What to expect at a Doorways walk-in counselling session
Doorways is single-session walk-in counselling offered across Newfoundland and Labrador. It's free, you don't need a referral or an appointment, and you don't join a waitlist — you're seen that day (in person, by phone, or by video, depending on the site). Each session stands on its own: you come back whenever you need to, one session at a time.
Step by step
- 1
You contact or visit a Doorways site
Find your nearest site in the directory, or call 811 to be pointed to it. Many sites take walk-ins; some offer phone or video sessions.
- 2
You're offered a session that day
Rather than being added to a waitlist, you're given a single session, usually the same day or very soon. There's some paperwork, but it's brief.
- 3
You meet with a counsellor
You and a trained counsellor focus on what matters most to you right now — one concrete thing you'd like to be different. Sessions are typically up to an hour.
- 4
You leave with a next step
You finish with something practical to try, and you can come back for another single session whenever you need. They can also connect you to longer-term care if that's the right fit.
They’ll ask
- What you'd most like help with today
- What's already helped, even a little
- Whether you'd like to be connected to other or ongoing supports
They won’t
- Put you on a waitlist or require a doctor's referral
- Charge you — Doorways is free
- Expect you to commit to a long course of appointments
Common questions
Do I need a referral or appointment for Doorways?+
No. Doorways is walk-in, single-session counselling with no referral and no waitlist. You're seen the same day at most sites.
How much does Doorways cost?+
Nothing. Doorways counselling is free across Newfoundland and Labrador.
What if one session isn't enough?+
You can return for another single session whenever you need to, and the counsellor can help connect you to longer-term or specialized care if that's a better fit.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. This page describes a typical experience and may vary slightly by location.