Rapid Access to Mental Health Support for Parents of Infants and Young Children

Parenting can be challenging, especially during the early years of a child’s life.

For parents, having access to a therapist with specific knowledge and skills in working with babies, young children, and their families is a huge benefit.  Particularly during the pandemic, new parents/caregivers and their children are experiencing increased isolation and stress as many drop-in centres are not able to offer programs. As well, support through family and friend visits have been put on hold for safety reasons.

Yorktown Family Services has been providing support to parents and caregivers during these difficult times through Rapid Access Virtual Counselling, available free of charge for children, youth, and their parents/caregivers. We have set aside additional virtual counselling times for parents/caregivers of infants and children up to six years of age. Every Monday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., parents can call the Rapid Access line at 416-669-3521 to book a one-hour session with Madelaine Shane, Early Years Mental Health Therapist.

Madelaine (Madi) is one of Yorktown’s highly trained family, infant, child, and youth therapists and has been with Yorktown for over four years. Madi has a background in education and has worked with children with special needs. “I am very interested in early years prevention and treatment that will help children to grow into adulthood better equipped to deal with the challenges in their lives,” says Madi.

Early years mental health therapists can not only help families increase their coping capacity, build on their strengths, and learn new skills but also help connect them with other resources and supports.

When a parent or caregiver connects with Madi through Rapid Access Counselling, she helps them address any immediate concerns they may have about their infant or child. A session is one hour long and the client is provided one-to-one support to hone in on what matters most.

When a client connects with Madi or one of our Family, Child & Youth Therapists, not only do they receive immediate support but they can also be connected to some specialized group programs or other services for parents and caregivers. These programs and services offer a continuum of care with a holistic approach and are currently delivered virtually.

The Baby Love group program is an evidence-based preventive program designed and supported by Dr. J. Wittenberg at Hospital for Sick Children. A highly trained therapist and program coordinator support parents and caregivers of infants from 2 months to 14 months during weekly sessions. The focus is on attachment—forming and strengthening the bond between infant and caregiver. Participants of the program achieve strengthened bonds between themselves and their baby and report that they are better able to identify their baby’s thoughts and feelings. They are able to quickly recognize when their baby is in distress and they also feel better equipped at managing parental stress.

For more information and program dates please visit our Baby Love program page.

Parenting in the Early Years (PITEY) is offered three times annually; once in Spanish and twice in English. PITEY is designed for parents and caregivers along with their children ages 0-6 years of age. The goal of Parenting in the Early Years is to strengthen families and enhance the development and well-being of children. Topics discussed in the weekly sessions include attachment and relationships between parent/caregiver and child, creating routines, navigating fears, separation anxiety, toilet training, bedtime routines, self-regulation and co-regulation, getting ready for school, behaviour management, and so much more.

For more information on the program and start dates, please visit our Parenting in the Early Years program page.

Additional supports programs and services are also available to parents/caregivers. For children with complex mental health needs, they can be connected to a therapist for regular sessions through the START (Strengths-based, Time-limited, Attainable, Realistic Therapy) program.  Parents can also be connected to a psychiatrist at The Hospital for Sick Children through our Urban Tele-Mental Health services. Urban Tele-Mental Health is provided through a direct web conferencing link.

Parents up to age 29 who require social support can be connected to one of our Youth Outreach Workers who can help them navigate programs and services and connect with pro-social opportunities in their communities. They can also be connected to the Supporting Young Families program, a virtual education and awareness program for parents and/or expecting parents under the age of 29 with children between the ages of 0 to 6, offered every Thursday evening.

When you call our Rapid Access Counselling service and connect with Madi or one of our many therapists, you have come to the right place. Our team of experienced staff has a diverse spectrum of specialties and are here to help.

To access our Early Years Rapid Virtual Counselling for a free 1-hour session with Madi, please call 416-669-3521 between 11:00 and 2:30 on Mondays or any time you need support.

To learn more about Yorktown’s programs and services please take a look at our website.