Stella's Place

Business Details

5 Years

experience

Emergency

services

Free Mental Health Services for Young Adults in Toronto

Stella's Place is a free mental health organization dedicated to supporting young adults aged 16 to 29 in Toronto. Our mission is to empower participants through peer support, clinical services, and wellness programs grounded in lived experience. We offer a holistic approach with in-person and virtual options, including DBT, counseling, and drop-in classes. Our co-design model ensures participants shape our services, while our team of experienced professionals and peer support workers fosters community and resilience. All services are free, with same-day access available.

We collaborate with families, clinicians, and community partners to provide comprehensive care. Our research-informed practices address complex mental health challenges, including behavioral disorders and mood-related conditions. We prioritize values-based practice, inclusivity, and innovation to transform young adult mental health support. Our board includes experts in healthcare, philanthropy, and community development. We maintain partnerships with institutions like SickKids and CAMH to enhance service delivery.

Services

Peer Support Counseling Services Wellness Programs Art Therapy Clinical Services DBT Programs Drop-In Classes Virtual Support Career Counseling Family Navigation

Details

Year established: 2021

Highlights and features

We offer free, same-day access to mental health services for young adults.
Our co-design model lets participants shape program development and evaluation.
Peer support workers share lived experience to guide recovery journeys.
Clinical team includes registered social workers and psychologists with specialized training.
We maintain partnerships with leading healthcare institutions for comprehensive care.

What people say

Community of people similar to me Sense of community Ongoing mental health support Peer workers understand lived experience Free and accessible programs

Website

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Services

Peer Support

Peer support programs connect participants with trained individuals who share lived mental health experience. Our peer support workers provide guidance through recovery journeys and help build community connections. Services include one-on-one coaching and group sessions that emphasize mutual understanding and practical coping strategies.

Clinical Counseling

Our clinical team offers evidence-based counseling for anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. Services include individual and group therapy led by registered social workers and psychologists. We specialize in treating complex mental health challenges through personalized treatment plans informed by ongoing research.

Wellness Programs

Wellness initiatives focus on self-management skills through workshops and drop-in classes. Programs cover mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional regulation techniques. Participants access both in-person and virtual options designed to promote long-term mental health resilience and daily life balance.

Art Therapy

Expressive arts therapy combines creative expression with mental health treatment. Our certified therapists guide participants through visual arts, music, and movement activities that facilitate emotional processing. This non-verbal approach complements traditional therapies and helps develop alternative communication methods for complex feelings.

Family Navigation

Family Navigation Project connects families with appropriate mental health resources. Our specialists help identify treatment options and coordinate care across community services. This free program supports families navigating complex mental health systems for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.

People

Nzinga Walker

Executive Director

Nzinga leads strategic direction and organizational growth at Stella's Place. With extensive nonprofit leadership experience, she focuses on expanding access to youth mental health services. Her approach emphasizes equity, innovation, and lived experience integration.

Dr. Brendan Andrade

Director

Dr. Andrade contributes clinical expertise as a psychologist and researcher at CAMH. His work focuses on behavioral disorders and treatment personalization. He holds academic appointments at the University of Toronto and leads research initiatives improving youth mental health outcomes.

Alex Gosselin

Manager, Clinical and Recovery Services

Alex oversees clinical programs and recovery pathways at Stella's Place. With a background in social work, they specialize in connecting participants with ongoing support beyond formal counseling. Their approach emphasizes community building and transitional care.

Colin MacDonald

Board Chair

Colin provides governance leadership as Board Chair. His policy expertise and public sector experience strengthen Stella's Place strategic direction. He previously advised Ontario cabinet ministers and holds a political science master's degree from Western University.

Donna Green

Founder

Donna founded Stella's Place after decades in community development and philanthropy. Her vision created Canada's first peer-led mental health hub for young adults. She continues advocating for innovative approaches to youth mental health support systems.

Questions

What age groups do you serve?

We specialize in supporting young adults aged 16 to 29 through transitional life stages.

Are services really free?

Yes, all our programs and clinical services are completely free with no cost to participants.

How do I access counseling?

Contact our Access Team at 416-461-2345 to connect with a counselor navigator who will guide you through options.

Can family members get involved?

Yes, our Family Navigation Project helps families access appropriate mental health resources and support.

Do you offer virtual options?

We provide both in-person and virtual services including video sessions, phone support, and online chat.

How are participants involved in programs?

Through our co-design model, participants help create, deliver, and evaluate all our services and programs.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Oct 01, 2020 Report

A great little space. It is very welcoming to anyone from all walks of life, and staff is very respectful. They cater and aid those who struggle with mental illness in a professional, compassionate way. Their group spaces and programs are ones that I have enjoyed. They have a comfy waiting area and a tiny kitchen in the back, where there is coffee and tea available. A great resource!

Brad Jobs J.

Jan 21, 2020 Report

Very good place to get a free cup of tea or coffee. Very professional staff and an inviting space! Lots of things to do here like reading a book, do some art or even chill and relax!

Tarek Kadan

Dec 01, 2018 Report

Stella's place is such a wonderful place with very friendly staff and good management. They care about people's wellbeing truly.

Mac Sketch

Nov 16, 2018 Report

You just need to dropin and make fun an find smart people to talk . be respected and find ur soul meditation

Facetious Fille

Jan 22, 2018 Report

A life-changing and saving organization run on love and perseverance against the pain of debilitating problems in our society and our mental healthcare system.

Francisco St-Amand

Dec 06, 2017 Report

In simple terms Id call it an adult day care. Don't let that deter you though, the safe spaces and unconditional high regard that everyone has there makes it truly wonderful. Its a good path to start towards your regiment of inner self healing.

Emmett Huston

Jul 13, 2017 Report

I love this place! It's a little hard to find because it's on a small street just off Spadina, but other than that it's a great space and mental health resource.