Update (February 25, 2021)
In parts of Ontario, the “stay home” order has been lifted, with municipalities being placed in various levels of pandemic restrictions. Hamilton is currently in the red-control zone, with rules that allow some businesses to cautiously reopen with capacity restrictions.
In considering what this means for Shalem’s services, we are following the guidance and recommendations from the Ontario College of Social Workers, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, colleague member agencies at Family Services Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Health. At this point, the consistent recommendation remains that whenever possible, services be provided by electronic means.
As a result, Shalem will continue to offer therapy though secure online services or by telephone.
In the exceptional situations where services cannot be accessed by phone or video link, please connect with your worker or the front desk staff to explore how we can best support you during this time.
We continue to seek out best practices for our work and for pandemic safety that will enable us to provide essential mental health and community care services.
As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by calling 866.347.0041
Update (January 14, 2021)
The province of Ontario has announced a second province-wide state of emergency and a stay home order, along with extended school closures for several key areas including the Hamilton area.
We are continuing to offer psychotherapy sessions and other services online or by phone during this time.
In the exceptional situations where services cannot be accessed by phone or video link, please connect with your worker or the front desk staff to explore how we can best support you during this time.
Shalem’s office will remain closed to the public, and all staff who can work from home are being supported in doing so. In the areas of service-provision where it is essential for staff to be working on-site, our team will continue to review and ensure we are implementing the most current health and safety protocols.
We remain committed to providing essential mental health and community care services using best practices for our clinical work and for pandemic safety.
As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by calling 866.347.0041
Update (December 23, 2020)
As of Monday December 21st, the City of Hamilton has moved into the Gray (Lockdown) Phase of pandemic response, and as of Boxing Day, the entire province of Ontario will enter lockdown. Because Shalem’s office is located in Hamilton and serves communities across Ontario and beyond, we have reviewed what this means for our organization and our ability to offer services.
Under the Lockdown guidelines, it is permitted in some circumstances to offer in-person therapy and mental health services, however, the regulatory colleges that oversee our work (the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario and the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers) are strongly advising that whenever possible, services continue to be provided virtually.
As a result, Shalem will continue to provide psychotherapy sessions, supervision, Restorative Practice services, WrapAround services, and RE-create studio times by video conferencing or by phone. For those unable to access services in this way, please contact our office so we can explore how best to meet your needs.
Shalem’s office will remain closed to the public, and staff working on-site will continue to follow the most recent health and safety protocols.
We are aware that these are difficult times for many, with the increased restrictions for all of us, and the heightened isolation for some. More than ever, we need connection and community, as well as access to mental health resources as we navigate the next few months. Our commitment is to continue to provide services and be responsive to the many communities we are involved in.
As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by calling 866.347.0041
Update (May 19, 2020)
On May 14, 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced first steps in opening up the Ontario economy. Included in his announcement is the statement that “in-person counselling” can resume. Premier Ford was clear that in-person counselling may resume only if and when mental health organizations are fully ready.
This is welcome news for all of us!
Note that there are major safety considerations, precautions, protocols and practices that need to be developed and implemented prior to the resumption of in-person counselling and face-to-face meetings. We are working diligently, carefully and expeditiously at developing these. There are many factors to consider, especially implementing best practices for safety for both clients and staff. Be aware that our approach to resuming in-person contact will focus on caution. The pandemic is continuing. Indeed, as the economy opens up and more interaction takes place, the risks are increasing, not decreasing.
In developing plans to open our building and spaces to clients, we are following closely guidance and recommendations from the Ontario College of Social Workers, the Ontario College of Registered Psychotherapists, colleague member agencies at Family Services Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Shalem continues to offer online and telephone therapy—and that is working very well. Many clients have been surprised and pleased by how effective online therapy is for them. As you know, Shalem, like other mental health services, was declared an “essential service” at the beginning of the pandemic. Thanks to online possibilities, we have remained open throughout COVID-19 and continue to serve. We are eager to connect with you.
We will keep you posted! And we look forward to seeing you face to face, when it’s safe.
Update (March 17): Because the reduction of social contact is the most effective tool we have, please be advised that all counselling sessions will now be virtual (by phone or video counselling), effective March 18, 2020. Our office will be closed to the public until further notice. This is in keeping with what our partner mental health agencies are doing around Ontario.
We have prepared a list of helpful resources to help us all cope during this time. You can read about them here.
Please see our website or Facebook page, or call our office if you wish to book a virtual counselling appointment, to ask questions or to speak with our staff.
To read our full statement in response to COVID – 19, view this document.
As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by calling 866.347.0041