Keystone Owen Sound office

Frequently Asked Questions about Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services

  1. What is Keystone?

Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization and the designated Lead Agency for Children’s Mental Health in Grey and Bruce Counties.

We offer a wide range of mental health support through counselling, prevention and well-being programs, short term live-in treatment program, crisis stabilization, youth justice program, special needs programming and coordinated access planning for our community. With a focus on youth and family engagement, we provide compassionate, responsive services for children, youth, and families through customized, multi-disciplinary programming for children and youth ages 0-17.


  1. Who can call Keystone for help and how much does it cost?

Parents, youth and caregivers are always welcome to call Keystone. You can also ask a trusted friend or community professional to call Keystone on your behalf. Our intake staff will call you back for additional information if needed, and to get your consent for service.

There is no charge for any of our services.  Our funding comes from a variety of government, local community and business sources as well as private donations.


  1. Where should I call?

 Call 519-371-4773 or 1-800-567-2384.  Anytime Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30


  1. Someone told me I had to go to Keystone. Is that true?

All Keystone services are voluntary. You are the only one who can decide if you want service.


  1. Who works at Keystone?

Our staff are friendly, approachable, caring people. The staff and managers at Keystone come with professional backgrounds in a number of disciplines.  These include Counsellors with training in Social Work and Psychology, Community Workers, Child and Youth Workers, Child Care Assistants, Early Education Assistants, Nurses and Administrative Staff.


  1. What programs and services does Keystone provide?

Keystone programs span family needs from pre-natal to counselling for teenagers – and every stage in-between.  Just click on the “Programs” section of our site for more information and a complete listing.


  1. How long will I have to wait for service?

We hope to book your first appointment within 2-3 weeks after you call us. We also review referrals for urgency, and do our best to prioritize those with risk issues.

Please note that Keystone is not an emergency service. If this is a crisis, please call the Crisis Line at 1-877-470-5200 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.


  1. Where is Keystone located?

Keystone is located at 1793 3rd Avenue West in Owen Sound, however we offer services all through Grey and Bruce Counties.  We have several office locations in Grey and Bruce Counties, in Owen Sound and Hanover, and also at a variety of other centers throughout the Counties.  Click here to visit a map showing our various sites.


  1. Where do I receive service?

Keystone staff work with children, youth and families in many settings, depending on the program. Your Keystone worker will develop a plan with you.


  1. Why should I call Keystone for help?

Life doesn’t always happen the way you had planned: please call us whenever you think your family or your child/youth could benefit from some extra mental health support. Many families access our services for a one-time check in. There is no concern too small or too big.


  1. What will happen when I call you?

Our counselling intake staff will do their best to return your call within 2 business days. They will ask you a few questions, and will book you for an appointment with a counsellor.

If you are calling about a prevention or community program, your call will be directed to the right staff and they will reach out to you.


  1. What happens if my child/youth refuses to attend counselling?

Sometimes it is hard to address the difficulties a child/youth or their family may be experiencing. We encourage parents to make a referral anyway. Our counsellors will discuss ideas and strategies with you and come up with a plan.


  1. What happens at the first counselling appointment?

The first counselling appointment is often booked with 2 of our counselling staff. We will have a beneficial and helpful conversation with you about the difficulties you are facing, and will work with you to develop a plan. Often families feel that one session is all they need. We also have a range of follow up options.


  1. How can I become involved in helping Keystone?

At Keystone we always need a helping hand – whether it be from volunteers, from people looking for career opportunities or from those looking to assist with a financial contribution.

The CAREERS tab describes job opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities in various departments of our organization.

The DONATE tab on the website will enable you to contribute online as we are a registered charity.

Keystone welcomes all forms of feedback, suggestions and advice. Please use our contact page to connect with us!