• We fund one session because the first session is where everything starts. It’s where people finally get to talk, get grounded, and get real tools they can use right away. For a lot of people, that first session is enough to help them stabilize, breathe, and figure out their next step.

    Many mental‑health programs take weeks or months to kick in. Some require long waitlists, assessments, or paperwork. But people don’t always have the luxury of waiting — sometimes they need support now. UP&UP bridges that gap by covering the first session so people can get started while they wait for longer‑term options.

    We’re not replacing full therapy programs.

    We’re not pretending we can fund long‑term care.

    We’re making sure people can begin, get tools, and stop feeling stuck at step zero.

    One funded session. One real start. One chance to move forward.

     That’s the point.

  • Anyone over the age of 18 in Timmins, Ontario and surrounding area who needs help getting into their first therapy session and can’t afford to begin.

  • Nope. If you need help getting started, you qualify.

  • Yes. Any licensed therapist is fine.

  • You book your session normally. You or your therapist send the invoice to UP&UP (show them your approval e-mail with info) We pay the invoice. You get your first session covered.

  • No. They legally can’t - and we don’t want them to. Invoices should contain:

    • therapist name

    • session date

    • session cost

    • service type.

    We don’t require client details. No notes. No disclosures. Totally PHIPA-safe.

  • Absolutely - but you can’t send us their info. Just give your client our link and let them apply.

    You can also request a paid session for a new client (who will remain anonymous) who you’ve determined has no way to fund their first session.

    This keeps everything clean and compliant.

  • We aim for a quick turnaround - usually within a few days.

  • A first therapy session is about getting started, not getting everything figured out at once. It’s a chance for you and the therapist to meet, talk, and make a plan together.

    Here’s what a first session usually includes:

    • Talking about what brought you in You can share as much or as little as you want. There’s no pressure to tell your whole story.

    • Getting to know your therapist’s approach They’ll explain how they work, what therapy might look like, and what kinds of support they can offer.

    • Setting goals or direction You and the therapist might talk about what you want to work on, what’s been challenging, and what you hope to get out of therapy.

    • Getting resources and next steps This can include coping strategies, referrals, or a plan for future sessions.

    • Discussing practical things Such as scheduling, sliding‑scale options, or how future sessions might be funded once benefits or other supports kick in.

    What a first session is not

    Therapists do not provide:

    • A formal diagnosis

    • Medication prescriptions

    • Emergency or crisis intervention

    • Long‑term treatment decisions on the spot

    (Only psychiatrists or medical doctors can diagnose or prescribe medication.)

    A first session is about connection, clarity, and direction — not labels or quick fixes.

    Why this matters for UP&UP

    UP&UP funds first sessions because they:

    • Help people get started while waiting for benefits or funding

    • Create a plan and momentum

    • Open the door to sliding‑scale options

    • Connect people with the right therapist

    • Bridge gaps in care

    • Reduce the stress of “I need help but I don’t know where to begin”

    This is why therapists mark the invoice as “Initial Visit” — it confirms this is your first session with them this calendar year.

  • Right now, UP&UP covers Session One only. After that, your therapist can help you expore:

    • sliding scale

    • community programs

    • free or low-cost supports.

    We’re here to help you start but can’t replace long-term care at this time.

  • Apply anyway. Your first session can help bridge the gap while you wait for other programs to begin.

  • If you can’t fund that first session to get you started back in therapy, apply.

  • It’s completely okay if you don’t click with the first therapist you meet. Therapy is a relationship, and sometimes the fit just isn’t right — that doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you or the therapist. It just means you need someone whose style, personality, or approach feels better for you.

    A first session is meant to help you:

    • get a sense of the therapist’s style

    • see if you feel comfortable

    • decide whether you want to continue

    • get resources and a plan, even if you don’t return

    If you don’t feel like it’s a good match, you can:

    • try a different therapist

    • ask for referrals

    • look for someone with a different approach or specialty

    • take time to think about what you need

    UP&UP funding does not require you to continue with the therapist after the first session. You’re never locked in.

    Can I try a different therapist through UP&UP?

    UP&UP normally funds one first session per therapist, per calendar year, but we understand that finding the right fit is important. If you didn’t connect with your therapist, you can reach out to us. When funds are available, we may be able to make an exception and support a first session with a different therapist.

    Our goal is to help you start with someone who feels right for you — not to keep you in a relationship that doesn’t fit.

  • UP&UP works on a trust‑based system. We’re not here to dig into your personal history or make you prove anything. If you tell us you’re booking a first session, we take you at your word.

    Our goal is access, not oversight.

    A first session is often enough to bridge a gap…to stabilize someone in a tough moment, to get them assessed, or to help them get through until longer‑term funding or coverage kicks in. It’s the session that gets you connected to the right supports.

    We don’t need a deep dive into your life to help you get there.

  • No. If you’re in crisis, please contact local emergency services or crisis lines. UP&UP funds first therapy sessions, not emergency care.

  • Straight into funding first therapy sessions. No fluff. No overhead games.

    Community support → real sessions → real people getting help.