Getting Access to Services

Women, Abuse and Trauma Therapy: An Information Guide

Finding suitable treatment may take some time, effort and patience.

Barriers – and Solutions – To finding the right treatment

Many free services have long waiting lists.
Get on several waiting lists at once, and ask if they can call you at the last minute if someone cancels. Keep checking to find out where you are on the list.

Private therapists can be expensive
Find out if they have a sliding scale or if they can hold some spots for lower-income clients. Private insurance dies cover some costs if the therapist is a registered psychologist.

Many mental health providers do not have the specialized training needed to help women deal with the effects of trauma.
This is particularly true in rural settings, but can also be the case in large cities. Find out if the therapist has been specially trained in providing trauma treatment.

Services in languages other than English are scarce, as are services sensitive to diverse cultures.
Find out if the agency has cultural interpreters, or bring someone along who can interpret.

You do not have anyone to care for your children while you are at your appointment.
Find out if child care if offered by the service or therapist you are visiting, or whether it is okay to bring your children with you.

Who to call to find trauma therapy

The following places may be able to refer you to trained professionals who are skilled in trauma therapy:

• Women’s health centres
• Community health centres
• Therapists in private practice (including psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers)
• Sexual assault centres
• Women abuse crisis lines
• YWCA
• Women’s shelters
• Spiritual centres
• Family service agencies
• Family physicians.

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