SUSTAIN PROJECT
Sustain /səˈsteɪn/ (verb). sustain means to strengthen, support, or keep something going over a period of time.
At Saxum Counselling and Coaching, we believe that when individuals are supported mentally and emotionally, our entire community grows stronger. The SUSTAIN Project is our community-backed initiative designed to provide accessible, subsidized psychotherapy to individuals facing sudden financial barriers in Oshawa, Durham Region, and across Ontario.
The Story Behind the Initiative
As a practicing registered psychotherapist, I see firsthand the incredible resilience of the individuals who walk through our doors. But I also see how quickly life circumstances can shift.
Too often, an unexpected life crisis—such as a sudden job loss, extended health benefits running out mid-year, or acute personal hardship—forces people to choose between financial survival and mental healthcare. When financial strain hits, therapy is frequently the first expense cut, right at the moment consistent emotional support is needed most.
Saxum Counselling was founded on the principle of solid, grounded support (Saxum meaning "rock"). But true stability shouldn't just exist within a session—it needs to be built into the fabric of our local community.
I launched The SUSTAIN Project because a temporary financial hurdle should never dictate someone’s long-term mental health. This fund ensures that when the ground shakes underneath one of our neighbors, our collective community can step in to keep them steady until they regain their footing.
How Our Community Mental Health Fund Works
When you contribute to The SUSTAIN Project, you are directly matching resources with a local individual actively working to heal, grow, and stay standing. We maintain complete operational transparency so our community knows exactly how every dollar is managed:
Standard Session Rate: Our standard fee for individual psychotherapy is $170 per session.
Subsidized Base Rate: For applicants approved through the fund, session rates are reduced to a subsidized rate (e.g., $130 per session or partially/fully covered depending on available pooled funds).
The General Care Fund: Pooled contributions partially subsidize single sessions or crisis-backup care for clients facing acute financial strain.
Block Sponsorships: Community members, local organizations, or business owners can fully sponsor a complete 6-session course of therapy ($1,020) at our standard rate, or fund a subsidized block, to fully back an applicant’s complete treatment plan.
Support the Initiative If you are a community member or local business owner looking to invest directly in local mental health resilience, you can contribute securely below.
Important Financial & Tax Transparency Notice
Saxum Counselling and Coaching Inc. is a private professional practice, not a registered charity. Contributions to The SUSTAIN Project are non-charitable and are not eligible for personal donation tax receipts. However, local business owners and corporate sponsors supporting the fund may claim contributions under legitimate business expenses—such as corporate marketing, community outreach, or promotional advertising.
Support Local Mental Health Resilience
If you are a community member, professional, or local business owner looking to invest directly in mental health accessibility in Oshawa and across Ontario, you can make a secure contribution above.
Apply for Subsidized Therapy Support
Are you a current or prospective client in Ontario experiencing an unexpected financial hurdle? You may be eligible for subsidized session support through the fund.
To apply, please email us directly at saxumcandc@gmail.com with the subject line "Sustain Project Application" and include brief answers to these four questions:
Are you a new or existing client at Saxum Counselling?
Are you currently without extended health benefits or private insurance coverage for psychotherapy?
Briefly, how is sudden financial hardship impacting your ability to access consistent therapy?
Are you seeking a single crisis-backup session or applying for a 6-session treatment block?