What is One Stop Talk?
One Stop Talk is a free, service that lets children, youth or concerned friends/family members call or connect online from anywhere in Ontario to get brief mental health services.
During the session, a certified therapist will talk to you and work together with you to develop a plan that will help you move forward with the issue(s) you have raised.
You can contact One Stop Talk each and every time you think require any support; there’s no limit to how many times you can use this service.
Who can call/contact One Stop Talk?
Any child, youth (within 18 years of age) or concerned friend/family member can call or connect online from anywhere in Ontario.
No matter your race, orientation, origin or identity, if you’re struggling, we’re here for you. No issue is too big or small, if it’s important to you, it’s important to us.
Is One Stop Talk a crisis line?
One Stop Talk is not a crisis line. It provides you with one hour of professional therapy at no cost to work through your current issue or problem. Together, a certified therapist and you co-design a plan to help you move forward.
What are the hours of operation for One Stop Talk?
Currently, One Stop Talk is available Monday to Friday from 12PM to 8PM, and Saturday from 12PM to 4PM EST.
To ensure you receive full advantage of the Single Session Therapy, we highly recommend you connect with us at least one hour before closing. As more agencies and clinicians join One Stop Talk, the hours of operation will expand.
Is One Stop Talk anonymous?
One Stop Talk is not anonymous. This is to ensure that we can provide continuity of service for clients who may need referral to additional services. However, the program adheres to strict privacy and confidentiality obligations and does not disclose any personal information without client consent, unless required by law. View our privacy policy here.
How can I connect to One Stop Talk?
There are two ways you can connect with us: through the web chat or by calling 1-855-416-8255.
On the website, an automated chat bot will gather some of your initial information and then connect to a registered therapist for a one-hour session.
Similarly, when you call us, you are connected to a smart system that gathers your information before connecting you with a therapist who will work to develop a plan that will help you move forward with the issue(s) you have raised.
Who will I be talking with when I contact One Stop Talk?
The therapists working with the One Stop Talk program are regulated professionals who work for provincially funded infant, child and mental health agencies in Ontario. They are experienced with and empathetic to the many multicultural, diverse issues children and youth are up against.
Can I use One Stop Talk if I’m currently receiving services elsewhere?
Yes! This is single session therapy and it’s intended to help with you a specific issue or problem you currently face. You may be connected to a therapist from your existing organization, or you may receive support from a therapist at another participating organization.
How can I benefit from participating in One Stop Talk?
Connecting with One Stop Talk will ensure you:
- Receive counselling from experienced and registered therapists located across the province.
- Have access to service after hours and on Saturdays (in-the-moment interpretation is also always available).
- Can self-select service when it’s right for you to get help for a current issue.
- Can get connected to additional services if needed, in the same interaction without having to call another organization.
What are navigation services?
When needed, our navigation services help connect you to additional programs and services that have been identified as potentially beneficial to you.
If a therapist determines you might need additional services, they can, with your permission, connect you to a One Stop Talk navigator who will support you to get access to the services you may need without you having to call back or call another agency. The navigator will work with you to find the right services and forward any necessary paperwork to get you started with a service provider for additional or ongoing support.
How does One Stop Talk use the data I provide?
The One Stop Talk intake system collects personal information about clients to support their care and referral to other services. Data is also used to evaluate and improve the program. All staff associated with the program adhere to strict privacy and confidentiality obligations in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Unless required by law, personal information is not disclosed without client consent.
Electronic communication is used to provide services to clients of One Stop Talk. Clients understand that if they choose to communicate electronically, One Stop Talk cannot guarantee complete confidentiality as all electronic communication is potentially vulnerable to security breaches.
What is single-session therapy?
It is a time limited therapy focusing on the client’s immediate symptoms and current life circumstances, and emphasizes the client’s strengths, resources and coping abilities that can help in reaching future goals. There is strong evidence that brief therapy is an effective treatment for behavioural and psychological conditions, and a shorter and less costly alternative to other treatments. One Stop Talk offers you an opportunity to try single-session therapy to you move forward.
How can I share my feedback about my experience using this service?
We would love to hear about your experiences and feedback on using our service and platform. While you will have the opportunity to share your feedback in a survey at the end of your call with the therapist, you can also write to us at communications@onestoptalk.ca to help us learn more about how we can improve the program.