A collaborative project funded by the Champlain LHIN and led by Jewish Family Services of Ottawa

“The purpose of TWICC is to improve mental health and well being though a collaborative program providing timely and accessible single session therapy” Collaboration of 8 partner agencies across the Champlain region funded by the LHIN 1.Jewish Family Services Ottawa 2.Family Services of Ottawa 3.Catholic Family Services/Service Familial Catholique d’Ottawa 4.Counselling and Support Services of Stormont, Dundas & Glengary 5.North Renfrew Family Services 6.Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization 7.South East Ottawa Community Health Centre 8.Somerset West Community Health Centre

Single session counselling ▫First come, first serve ▫Narrative therapeutic framework Counselling is provided in multiple languages ▫English ▫French ▫Cantonese ▫Mandarin ▫Somali ▫Arabic

“The help they need when they need it.” Removes barriers to access to provide timely and effective service ▫No referrals or appointments required ▫No wait lists ▫No fee ▫7 days a week, during days and evenings ▫Deep River, Ottawa, Cornwall ‘Having help when one needs is the most important. I was wondering what to do and got the answer. This is important.’

Wait times – measured in minutes not weeks or months

Client Volume ▫Target : 1770 clients ▫Q1 – Q 3 : 1502 clients seen ▫Q4 : anticipated to continue exceeding targets Unique demographics ▫Young adults ▫Men

Reduced distress ▫Decreased approx. 1 point in 10 immediately ▫Decreased additional 4 points at follow up  Less than 10% had gone on to seek other services ‘Having this service helped me understand my issues and concerns.’ Increased coping ▫Results are indicating the clients are better able to cope because of the counselling in 10 ‘My coping skills have improved. Also my ability to navigate through that situation. It is a tremendous service that more people need to know about.’

System navigation ▫Referrals ‘They gave me options for what I can do by myself as well as help in my community.’ System impact ▫Emergency department diversion ▫Reaching under supported populations ‘I don’t know where I would have gone. Likely at the hospital.’

On-going evaluation ▫Coping, accessibility, follow-up Field-specific research ▫Partner with other walk-in programs ▫Potential cost-benefit analysis Examine mechanisms to increase access ▫Further supports and resources for sites reaching capacity ▫Training and designated time for telephone and e- counselling to increase rural access