Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services - Vernon

Summary

Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services (OCCS) is a comprehensive clinic committed to meeting and exceeding the psychological and emotional needs of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. With a team of Clinical Counsellors and Registered Social Workers, OCCS offers a wide range of accessible and high-quality mental health services that are inclusive and affirming of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.

OCCS provides a comfortable, safe, and non-judgmental environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can openly discuss the unique challenges they may face. They offer individual, couples, children, family, and group therapy, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness techniques, while incorporating other therapeutic modalities that are sensitive to the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. The counsellors at OCCS understand the intersectionality of identities and the impact it has on mental health, and they are dedicated to providing personalized treatment to address issues such as coming out, gender dysphoria, discrimination, relationship challenges, and navigating the complexities of LGBTQ+ identities.

OCCS values respect, compassion, and understanding for LGBTQ+ clients, and their team is trained to create a welcoming and supportive space. They recognize the unique needs and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community and are committed to promoting their well-being. With a focus on cultural competency, accessibility, and tailored treatment plans, OCCS strives to empower LGBTQ+ individuals to navigate their mental health journeys with confidence and resilience.

This organization offers reduced counselling rates. Please inquire directly for more information.

Want to learn more about this service’s work with Two-Spirit, trans, LGBQ+ people?

We invite all service providers listed on MindMapBC to answer the following questions. These questions were developed in collaboration with community members, researchers, and mental health and other service providers. They're intended to help us understand what a service provider or organization is doing to affirm and support sexual and gender diverse service users.

See below for responses for this listing.

Want to learn more about our screening questions and filters?

Are the forms used in your practice inclusive of various sexual orientations and gender identities (e.g., opportunities to fill in pronouns, etc.)?

—Yes

Do you collect and use preferred names (rather than legal names) for all communications?

—Yes

Do you and your colleagues have experience providing services that support clients with navigating gender dysphoria? TransCareBC describes gender dysphoria as a term "intended to describe the distress some trans people experience with relation to their gender identity, particularly if they would like to transition but have not yet done so".

—Yes

Please tell us how equipped you feel to support a client in determining if/when their mental health symptoms are related to their gender-related experiences or other factors? Please describe your response choice below.

—Very confident

Do you/your colleagues understand the difference between gender dysphoria and mental health conditions/symptoms that are unrelated to gender dysphoria or distress?

—Yes

Do you and your colleagues have experience working with people who identify as living with a disability or chronic illness? Please tell us more about your experience and any training you have received.

—Yes

Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for Two-Spirit, queer, or trans Indigenous individuals accessing your services?

—Yes

Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for LGBQ individuals accessing your services?

—Yes

Are you and your colleagues comfortable asking relevant questions about gender identity and sexual orientation?

—Yes

Do you offer Indigenous 2S/LGBTQ+ specific resources, for example Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers?

—Yes

Do you and your colleagues ask clients about pronouns and use them appropriately?

—Yes

Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for trans individuals accessing your services?

—Yes

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

—Yes

Are there clear anti-discrimination policies that include gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in your organization or practice?

—Yes

Are all individuals involved in service provision actively engaged in decolonizing their practices and/or organization? If yes, please type below what actions you and/or your organization are taking.

—Yes

Are all individuals involved in service provision actively engaged in anti-racist practices, policies, and systems in their care model?

—Yes

Address

100 - 3306 32nd Avenue
Vernon, BC
V1T 2M6

Languages

Services available in these languages

Last updated: June 26, 2023
Request changes —