Client Support
Client Support
Our client support sessions include a brief psycho-education program designed to provide specialized services to survivors and those impacted by sexual violence. This program is intended to help reduce clients’ distress levels, increase their sense of control, and develop safe and active coping skills. Our team of Client Advocates also supports individuals waiting to receive counselling services.
These services consist of:
- Approximately 1-3 sessions, up to 50 minutes in length;
- Walk-in / Virtual / Chat appointments available during business hours (at the main office in Bonnyville);
- Client Advocates travel* to meet clients at one of our satellite offices closest to the clients’ home community;
- Client Advocates are able to offer emotional support, information, resources, referrals; where appropriate accompaniment to legal related services.
- This program also supports individuals who are waiting to receive counselling services.
Our client support services are available from Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
* Dependent on AHS health restrictions & current practice policy
Crisis Intervention
Survivors of sexual violence experience a range of emotional experiences including shock, fear, anxiety, anger, and disbelief that often culminate in crisis reactions. Crisis reactions can be both short and long term, and can profoundly affect survivors’ lives. Our crisis Intervention program offers immediate service intended to help reduce clients’ distress levels, increase their sense of control, and develop safe and active coping skills.
How to access services – Intake / Referrals
You are not alone. If you’ve experienced sexual violence either recently or past, we believe you.
All of our counselling and support services are free and confidential.
Intake Process
- In-person intakes are also available upon request;
- You will be contacted at the time of your appointment for a 15-20 minute needs assessment;
- Following this conversation, you will be matched with the appropriate support/counselling professional based on the information provided. Your Client Advocate will explain options for support while you wait for services; and,
- Your Client Advocate will contact you with information regarding your first appointment.
The following information will be asked during a
Needs Assessment:
Client Name
Contact Information
Physical address
Emergency Contact
Medical history
Brief reason for accessing services
Referral Process – Outside Community Agencies/Organizations and Schools
Community agencies may make a referral on behalf of a client and with their consent. The following information will be required:
- Referring Agency Contact & Information
- Client Name
- Date of Birth / Age
- Contact Information, including physical address (where possible)
- Presenting Situation
- An Intake Worker worker will follow up with the potential client promptly to provide support and service options.
If you have questions or need assistance, please call (780) 812-3174 or Toll-Free 1-866-300-HEAL (4325).
Online Referral Form - (Self or Referral)
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Our Support/Counselling Team
Our support and counselling team is comprised of trained individuals with a variety of experience, educational backgrounds, training, and practice methods. Our counselling team consists of in-house counsellors, contract therapists, and a contract psychologist. Additionally, our skilled support workers provide crisis intervention, psycho-education, and emotional support. All of our staff complete mandatory specialized training as it applies to working with survivors of sexual violence.
Client’s are matched with the appropriate professional following intake and based on individual needs, case complexity, and location availability.
Crisis Help Lines –
1-855-242-3310 (for Cree, Ojibwe and Inuktitut language)
1-877-303-2642 (Mental Health Advice)
811 (Health Link)
1-866-332-2322 (Addictions Helpline)
1-800-668-6868 (Kids Help Phone)
1-866-956-1099 (24 Hour Line Call or Text – Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre) http://www.casasc.ca/
1-866-403-8000 (Call or Text Alberta’s One Line)