled with the compassion and the care we’ve had from the community,” said Evans.
