When I opened Laura Gatien & Associates Counselling Services, my mental health practice, I was scared and surprised that people would actually pay me to talk to them (having come from years in government, this was a huge change), but I was determined to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health therapy.
I continually push for change in the culture and perception around mental health by demystifying mental health treatment and filling gaps in the system. Mental health is a continuum that requires support at times, just like any other health issue. I want to make going to a therapist as normal as going to a dentist - so that the doors are wide open for everyone to get the help they need to reduce mental suffering and maintain wellness in their life. This makes for healthier families and a better society overall.
Fast forward just a couple of years since we opened our doors - people DO want to talk to me (and my team of 10 clinicians) - and we have new clients reaching out every single day.
Our clinic is different. We treat mental health differently - we want to make going to therapy a norm for everyone. Our clinic exists to demystify mental health and its treatment and remove the barriers to accessing good care. Mental health care and physical health care need to be equal. In fact, our brain controls our body and there is no health without mental health
Our team of therapists are real people with real problems - we live by our values every day - vulnerability, warmth, dedication and equality. And we work very hard to make a difference by offering help where it’s so desperately needed and being present where our feet are. We work every day to normalize thinking about and talking openly about mental health.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 virus, everyone has had the opportunity to experience what life with anxiety is like. More people are openly talking about their experiences with mental health care - from celebrities to regular folks. It’s so encouraging to see this change in culture. We all struggle at times.
It’s important to us that the people in our community get to know us, like us and trust us. Because we care. Talking to a therapist at Laura Gatien & Associates Counselling Services is like talking with a friend, but with the benefits of a skilled therapist.
We are all registered social workers with many combined years of experience in the mental health field. We offer multiple programs at many cost levels - we don't turn anyone away.
Our services include therapy for individuals, couples and first responders, corporate educational workshops, therapy groups, parenting plans & separation agreements and a free walk-in clinic and more.
We continually strive to be better than yesterday, and always welcome feedback.
If you have been thinking about talking to someone one, give us a call 651-1239.
We are real so you can be too.
Laura