Programs & Services > Counselling > E-Connect
E-Connect Counselling
E-Counselling is a web-based online communication system that allows you to communicate with a professional counsellor over a secure FST website.
E-Counselling is available to people living in the Greater Toronto area only. Client information and registration must be done over the phone with the Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit.
Please call 416-595-9618 to speak to a staff member directly before registering on-line.
Why e-counselling:
- Accessibility to counselling for people who can not travel, no parking cost
- Accessibility to parents with young children who have no childcare
- Accessibility for people who are not comfortable with face to face counselling
- Greater flexibility in scheduling for the client
Requirements for people doing e-counselling:
- Call service access unit at 416-595-9618 to provide client information and be put on list for e-counselling
- Should be comfortable with “text” communication and basic internet technology
- Must have an internet connection in a private setting
- Supported browsers: Internet Explorer 6.0 or above, Firefox 3.5 or above, Netscape Navigator 9.0 or above, Opera 9.0 or above, Safari 3.1 or above.
- Java is required (version 6 or above for Windows and Linux systems, v1.5.0 or above for Mac OS). Java software is a free downloaded from this link: http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp if it is not already on your computer.
- Must be able to pay the applicable sliding scale fee before each e-counselling session. (preferred payment is by credit card)
- Must do an initial assessment by phone or in-person to assess appropriateness for e-counselling
- Must review client brochure “Your Rights and Responsibilities as a client of Family Service Toronto” and acknowledgement form before initiating e-counselling
Exclusionary Criteria:
E-Counselling is not appropriate for people with the following:
- Who are in crisis, suicidal or homicidal
- Who have severe psychiatric difficulties
- Who require trauma and sexual abuse counselling or long-term therapy
- Who are dealing with intense feelings of distress and are in emotional crisis
- Who are currently in an abusive relationship
- Who are not comfortable using the internet and “text” communication
- Who do not have a secure internet service in a private setting
To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618
