Beyond The Waitlist
Making Mental Health Supports Accessible
Over the last five years, therapy services at Trellis have grown and evolved to better meet the needs of our community. We sat down with Amelia, our Director of Clinical Services, to learn more about where these services began and how they’ve expanded since we became Trellis. From ensuring accessibility to leveraging creative approaches, our therapy team continues to adapt and make a lasting impact.
Why did Trellis Society start offering therapy?
When we launched our therapy program, our goal was simple - meet the urgent need for accessible mental health support. We saw too many young people and families struggling, facing long waitlists or unable to access care. We wanted to be a solution. Today, Trellis is the only free youth therapy program in the city that meets young people where they are, whether it’s at school, on a walk or even skipping rocks by the river. Healing doesn’t always happen in a chair across from a therapist and we embrace creative, evidence-based approaches to support everyone’s unique journey.
What makes Trellis’ approach different?
Flexibility. We recognize that no two people are the same, so our therapy isn't either. Our team is made up of highly skilled therapists who bring experience, resilience and a deep commitment to their clients. They’re not in it for the paycheck; they could be in private practice but choose to be here because they care about people. Our therapists use a range of modalities, ensuring each person gets the right support in the way that works best for them.
Trellis aims to have no waitlist. Why is that important?
The moment someone asks for help is critical. If they reach out and find themselves on a waitlist, they might lose hope. They’ve already taken the brave step of being vulnerable and if there’s no immediate support, they may turn back to the coping strategies they know, some of which may not be safe or sustainable. Research shows it can take five to seven tries to find a therapist that fits, but we might only get one chance. We work hard to make that first connection count.
What happens if demand exceeds capacity?
When we first set out, our goal was to have no waitlist, but the demand for services grew so quickly that we found ourselves with a waitlist for years. It wasn’t until early 2025 that we finally cleared it. Now, keeping up with the growing number of referrals to avoid a waitlist again remains a challenge. The reality is, the more resources we have, the more people we can help. We’re getting creative to expand access, leveraging practicum students from accredited university programs at the master's and PhD levels to increase capacity while maintaining high-quality care. We’ve also been exploring group-based therapy models, allowing us to reach more people sooner while still providing meaningful support. If we had more funding and more staff, we could guarantee that no young person has to wait. This is a call to action: investment in mental health services makes a real, tangible difference.
How does Trellis fund therapy services?
We serve individuals aged four and up and our model is a mix of free and fee-based services. Some therapy is covered, while other sessions are fee-for-service. For those who have benefits and choose Trellis, their payments help sustain our model, reinvesting in care for those who couldn’t otherwise afford it. When you receive therapy through Trellis, you’re not just helping yourself you’re helping someone else, too.
What keeps the team motivated?
The moments of celebration. In the team meeting where I announced we had no waitlist, the room lit up. It’s moments like this that remind us why we’re here. We believe in this work and in the people we serve. At the core of our team is a deep belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health support, regardless of their circumstances. We work collaboratively, combining expertise, passion and innovative approaches to ensure that no one is left behind. That feeling of knowing we’re making a difference? That’s everything.
