Services in Barrie

First Steps Group

The First Steps group is a skills development program for clients who are waiting for individual counselling or for those who are looking for new opportunities for personal growth and recovery. It focusses on topics such as communication, self esteem, support systems, and problem solving.

Women's Education Group

This program is offered to all women twice per year, once in the spring and once again in the fall. Participants need to have completed the assessment process, and one interview with an Umbrellas program counsellor. It is recommended that individuals involved with the CAS participate in this program. Attendance is limited. Child minding services and a snack is provided when the group meets weekly. Transportation supplements are available.

Concurrent Disorders Group

This group offers support and education to people who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder ( eg. depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia ) and who are also experiencing difficulties with their use of alcohol, other drugs or gambling. It provides an opportunity to learn about their disorder and the effects of different substances on that disorder. All participants should be stabilized on their medication and be under a physician's care.

Aftercare Group

Aftercare is support for people who have completed treatment ( either residential or outpatient ), or who have met and maintained their treatment goals for at least six months and who wish to continue learning about themselves in a group setting. Topics of discussion include such things as relapse prevention and socialization after change.

* Most groups require a brief meeting with the facilitators to ensure that the group will best meet individual needs.