Mental Health Support Services
How to access services
With parent/guardian permission, school staff may refer to School Mental Health Services for consultation. A mental health professional will then contact the family to explain the service, answer questions, and review consent.
Students aged 12 and older may be able to consent to services on their own under Ontario law. When this happens, the mental health professional will encourage the student to involve their parent(s)/guardian(s) whenever possible.
If you have concerns for your child that have not been identified by the school team, you may refer directly to our services by contacting your child’s teacher or the principal. If you would prefer, you may also contact the intake team directly outlining your request for service:
Please note that these services are not designed to be a crisis service and we do not operate on the weekends and beyond the school day. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency, call 911 or go to your emergency department at your local hospital.
If you are not sure if it is an emergency, or just need to talk through the situation, consider reaching out to:
- For youth 16 years and older, the Mobile Crisis North Bay City Police and North Bay Regional Health Centre are operating regular hours Monday-Friday 8-6, available through the non-emergency line of the police service 705-497-5555.
- Children and teens can speak with a counsellor 24/7 by calling Kids Help PhoneÌý²¹³ÙÌý1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.
- CMHA Crisis Intervention:
- Huntsville – (705) 789-8891
- Parry Sound – (705) 746-4264 or 1-866-829-7049
- Sundridge – (705) 384-5392 or 1-866-829-7050
- Anyone in the general public experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis after the usual office hours please call 1-888-893-8333.
- Connex Ontario is a central database for services available at ca or by telephone 1-866-531-2600.
If it is not a crisis, children and youth under 18 and their caregivers can access a free single session (phone, chat, or virtual) with a child and family therapist at:Â
About Our Services
The School Mental Health Team supports students whose social, emotional, or mental health needs are affecting their success at school. Using a tiered approach that includes classroom, small-group, and individual supports, we provide short-term, evidence-informed services tailored to student needs.
Our team works with students, families, school staff, and community partners to promote well-being and connect students with additional support when needed. All members of the School Mental Health Team are trained in suicide risk screening and intervention pathways.
Students can expect a safe and confidential space to talk about their concerns. Information is kept private, except when there are concerns about safety, when sharing is required by law, or when the student agrees that involving family members or other trusted supports would be helpful.
The team also provides mental health promotion, prevention, and awareness activities to foster resilience and well-being across our schools.
For more information, please contact your child’s teacher or principal, or Lana St-Louis, MSW, RSW, Mental Health Lead, at lana.stlouis@nearnorthschools.ca
OUR TEAM
Child Development Counsellor (CDC)
Child Development Counsellors support students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 in building social and emotional skills. They help students learn skills such as understanding emotions, solving problems, building healthy relationships, and coping with challenges.
Support may be provided through classroom lessons, small groups, or individual support, depending on student need.
Brief Services and Intake Workers
Brief Services and Intake Workers are registered mental health professionals who support students aged 12 and older. They provide classroom, group, and individual support focused on building skills for well-being, including stress management, problem-solving, communication, and positive coping strategies. They also help connect students and families with appropriate school mental health services.
Mental Health Clinician (MHC)
Mental Health Clinicians are registered mental health professionals who provide short-term counselling and therapy for students whose mental health needs are affecting their success at school. They help students understand and work through emotional and mental health challenges. Support may include individual counselling, small groups, parent consultation, and help connecting families with community services when needed.
Mental Health Clinician - Indigenous Focus
The Indigenous-Focused Mental Health Clinician provides short-term counselling and therapy for self-identified Indigenous students and families. Services are culturally responsive and honour Indigenous traditions, perspectives, and ways of knowing while supporting student well-being and success at school.
Attendance Counsellors
Attendance Counsellors are registered mental health professionals who work with mandatory school age students and their families to address barriers that contribute to chronic absenteeism through counselling and community collaboration.
Mental Health and Addiction Nurses
Mental Health and Addiction Nurses (MHAN) are employed by Ontario Health atHome to students who may be experiencing mental health or substance use concerns. They help students learn ways to manage challenges, support students returning to school after a hospital stay, and assist with mental health and medication-related needs. They work closely with families, schools, and healthcare providers to support student well-being and success at school.
