Frequently Asked Questions
What is One Stop Talk?
One Stop Talk is a free, confidential service that lets kids and teens under 18 years of age talk to a registered therapist by phone or online from anywhere in Ontario when they need support. Parents or caregivers can also join the sessions with their child.
During the session, the therapist will listen to what you’re going through and talk with you to come up with a plan to help you feel better and move forward.
You can reach out to One Stop Talk anytime you need help—there’s no limit to how often you can use it.
Who can use One Stop Talk?
Any child or teen under 18 years of age can connect online or by phone from anywhere in Ontario.
Is One Stop Talk a crisis line?
One Stop Talk is not a crisis line (we are not meant for emergencies).
We offer free, one-hour sessions where a therapist will talk with you about what’s bothering you. You, the therapist, and your family (if they’re with you in the session) will make a plan to help you feel better.
Is One Stop Talk anonymous?
One Stop Talk is not anonymous. This helps us make sure we can help you if you’re in danger or need extra support or services. We keep your information private and will only share it if you agree or if the law requires it.
You can view our full privacy policy here.
Can I use One Stop Talk if I’m currently receiving services elsewhere?
Yes! This is on demand, Single Session Therapy and it’s meant to help you with a specific issue or problem you are currently facing.
You may get connected to a therapist from your existing agency, or you may get support from a therapist at another participating agency across Ontario.
What’s the benefit of using One Stop Talk?
One Stop Talk lets you:
- Get free therapy from experienced therapists across Ontario
- Have access to help in the evening and on Saturdays
- Connect with a therapist in just 5 minutes during our hours of operation.
- Access therapy in English, French or with in-the-moment interpretation including ASL, if needed.
- Be able to choose the best time for you to get help with your current problem.
- Be connected to other local services for kids and teens if needed, all in one call.
Also, if you’re not sure if therapy is right for you, One Stop Talk is a good way to try it out!
Please note: One Stop Talk doesn’t refer you to doctors for assessments or medication. We also do not provide documentation for legal matters.
What are navigation services? Do I have to use them?
Navigation services are available if you need extra or long-term support. If needed, we can help connect you to a relevant and local mental health agency right away, so you don’t have to call back or look for help elsewhere.
Navigation services are completely optional. If you want this kind of help, just let your therapist know!
How do you use any of the data I provide?
When you use One Stop Talk, we collect some personal information to help you get the right care and connect you to other services, if needed. All staff follow strict rules to keep your information private and safe, in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Unless required by law, personal information is not disclosed without client consent.
Therapists keep session notes on their own agency’s secure systems. One Stop Talk keeps only basic information to help you with referrals and holds data without names or personal details for program improvement.
We use virtual communication to provide our services. If you choose to use this, please know that while we work hard to keep everything secure, we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality as all virtual communication can potentially be vulnerable to security issues.
What’s Single Session Therapy/brief counselling?
Single Session Therapy/brief counselling is a type of therapy that helps with your current concerns and problems. It focuses on what’s happening right now and uses your strengths and resources to help you get through tough times.
There is strong evidence that this type of counseling works well for many issues and is a quicker and less expensive option compared to other treatments.
One Stop Talk lets young people try this type of therapy. Our service can also support kids and teens who are waiting for other mental health supports and services.
Can I share feedback about my experience using One Stop Talk?
Yes! We’d love to hear what you think about using One Stop Talk.
You can share your thoughts in the survey at the end of your session. If you want to tell us more, you can also contact us.
Can I reach out on behalf of my friend?
A friend cannot contact One Stop Talk on behalf of a friend; however, they can reach out with their friend – just like parents/caregivers!
Is there a chat or text option available to connect with the therapist?
No. We currently only offer the service by phone and our online platform (as an audio or video call).
But don’t worry, all our calls are confidential (private), and our trained therapists are friendly, non-judgemental and do their best to make sure you feel safe and comfortable in the session.
Do I need to be a permanent resident or have an OHIP card to use One Stop talk?
No. One Stop Talk provides free therapy to anyone living in Ontario no matter what your citizenship status is or if you are here on a temporary visa. If you want to receive ongoing services after talking to the therapist, we can refer you to free mental health services for ongoing counselling in the area where you live.
Does One Stop Talk offer the service in different languages?
One Stop Talk has both English and French speaking therapists. We also have a translation service providing in-the-moment support, with over 240 languages, including ASL. A complete list of languages served can be found here.
Where do the therapists for One Stop Talk come from?
Infant, child and youth mental health agencies from across Ontario have signed on to provide therapists to the One Stop Talk.
Click here to find out more.
Does One Stop Talk provide doctor assessments, prescriptions or legal documentation?
No, One Stop Talk doesn’t refer you to doctors for assessments or medication.
We also do not provide documentation for legal matters.
If documentation is needed, you need to reach out to the agency from which the clinician supported you, directly. This information can be found on the plan you receive after the session.
What is a Registered Therapist?
A registered therapist in Ontario is a member of one of the six regulatory colleges that have the authority to permit the controlled act of psychotherapy. Being registered with one of these colleges ensures that the therapist adheres to professional and ethical standards, undergoes regular training, and is accountable to regulatory bodies, providing a level of protection for those receiving therapy.
- College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO)
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
- College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
- College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
Non-registered therapists, while still trained professionals, may not have the same regulatory oversight or authority to perform controlled acts like psychotherapy.
One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant therapists are most commonly registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
CRPO is primarily for professionals who practice psychotherapy and are specifically trained to provide mental health services, focusing on the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic methods.
OCSWSSW encompasses social workers and social service workers who can also provide psychotherapy, along with other mental health services, but with a broader focus on social work principles and support.
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