The Alliance Centre

The Mental Health Counselling and Treatment Program offers counselling and therapy services which are client centered and focus on assisting the individual in identifying and reducing symptoms of distress, increase their ability to manage symptoms of illness, improve daily functioning and reduce the possibility of self-harm. The goal of therapy is change. Clients are assisted in focusing on gaining a better understanding of themselves and their symptoms by addressing core issues and changing their problematic thoughts and behaviors. This is a high commitment program where structured therapeutic interventions are utilized to assist individuals in reaching their goals. Individuals who wish to engage in this program’s services are generally seen for 8 sessions, with a re-evaluation of their set goals at the 4th session. Perspective clients must be willing and able to actively engage and participate in structured therapy that may include ongoing assignments and the practicing of therapeutic exercises.

Substance abuse program services include assessment, community treatment and referral to external services such as withdrawal management and residential treatment. Community treatment includes specialized counselling services for individuals and or significant others who feel they are affected by someone’s substance use.

The Addictions Medicine Program offers rapid access to medically assisted pharmacotherapy for substance use disorders. Supports as well as case management services and assistance in accessing treatment programs are also offered. The Addictions Medicine Program Team provides a safe space where people can get help. Our philosophy for treatment and care starts with a healing environment that includes being person-centered, trauma informed and without judgement.

In collaboration with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, the Alliance Centre offers an evidenced based harm reduction initiative through a needle syringe and Naloxone distribution program.

Intensive case management services are comprised of individualized supports offered to persons living with severe and persistent mental illness with the goal of assisting them in achieving the highest level of functioning possible in the community. Services include advocacy, symptom monitoring and management, improved access to primary care services, education regarding illness, community re-integration, assistance with money management skills, crisis counselling, supportive counselling and support in accessing other community services when appropriate.

The Walk-In Clinic is a service offered to individuals who would like to seek assistance but may not be ready to engage in formal mental health and or substance abuse services. The Walk-In Clinic is available to individuals 16 years of age and older. Walk-ins will meet with a clinician for a single session (approximately one hour) to address a mental health or substance abuse concern.

Visiting psychiatrists provide up to 5 days per month of consultation and follow-up through a shared-care approach with the counsellors and therapists at the Alliance Centre. Referrals are first screened in order to ensure that all the necessary documentation of demographics, history, medication, past hospitalization and treatment is gathered prior to the initial appointment. Referrals for psychiatric consultation are accepted from physicians only. In situations where the person has no primary care provider, Alliance Centre counsellors and therapists may make a referral for psychiatric consultation.

The Crisis Intervention Program offers telephone or face-to-face contact to persons who seek immediate relief from symptoms of emotional and/or situational distress which affect their ability to cope. Services include assessment and crisis counselling as well as liaison, client advocacy and referral to community agencies when appropriate. The Crisis Intervention Program is open from 4 to 11 pm 365 days a year. It can be accessed by calling 705-753-3110 x 288 or by presenting to the Information Desk at the West Nipissing General Hospital.

In collaboration with OPP Nipissing West, the Alliance Centre offers a mobile crisis response service. This service is embedded within the OPP Nipissing West Detachment and is not open to referrals received from community partners. The MCRT is dispatched by the OPP Nipissing West to assist their officers when responding to calls for service involving issues related to mental health and or substance abuse.

The Community Wellness Program delivers various workshops aimed at enhancing mental, emotional and physical wellness.