About Us

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What is the Judges Counselling Program?

Sometimes even judges don’t have all the answers. The Judges Counselling Program (established in 1995) provides federally and provincially appointed Judges, Justices of the Peace, Masters, Prothonotaries and their families with access to a confidential counselling service. Our service applies equally to active and retired judicial officials. This service addresses problems such as alcohol and substance abuse, burnout, financial matters, bereavement, emotional problems, relationship problems, child and elder care issues and many other types of problems. Confidential help for personal problems is just a phone call away.

Who provides the service?

The counselling service is sponsored by the Canadian Superior Courts Judges Association and the Offices of the Chief Provincial Court Judges in each province and territory. Thus, counselling services of the professional care provider, ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre de navigateur Shepell•fgi, are provided at no cost to members of the plan.

Who is Shepell•fgi?

ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre de navigateur Shepell•fgi is Canada’s largest provider of counselling and assistance programs. As Canada’s premier provider of human support programs, Shepell•fgi works with over 2,000 counsellors and serves more than 5,000 companies in 100 countries around the world.

When should you use the JCP?

Personal concerns, at one time or another, are a normal part of life. It is often difficult to admit that you do not have all the answers and that you need help. At times like these, professional guidance can offer new insights, or provide information to help with decisions, respond to issues and resolve problems.

Is the JCP confidential?

The JCP is confidential. Shepell•fgi respects your privacy at all times. No one else receives information from Shepell•fgi without your written, informed and voluntary consent. No one will know that you have used JCP unless you decide to tell someone. The program is completely confidential.

How much does it cost?

Initially, the service costs you nothing. Shepell•fgi believes most problems can be handled in around five to ten hours of counselling. If long term or specialized counselling is required, your counsellor will assist you with a referral to a community resource. After that referral, you would be responsible for any charges that your benefits plan or provincial health insurance does not cover. If necessary, your counsellor will help you find services that you can afford.

What kinds of counselling services are provided?

Here are many of the kinds of personal issues for which Shepell•fgi can provide counselling:

Shepell•fgi’s staff includes experienced psychologists, nurses, social workers, addiction counselors, registered dieticians, parenting specialists, legal and financial counsellors.

Can my family use this service?

This service may be used by you and your immediate family members.

When can I call?

You can call the toll-free number 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to seek advice or make an appointment to see a professional counsellor.

What are Nutrition Support Services?

JCP support will help you make positive changes to your diet by addressing any underlying issues associated with weight loss/gain, eating routines and lifestyle changes; in addition, it will offer support for a proactive, self-care approach to wellness.

Professionals can also connect you to a Registered Dietitian who will assess your eating habits, identify dietary concerns and answer any questions you may have.

How can the service help?

You can receive help on a variety of concerns including:

Your first professional consultation with a Registered Dietitian will help you create and follow a personalized nutrition program that targets your individual needs and suits your lifestyle. Subsequent consultations can address any questions you may have and support you in achieving your goals. Printed educational materials are also available to help you along the path to healthier eating habits.

What help can I get regarding childcare and eldercare?

Your JCP offers a total approach to caregiving support. Professionals will help you cope with the stress, guilt, and sense of ’being overwhelmed,’ often associated with caregiving responsibilities. Dependant Care Consultants can also provide a one-on-one telephone consultation that offers relevant information, resource referrals and educational materials, for day-to-day challenges or longer-term solutions.

Dependant Care Consultants will assess, identify and locate caregiving services to suit your needs. They will research provider locations, current availability, fees, and provide options on:

While fees for referred services are your responsibility, many may be covered by your provincial or organizational health plan. Depending on your individual situation, you may also receive a targeted resource package complete with a selection of educational articles and other helpful tools.

Article topics include:

Whom do you call?

For JCP services in English or French, call toll-free 24 hours a day, 365 days per year: 1-866-872-6336.

For the hearing impaired, call 1-800-363-6270 for service in English, or 1-800-263-8035 for service in French.

Other questions?

Please feel free to contact your Provincial Advisory Board member about the Judges Counselling Program. Click here for a list of Board members. Alternatively, you can e-mail the President of the Judges Counselling Program by clicking here.