The Step Empowerment Centre offers free for service mental health counselling for youth ages 12-24 in a homelike setting with no limit on the number of sessions you can have, with no wait list and flexible hours.
New in 2025 is the addition of Family Counselling and different events from cooking on a budget to young mom’s and baby support groups. We are here to create a community of support for Niagara’s Youth.
What makes Step different to other Youth mental health services locations?
What makes Step different to other Youth mental health services locations?
Step is easily accessible in downtown St Catharines in a home that has been renovated on 3 floors to offer 5 counselling rooms and 2 comfortable waiting areas. We feel that offering counselling in a home like setting provides an ease for clients and reduces the anxiousness or discomfort many face when coming for the first time Our house is private and only occupied by The Step Centre. We also offer free parking, bus tickets when needed for counselling appointments, snacks, fidget toys and much more. There is a bus stop directly out front of the house.
Step has 5 counsellors on staff of varying education and lived experience. Our counsellors have their MBSW, BSW, SSW, Psychotherapy Degree with additional training in DBT, CPT for PTSD, CBT for substance use, Group support, and ASIST.
We are always looking to add wonderful new and diverse counsellors to our staff to ensure we are always meeting the needs of ALL our clients.
Step is here for you!
In a comfortable and compassionate environment, we provide tools, knowledge, and a support team to help you become the best version of yourself.
Family Counselling
New to our service offering is Family Counselling. If you are interested in receiving more information or to schedule a family counselling appointment, please fill out the Family Counselling intent form.
Upcoming Events
Cooking on a Budget Class
STARTING SOON
The Step Empowerment Centre
58 Ontario St., St. Catharines
RRPC Foundation Presents Cooking on a Budget Class with chef & counsellor Sandra. Classes are for youth ages 12-25.
I'm Interested
Step support group & resource centre for young moms
219 King Street location, main floor
An in-person support group and resource centre for young moms and babies offering supports, teaching practical infant care skills, and promoting healthy attachment and early literacy. The target age group is moms under 24 with babies up to 1 year. The opportunity to come in and utilize the baby toys, equipment and resources will be twice per week. Free counselling appointments can be booked through The Step Centre.
PRELOVED PURSES FOR A PURPOSE - THE HOLIDAY EDITION
SUNDAY, NOV 9, 2025 2PM-5PM
LOCATION: TBD
Join us for a festive afternoon of fashion & Giving.
The RRPC Foundation presents Preloved Purses for a Purpose - a holiday luxury purse bingo in support of The Step Centre Niagara, porviding free youth & family mental health counselling.
Nothing says holiday spirit like giving back - and maybe winning a luxury bag.