To assist the NCSA in its efforts to reduce drug use/abuse, the Council established a counselling service. This service is a non-residential/out-patient programme for individuals with mild to moderate cases of substance use/abuse. During this programme, a client works with a counsellor who serves as a support system to help him/her overcome drug use/dependency and become self-sufficient. The counsellor may also work closely with the family of the client as substance abuse affects the loved ones of the chemically dependent person.
While the primary service is for individuals and families affected by substance use/abuse, counselling is also available for individuals who are not using substances. Other areas we can help with include: mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and anger management.
To address the above issues, the counselling programme offers evidence-based treatment and interventions which are tailored to the client’s presenting needs.
Why Counselling?
Counselling is useful for a number of reasons:
- Allows you to talk to someone who wouldn’t judge you and can give you the freedom to talk about things you wouldn’t normally discuss with your friends and family
- Helps you identify the roots of your addiction
- Provides you with an opportunity to discuss things you have been holding on to
- Provides you with a greater degree of self-awareness
- Helps you identify your problems and assists you in finding the best ways to cope with them
- Helps you improve self-esteem
- Reduce stress, which promotes physical health as well
- Helps you understand your thoughts, feelings, and responses better
- Helps you resolve conflict more effectively
- Helps you learn necessary life skills
When we Serve
The counselling programme at the NCSA is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, appointments are scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 535-6272 or visit the NCSA at the Corner of 1st Avenue Belleville & Pine Road, St. Michael.
Who We See
Counselling at the NCSA is available to individuals ages 11 and up. Individuals under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the first session (intake interview). The parent/guardian must provide consent prior to the delivery of services. There is no fee for clients of the counselling service.
Drug Testing
Drug testing is a service provided at no cost for current clients. This type of testing only determines the presence or the absence of substances. For non-clients requesting a drug test, there is a fee of $20 Bds. to administer the test.
Counselling Staff
Our counsellors have advanced degrees in the helping provision and years of experience in the profession.
Confidentiality
The counselling relationship is a privileged relationship bounded by privacy and confidentiality. Information shared and records are held in the strictest of confidence and will not be shared with anyone without your written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality only occur when there is a threat to one’s safety or that of another or when it is court-ordered.