Assessments, Treatment Options & Referrals

Assessments

An assessment helps us understand your circumstances and helps us guide you to the service that will meet your needs. We want to hear from you about you! We use a standardized assessment package called the “GAIN tools”, in addition to other forms and questionnaires, to gather the information you share with us. Sometimes the assessment begins in a group session before you meet with an individual counsellor. When you meet with your individual counsellor, you will be able to talk about how substance use, gambling or gaming, or other addictions or dependencies are affecting your life and what challenges you face. Then you and your counsellor will discuss your goals and explore treatment options to assist you in meeting your goals. Sometimes it is helpful for your counsellor to speak to other people, such as your physician, employer, probation officer, social workers, or family members. This will only be done in agreement with you and with your prior written consent.

Treatment Options

PAARC values a holistic, person-centred approach. This means that we listen to what is important to you, share our professional expertise with you, and then together you and your counsellor decide on your goals and how you will reach them. Our approach is strength based, and we support harm reduction. We will meet you either in one of our office locations or in the community at a safe location.

Referrals

PAARC can offer you referrals to a wide range of services. For example, you might want help with parenting or with finances. You might have legal concerns and need help connecting to legal services. You may want to attend a program at another addictions or mental health agency, or to connect with a self-help group or peer support. We can work with you to determine which programs are suitable for you and assist with connecting you to those services. Sometime you will access other services at the same time you are attending PAARC.