Mental Wellness

Mental Health

Mental Health Professionals are trained to help you untangle the thought processes you may have got yourself into. Some find it helpful to have an outside ear to help bring perspective and understanding to their situation. Sometimes we can find ourselves in a place where we are unable to function in daily life because of the degree of emotional distress (anxiety and depression) that we are experiencing. Our Mental Health Professionals are trained in a number of therapeutic modalities that you will find helpful for a variety of situations.

Appointments: (807) 223-7406 x 3002

Our services are focused on individuals 16 yrs old+ (with age consideration for chronic disease and family issues.)

  • Situational anxiety or depression
  • Life change adjustment issues including injury, job loss, relocation or relationship change, workplace stress, sleep concerns, care giving support, menopause etc.
  • Issues related to chronic conditions including pain management
  • Relationship and marriage counselling
  • Stress and relaxation
  • Emotional eating

Other mental health services (click link below):

Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha-yr.on.ca/get-support/osp

Toronto Shift Collab www.shiftcollab.com

Abbey Forest Counselling Services https://abbeyforestcounselling.ca

If you are in need of immediate assistance, and need to speak with someone, please contact:

Crisis Response Services: 1-866-888-8988​ (24/7 Toll Free Crisis Services)

Mobile Crisis Services: (807) 223-1418 (Dryden,Vermilion Bay, Ignace) Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

​Child & Youth Mental Health (under the age of 18)
Outreach Worker: Deandra Leroux
Phone: (807) 216-0075
Monday - Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Laura Blair

Registered Psychotherapist

Hello, I'm Laura Blair!

I graduated with my Honours Bachelor of Psychology through Lakehead University, and subsequently completed my Master's of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. I am now a Registered Psychotherapist providing mental health therapy with the Dryden Area Family Health Team, which is where I originally completed my placement during my Master's program. It was during that time I recognized the power of a Family Health Team in being able to provide a holistic approach in providing a circle of care for clients, and how well it was received by the people in our community. It's important to work together with the different professionals of the health care field to provide clients with an array of treatment options. I'm excited to be part of this circle of care with the Family Health Team.

I was born and raised in Dryden, and have felt the ebbs and flows of community engagements, tragedies, and triumphs. I am happy to provide a safe and welcoming space for people to bring their struggles, and work together with a collaborative, client-centered approach to help you gain the tools you need to find some relief. We could all use a little help sometimes.

Connect with us so that we can support you and your mental health.

Leanne Taylor

Registered Psychotherapist

I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and moved to Australia following graduation from high school and worked with a volunteer organization for 6 years where I met my husband. He followed me back to Thunder Bay (I know... why did I come back to Canada? Long story!) and we moved to Dryden in 1998 where we have raised our 3 children.

I started working at the Family Health Team 2010 as a program assistant. Most recently I have spent the last 10 years as in the Dryden Diabetes Program and for the Dryden Area Family Health Team primarily supporting the mental health programs processing and booking the mental health referrals and the CAMH tele psychiatry referrals.

I completed my diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling in 2014 and attained the designation as a Registered Professional Counsellor though the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association in 2015. While continuing to work at the Family Health Team, I maintained a private practice in supportive counselling serving clients in North Western Ontario all while working towards my full designation as a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, which was attained in 2022.

I provide client centred interpersonal therapy for individuals and couples in a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can be seen and heard, and their struggles witnessed with care, compassion and empathy. I work with clients to implement strategies that work to see change in both their emotional and mental health as well as to attain a greater sense of overall wellbeing.

I have enjoyed working within the inter professional dynamic of the Dryden Area Family Health Team for the last 12 years and am thrilled to be now working in the role of a Psychotherapist.

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