Sarah Durant, owner of the North Simcoe Therapy Network and Wellness Center, and a Registered Psychotherapist has spent her entire professional life in the mental health and addiction field, providing therapy and support for individuals dealing with mental health issues. Sarah says, “A big part of my passion involves my own struggle with mental health issues earlier in life. I’ve been very transparent about that, and it seems to encourage people to reach out. It’s difficult to lead someone down a path you’ve never been.”
Sarah opened the North Simcoe Therapy Network in 2016 in the Midland area, providing psychotherapy and psychiatry services for addictions and mental health. June 6th will mark their 8th anniversary in the community. NSTN has a reputation for offering evidence-based psychotherapy approaches as a combination fee-for-service psychotherapy and groups, as well as OHIP-covered psychiatric support. They are now expanding to offer even more support and services.
North Simcoe Therapy Network is based in Wyebridge, on the outskirts of Midland but also provides services to other communities throughout North Simcoe and beyond, including Collingwood, Barrie, Orillia, Parry Sound, and virtually throughout Ontario.
Enhanced wellness services
Sarah Durant believes that offering additional wellness services at NSTN, can significantly enhance the holistic treatment of mental health issues. NSTN is offering expanded wellness services in the upper-level area of their building in Wyebridge. Sarah says, “In addition to our existing psychotherapy and counselling services, we are now offering wellness services to individuals who may have mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, but everyone in the community can benefit and is welcome.”
The expansion will include a Wellness Center with services such as,
- Yoga for Kids and Adults
- Registered massage therapy (trauma informed)
- Zumba
- Art and Music Classes
- Nutrition Services
- Fitness Classes
- Mini retreats
- Enhanced Indigenous Services
- Peer Support Groups
- Men’s Circles
These services will complement their existing traditional therapy, such as DBT, CBT, and ACT, by promoting self-care within a safe and supportive environment. Sarah says, “The facilitators for most of our services have received significant training and many have lived experience with mental health issues. Many of our clients have experienced trauma and social anxiety and by providing programs such as Yoga, Zumba, and Massage Therapy in a safe, controlled environment with clinicians who are trained and experienced, we hope to provide a safe space for individuals.”
Often, individuals suffering with anxiety or depression won’t go to a yoga studio for example, due to their discomfort in unfamiliar social situations. They may avoid massage therapy because they have experienced trauma. Sarah adds, “With trauma-informed providers, we are offering a safe space to individuals to feel comfortable accessing these services.”
The Wellness Center space is in a 200-year-old building with original wood floors, exposed beams, and lots of natural light. The area is specifically designed to be a comfortable space for those with mental health concerns and is inviting to anyone interested in attending, with or without mental health concerns.
NSTN has become well-known for their Child and Youth Services. A new service includes Yoga for Kids, a yoga class for children between the ages of 3 and 6. More individual and group services for children will be available as well. In June, NSTN will be hosting a no-cost Child and Youth Day event at 12:30pm on Saturday, June 22nd, highlighting services and offering some fun activities for children and families to enjoy.
Grand Re-opening Celebration:
The grand re-opening of North Simcoe Therapy Network and Wellness Center will be held on Saturday, June 1st, between the hours of 1pm and 4pm. There will be lots of prizes, snacks, outdoor activities, and opportunities to register for many of the no-cost Workshops being offered throughout the month of June. NSTN will be collecting donations for Huronia Transition Homes Pet Shelter Program.
The invitations include a list of 11 no-cost workshops for the month of June.
ADHD Program for Adults
Recognizing the need for specialized services, NSTN is offering an ADHD for Adults Program, including a combination of OHIP-covered services as well as fee-for-service programs.
Sarah says, “Our doctor can provide a diagnosis, medication management, and offer a no-cost ADHD Skills Group for those that meet the criteria. There are also fee-for-service options for those who may want more specialized individual ADHD coaching and psychotherapy. We have various specialists, coaches, therapists, and physicians that will be supporting the program both virtually and in-person.”
Supporting clients in financial need
Sarah does not want finances to be a barrier to accessing treatment. She has identified creative ways to offer services to clients who don’t have insurance or can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket. She says, “Although we are currently a private, for-fee service, a large portion of our services are no-cost directly to the client. We work with various agencies and insurance companies, as well as government programs to provide accessible and affordable services.”
NSTN offers a Student Clinic led by graduate level students who are working for their placement and internship hours to qualify as registered psychotherapists and other professionals, providing low or no-cost support to clients.
NSTN is currently exploring options for Non-Profit/Charitable status and hopes to be able to offer even more affordable services in the coming years.
Registration for new workshops and new programming is currently open and filling up fast, so reach out to secure your spot.
Contact North Simcoe Therapy Network and Wellness Center at (705) 481-1925, via email: [email protected] or on their website.
