Business Details
13 Years
experience
Free Mental Health Support for Young Adults in Toronto
Stella's Place was founded in 2013 with a mission to transform mental health support for young adults in Toronto. Our organization uniquely combines peer support with clinical expertise, empowering individuals aged 16-29 to manage their mental health through lived experience and professional guidance. We offer free, accessible services including counseling, workshops, and community programs, all co-designed with participants to ensure relevance and effectiveness.With over a decade of operation, our team includes professionals with extensive mental health experience and individuals with lived experience, creating a holistic approach that prioritizes client autonomy and community building. We maintain rigorous standards through partnerships with academic institutions and continuous program evaluation, ensuring our services remain at the forefront of youth mental health innovation.
Services
Peer Support
Counseling Services
Mental Health Workshops
Crisis Chat Support
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We integrate peer support with clinical expertise for comprehensive care
- All services are co-designed with participants for maximum relevance
- Our team includes both mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience
- We offer free access to mental health resources without waitlists for drop-in programs
- Our trauma-informed approach addresses systemic barriers through anti-oppressive practices
What people say
Safe haven
Life-changing support
Genuine connections
Empowering programs
Understanding staff
Services
Peer Support
Our peer support program connects young adults with trained individuals who share lived experience with mental health challenges. This evidence-based approach fosters mutual understanding and hope through shared recovery journeys. Participants receive guidance in navigating mental health systems and developing personalized wellness strategies while building meaningful connections within our community.
Counseling Services
We offer individual and group counseling using evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our clinicians work collaboratively with participants to develop coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns while emphasizing values-based living and emotional regulation skills development.
Mental Health Workshops
Our educational workshops cover topics from mental health fundamentals to advanced self-care techniques. Participants learn practical tools for managing stress, improving communication, and building resilience through interactive sessions led by experts in youth mental health and peer support specialists.
Crisis Chat Support
BeanBagChat provides confidential online support through a mobile app during evening hours when traditional services may be unavailable. Trained counselors offer immediate assistance for urgent mental health concerns while connecting users with longer-term resources and community programs.
Community Programs
We create inclusive spaces for connection through drop-in programs like Virtual Caf and identity-specific groups. These initiatives combat isolation by fostering peer relationships while offering creative outlets, skill-building activities, and opportunities for collective healing in safe, welcoming environments.
Questions
What makes Stella's Place different from other mental health services?
We uniquely combine peer support with clinical approaches, co-designing all programs with participants to ensure relevance and accessibility for young adults.
Are services at Stella's Place free?
All our mental health programs, counseling sessions, and community activities are completely free for Toronto young adults aged 16-29.
What mental health issues do you support?
We help with anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and coping with systemic oppression through specialized programs.
Do you offer virtual mental health support?
Yes, our BeanBagChat app provides evening online counseling, while many programs remain available through hybrid or virtual formats.
How can families get involved?
While we focus on direct participant support, we connect families with partner organizations like Family Navigation Project for specialized assistance.
What youth mental health training do you provide?
We offer free peer support training programs and professional development workshops on youth mental health best practices for service providers.
