As the pandemic wears on, people’s mental health will continue to be a major point of concern.
And that’s where the North Simcoe Therapy Network (NSTN) can offer assistance to area residents struggling to cope with not just the pandemic, but also a range of other issues that can cause stress, anxiety and depression.
Throughout her career, NSTN principal Sarah Durant has worked within a number of reputable mental health organizations, including Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Canadian Mental Health Association and CMHA and Addiction Services for York Region.
During her work providing treatment and support to individuals with mental health and substance use concerns in both inpatient and outpatient settings, Durant says she became aware of certain service gaps in the region and beyond in terms of mental health services and accessibility.
“We developed NSTN in response to this and have become quite reputable and successful in our vision and mission,” Durant explains.
But NSTN doesn’t just involve Durant, but also includes a caring network of mental health providers with a goal of helping people and not turning anyone away by warmly welcoming all who need their help.
NSTN clients have a variety of needs. Some people would like to better cope with everyday life; others want help with substance use issues or mental health disorders. They often get referrals to the clinic when previous treatments have not worked.
Central to the network is a core group of clinic personnel that are finely tuned to the community’s needs.
This allows them to respond in a nimble and timely way, customizing an approach that works best for the individual. Within this core group they have a registered psychotherapist, a psychiatrist, and a student clinic.
Durant is extremely passionate about providing an environment that is welcoming and accommodating for individuals that struggle with mental health concerns.
It’s her goal to provide a saf e place where people can receive quality care while being treated respectfully and with dignity – in an effort to reduce stigma and increase the effectiveness of mental health and wellness treatments.
“Additionally, as the founder of NSTN and a registered psychotherapist, I have had personal experience with serious mental health and addiction concerns and use my experiences to inspire my work and to support others in similar circumstances,” says Durant, who believes that healthy treatment providers result in healthier clientele, and, in turn, a healthier community.
NSTN also has an extended team that offers specialized services through NSTN and a robust referral system that includes a community of caregivers that they have built strong connections with over the years.
Its mission statement effectively sums up what the network is all about.
“North Simcoe Therapy Network strives to provide best practice, evidence-based treatments to adults, children and families with mental health issues, effectively, affordably and accessibly,” it notes.
“We are committed to providing services with warmth, acceptance and non-judgement, regardless of circumstance.”
And because of the network approach, they can help individuals find the most suitable treatment options if our core team does not meet your needs.
“We help ensure you are properly connected and we often provide interim support at our clinic until you begin receiving services at the referred site.”
For more information, visit www.midlandtherapy.com
