Free Therapy?!?

[Guest sleeping chrysalid]

I mentioned this in another forum but I would like to start a discussion regarding the apparent charity of the 519 community centre in Toronto. I found out that in order to get people started on their journeys, therapists have donated their time to offer six free sessions and then assist people in finding affordable therapists so they can continue. I am very skeptical but I received the information from a Child Youth Worker and I do not think she would lead me into a scam. The 519 community centre holds transgender workshops and support meatings so it sounds like the kind of institution that may donate some time to help people but I am not sure how they are paying for everything. The therapists are volunteers but the building must still be paid for and offering a kitchen for people who have been fired or have fallen on hard times because of transphobia would also cost money. I want this to be a legitimate program because I am going to Toronto for university and it would be nice to attend workshops while I'm there. I also like the idea that therapy would be possible while I'm at university because it would normally be too expensive but I think I would need more than six sessions and it would be a long time before I could pay for it on my own. It might be pointless because I will make some progress and then have to wait several years before continuing therapy. I may be twenty-five before I can really come out of my shell because the career I have chosen requires a lot of initial education and training. The long wait time to book an appointment makes it seem legitimate because I am certain an entire crowd of people would be overjoyed just from the thought of some free therapy. I don't know whether or not to trust the 519 community centre and I don't want to wind up in an incredible mess so I was wondering if anyone else could offer me some insight.

Has anybody heard of the organization? Is there anybody who lives near Toronto that has been inside the organization's office? I would also like to know whether it is feasible to start therapy and continue after an extended interruption. It sounds like the extended period of time in between might make it difficult for me to get anything out of it but maybe there would be something to gain from it. The reason I am wondering is because my feelings and unanswered questions are eating me from the inside and I feel a hunger for answers. There is an uneasiness that comes with uncertainty and confusion and I don't know how much more I can take. I can easily make it to university but it seems like it is only going to get worse and worse as time goes on. How long can I wait? Will it snowball at an exponential rate? I'm pretty sure the answer to the last question is yes because I have already experienced something like it trying to keep everything a secret from everyone. I have not told everyone but the build up of pressure and anxiety has led me to inform a certain number of people I can trust. Any information would be much appreciated.

[Guest Carden]

Never been in, plan on going.

I have heard good things though.

That's all I know.

[Guest Purim]

Sounds good. If you live near Toronto.

[Guest erikka2046]

Hi,

I heard of 519 from a few girls when I attended the Gender Journey in Sherbourne Health Centre a few months ago. A girl from 519 came to SHC as a speaker one night about their services. Their waiting list is long, as well as Sherbourne (also requires you live in the Toronto area code). Its quite far away from where I live but form people been there they have good experience. Hope this help.

Erikka

[Guest sleeping chrysalid]

Hi,

I heard of 519 from a few girls when I attended the Gender Journey in Sherbourne Health Centre a few months ago. A girl from 519 came to SHC as a speaker one night about their services. Their waiting list is long, as well as Sherbourne (also requires you live in the Toronto area code). Its quite far away from where I live but form people been there they have good experience. Hope this help.

Erikka

If I were living in Toronto temporarily to attend universitty would that allow me to qualify or would I have to have a different kind of settlement there? I would be living there for several years but would it matter whether I rent an apartment or live on campus? I am planning to visit the center during my university years if it is possible. If there is no way I can qualify if I move to Toronto for university then I would like to know. I am currently living in Brampton so I could get there right now in a short time if I were to tell my parents but I can not do that so I am pushing to live away from home during my university years. Do not feel bad about bursting my bubble I just want the truth.

[Guest therisa]

Ok Erika, if you are a student at the U of T and living in Toronto, you can access the Sherbourne Health Care. They also offer counselling services there, which I have been using for the past 3 years. As for funding of the 519, it is paid in part by the City of Toronto, as being a community service and private donations. Since you are still at home and your parents aren't aware of your TS, contacting the 519 for counselling sessions maybe a problem, unless you have a cellphone, which you are paying for. As previously mentioned, there is a long list for both the 519 and the SHC. Hoping this information is helpful for you.

therisa

[Guest erikka2046]

Thanks Therisa! For Sherbourne, is it living in Toronto means to have the address of the OHIP card of a Toronto address? I heard Sherbourne waiting is long 1 and a half to two years.... a very long wait.