One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant (OST/PM) is an innovative child and youth mental health service in Ontario that provides immediate, virtual counseling and navigation services through a single access point. The program is delivered by registered therapists, offering critical access to clinicians in the afternoon, evenings, and weekends with evening and weekend hours a notable service gap within the sector.
The workshop will detail how this innovative program leverages existing resources and capacity across the province to increase accessibility to mental health services for children and youth. Through interactive discussions and real-life testimonials, participants will gain practical insights into implementing innovative system level mental health services. Join us to discover how OST/PM is driving system change and improving outcomes for children and youth.
Learning Objective
- Understand the OST/PM Program: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the OST/PM program, including its objectives, operational strategies, and the collaborative network of 21 agencies supporting it.
- Explore Collaborative Approaches: Learn about the multi-disciplinary and cross-agency collaborative approaches used in OST/PM to drive system-level change, improve service integration, and enhance accessibility for children and youth across Ontario.
- Incorporate Youth and Family Voices: Identify practical strategies for incorporating youth and family expertise into mental health service delivery, ensuring that services are user-centered and responsive to the needs and preferences of the individuals they serve.
Presenters:
Kirsten Dougherty (ROCK)
Kirsten Dougherty brings over two decades of non-profit sector experience, starting as a Business Development Officer at The Children’s Assessment and Treatment Centre in 1999 until 2005. Joining ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids in 2005, Kirsten held roles such as Director of Foundation Operations and Director of People, Culture, and Sustainability. Appointed Vice President in 2017 and subsequently Chief Executive Officer in 2020, Kirsten excels in forging partnerships, overseeing operations, and guiding teams within the non-profit industry.
Sabrina Samsudeen (Strides Toronto)
Since 2011, Sabrina has held various roles at Strides Toronto, including Individual and Family Therapist, Youth Engagement Manager, and Manager of Community Outreach Services. Prior to this, she worked as a Student Engagement Coordinator at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Social Work, held positions at Covenant House as a Job Developer and Youth/Outreach Worker, and was a Program Supervisor at A Circle of Support. Sabrina’s extensive background spans initiatives like co-leading a successful pilot in East Toronto that secured provincial funding for the Youth Outreach Worker program, paving the way for its widespread implementation.
