Pathstone Foundation

GROWING UP IN TODAY'S COMPLEX WORLD CAN BE TOUGH. There are many burdens that can weigh on a child's mind. For some, the weight of a mental health disorder makes the burden far heavier than it is for others. Mental illness in young children, pre-teens, and adolescents is widespread and often goes undetected, and ultimately untreated.  THEY CAN HELP. The majority of their services are offered FREE of charge to the children, youth, and families of Niagara. To access their services call CONTACT NIAGARA at 905-684-3407 for a referral. To talk to someone immediately, call their Crisis Services number at the top of this page.  FACTS ABOUT PATHSTONE MENTAL HEALTH They are a non-profit charitable agency operating under the Child and Family Services Act. They are governed by a Community-based volunteer Board of Directors. Their funding is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and the Regional Municipality of Niagara. They also offer fee-for-service programs and fundraise for additional support. THEIR VISION Mental wellness for all children, youth and families. THEIR MISSION They strengthen the quality of life for children, youth and families who are dealing with mental health challenges. THEIR CORE VALUES Respect, Communication, Trust, Commitment to Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation ORIENTATION PACKAGE Their Orientation Package (PDF download) has been developed to provide you with an orientation and description of their services.  They have also included some additional important information about how their staff can effectively work with you and your family. THEIR STAFF Their agency is staffed by caring, dedicated individuals with professional training, excellent qualifications and sound experience. Pathstone employs approximately 140 full time and part time staff. A wide range of educational qualifications include early childhood educators, child and youth workers, social service workers, BA in psychology, BSW, MSW, and Masters in education, psychology, and mental health counselling. In addition they have consulting psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians. Staff from each of the aforementioned disciplines work together in a multidisciplinary approach to best meet the needs of the children/youth and their families. Through continuous training and development, they ensure the delivery of high quality services. RESEARCH Pathstone Mental Health has established the Pathstone Children's Mental Health Research Institute to actively pursue children's mental health research and is actively involved in Program evaluation and research studies. All research activities require approval from Pathstone Research and Ethics Committee. They are also a member of the Institute for the Study of Exceptional Development in partnership with Brock University. Visit their page on Pathstone Mental Health Institute for more information on the Institute and current research projects. Dr Sidney Segalowicz is the Research Advisor. EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTE Pathstone has developed an Education and Training Institute. Since its inception over 60 graduate students (Students working toward their Masters in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counselling, or Doctoral students in Clinical, Educational, and Developmental Psychology). In addition the institute has developed training workshops in a number of areas and has presented at over 15 conferences or trainings.  Dr. Fran Owen is the Advisor to the Institute.