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 What We Do

The Al & Malka Green Artists' Health Centre is a facility in the Family and Community Medicine Program. Equipped with an Acoustic Studio and Movement Assessment Studio with a sprung floor to aid in diagnosis and treatment. The Centre is the only clinic of its kind in Canada that specializes in serving the entire artistic community.

The Centre is an integrative outpatient clinic offering both medical and complementary care. Clinic services include acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, craniosacral therapy, registered massage therapy, MBCT group programs, naturopathic medicine, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and shiatsu therapy. There is also a Nurse Practitioner to care for all patients and access to a family physician.

The Centre's team specializes in addressing the specific healthcare needs of artists providing a holistic approach to health within an evidence-based framework. Our patients include students and staff of post-secondary arts institutions and professional creative and performing artists of all ages. Through the Joysanne Sidimus Fund, services are subsidized for artists in financial need so they only pay a small fraction of the cost.

Our Philosophy

Vision

Our vision is to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of professional creative and performing artists.

Mission

Our mission is to advance local, national and international standards of excellence in health care for professional artists through our activity in:

  • Patient Care – Delivering comprehensive patient-focused care that integrates comprehensive healthcare to professional artists.
  • Research – Conducting research specifically related to the health concerns of professional artists.
  • Education – Communicating our body of knowledge to professional artists and other healthcare providers.

Philosophy of Care

The Al & Malka Green Artists' Health Centre recognizes that professional creative and performing artists belong to a unique occupational group. As such, their health concerns are often specific to their profession and to their particular emotional and socio-economic circumstances. At the Centre, professional artists have access to quality healthcare professionals who value health promotion and education. As such, our healthcare providers work in partnership with artists to identify and address their healthcare needs.

Services

  • Acupuncture*
  • Chiropractic Medicine*
  • Craniosacral Therapy*
  • Naturopathic Medicine*
  • Registered Massage Therapy*
  • Shiatsu Therapy*
  • Individual Psychotherapy*
  • Physiotherapy*
  • Single-Session Psychotherapy

*Treatments are fee-for-service as they are not covered by OHIP. Please refer to our current fee schedule

Cancellation Policy

All patients who miss appointments and/or cancel with less than 24 hours'​ business day notice will be required to pay the full fee for their appointment. If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment please contact us at 416 603 5263.

How to Prepare

Learn more about what you can expect when you have a clinic appointment.​

 Materials and Resources to Help You

Visit our Health Information section and find dedicated resources to help you understand your condition. Find the information you're looking for.

Other Resources

Addiction Support Resources

Mount Sinai Hospital – Asthma, COPD and Smoking Cessation Clinic

  • The clinic is open to all patients who have been diagnosed by their doctor with asthma or COPD, or have been instructed to quit smoking.
  • Fax referral (attached) to 416 586 3177.

RAAM (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine) clinics

  • There are RAAM clinics across the province, offering drop-in/walk-in addictions support.
  • For a full list of available clinics and their services, visit their website here.

CBT Resources

Forest Hill Centre for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

439 Spadina Road, Suite 310; Phone: 416 432 4587; Website

  • Provide individual and group CBT for adults and adolescents
  • Cost: $150-250/session.
  • Minimal waitlist.

Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy Centre

20 Eglinton Ave W, Suite 1007; Phone: 416 570 5050; Website

  • Provide individual CBT for adults and adolescents.
  • Cost: $150-250/session.
  • Waitlist 1-2 weeks.

CAMH – Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program

100 Stokes Street (Queen & Ossington); Phone: 416 535 8501 Ext. 2; Website

  • CAMH offers stepped-care access to CBT, enrolling patients initially in Bounceback (a self-guided CBT program), which will 'step up' to more intensive treatment for individual or group CBT virtually at CAMH or a partner site.
  • GP referral is required (using the general CAMH referral form, highlight "OSP" or "CBT initiative" on the reason for referral).
  • Waitlist at least 1 year (as of April 2022)

Covid-19 Resources for Artists and Cultural Workers Resources

COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Cultural Workers - Neighbourhood Arts Network

Here you will find a list of resources for arts and culture workers whose gigs and incomes have been impacted by Covid-19 related cancellations.

Free & Low-Cost Dental Health Services

Toronto Public Health Dental Services

Clients will receive dental services in Toronto Public Health clinics at no cost, with extra costs for dentures charged at lab costs. For more information, visit their website or call 416 392 6683.


Ontario Works (OW)

Adults aged 18-64 are eligible for specific emergency dental treatments only. For more information regarding eligibility and health-related benefits contact your Ontario Works Caseworker or your local Ontario Works office. You can also learn more when visiting the following weblink.


Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre

The clinic provides basic dental services on a reduced fee schedule. Services include dental examinations, cleaning, filling, and extractions. Visit their website or call 416 703 8481 ext. 203 for more information about the program.


University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry

The Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, dental clinics provide excellent and affordable care, offering a wide range of treatment services at reduced rates. To learn more, visit their website or call 416 979 4927.


Sunnybrook, Department of Dentistry

Sunnybrook's Dental Department provides maxillofacial and dental services to hospital inpatients and a large medically compromised outpatient population. Read more on their website.

For referrals, contact the referrals line at 416 480 6100 ext. 89143.

Eating Disorder Resources

Trillium Health Partners Eating Disorders Program

Credit Valley Hospital-2200 Eglington Avenue West; Phone: 1 844 216 7411; Website

  • Offers inpatient, day treatment and outpatient treatment to adults who are affected by an eating disorder (binge eating disorder excluded).
  • Catchment: Those residing in the Mississauga Halton LHIN Physician or NP.
  • Referral required: Find the referral form on the one-link website.

Sheena's Place

87 Spadina Road, Toronto; Phone: 416 927 8900; Website

  • Free support groups for individuals over the age of 17 affected by an eating disorder and their families.
  • Self-referrals welcome.
  • Visit the website for the program calendar and information. Most groups require registration in advance.

Fairmarc Psychology Centre

658 Danforth Avenue, Suite 408 Toronto; Phone: 647 689 4630 or 877 436 7838; Website

  • Offers individual therapy by registered psychologists.
  • Treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, MI and EFT.
  • Many counsellors have specialized training in EDs.

Toronto General Hospital Eating Disorder

Program 200 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Building, 7th and 8th Floors; Intake number: 416 340 3041; Website

  • Comprehensive assessment and treatment for individuals 17 years or older with anorexia, bulimia nervosa or other forms of disordered eating (does not offer treatment for obesity or binge eating disorder). Offers consultation, inpatient and outpatient treatment, follow-up and Modified Eating Disorder Assertive Community Treatment (MEDACT).
  • Physician referral required. Find the form on the website.
  • Consultation appointments are triaged based on severity (wait from 2 weeks up to several months).

Employment Resources

Second Career is a Government of Ontario program that provides financial support for training in a second career.


North York Women's Centre – STEPS to Work Program

  • Through one-on-one support and an 8-part workshop series, staff will offer a guided exploration of your work options, connect you to a training, education or employment program that matches your individual goals, and work with you to manage any personal barriers you may face.

TNG Community Services is a network of a few different community agencies that include employment support as one of their various community/social services. There's a location near St. Clair and Bathurst (although most services remain virtual for the time being). They offer job searches like resume-building workshops and practice interviews, as well as information on Second Career eligibility and that sort of thing.

Family Healthcare Providers

Hand Self-Shiatsu for Sleep

If you have problems sleeping, you might want to learn about hand self-shiatsu (HSS). A research team including the Artists' Health Centre's shiatsu therapist and colleagues from the University of Alberta tested HSS to improve sleep in veterans and family members, adults and young people living with chronic pain and young athletes after a concussion. Results from these studies were promising for improving the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Shiatsu is a Japanese therapy that uses comfortable pressure to set points on the body and has been shown to be helpful for a number of health issues. HSS is an easy-to-learn, no-cost self-care tool that may provide some relief from sleep problems. Thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada, the website with a video, an app for your phone and a handout is freely available. If you have trouble sleeping, these resources might help you get a better night's sleep.

Housing Supports

The Access Point

  • The Toronto Mental Health and Addictions Access Point, referred to as The Access Point, is a centralized point where you can apply for individual mental health and addictions support services and supportive housing.

CATCH (Coordinated Access To Care from Hospital)

  • CATCH is a program that supports people who are homeless and not connected to services when they present to the hospital ED or are in a hospital inpatient unit.

Mindfulness Resources

The Centre for Mindfulness Studies

180 Sudbury Street, Unit C2 Toronto ON; Phone: 647 524 6216; Website

  • Offers a wide range of mindfulness-based programs, including MBSR, MBCT and MSC (mindfulness-based self-compassion). Also offers day-long silent retreats and free weekly drop-in meditation sessions.
  • Referral process: Self-referrals welcome. Register online or call.
  • Cost: Depends on the program, but $520 for the MBSR & MBCT groups. Offers a bursary program for those with low income. See website for details.

The Mindfulness Clinic

700 Bay Street, Suite 2200, Toronto; Phone: 416 847 7118; Website

  • Offer mindfulness-based individual psychotherapy as well as groups.
  • Referral process: Self-referrals welcome. Register online or call.
  • Cost: Dependent on the therapist. 8-week groups are $975.

The Mindful Mood Centre

2243 Queen Street East, 2nd Floor; Phone: 416 686 2138; Website

  • Offer Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion workshops.
  • Participants must be followed by an individual therapist while attending the group.
  • Referral Process: GP referral required. See website for details.
  • Cost: $60 for course materials.
  • Currently offering online groups.​

 Meet Our Team

We specialize in addressing the specific health care needs of artists, providing a holistic and collaborative approach to health. We are a clinic designed for artists, to help you continue creating. We are health care providers, shiatsu and massage therapists, chiropractors, psychotherapists and physiotherapists. We listen, we diagnose, we support and we heal.

Executive Director, Family Health Team: Teri Arany


Leisa Bellmore  

Leisa Bellmore, MSc, ST

Shiatsu Therapist

Leisa Bellmore is a licensed shiatsu therapist, speaker and researcher. She has been practicing Namikoshi shiatsu since 2001, having graduated with honours from Toronto's Shiatsu Academy of Tokyo 2200-hour program. Leisa has been part of the integrative team at the Artists' Health Centre since 2010, though she has worked with performing and creative artists throughout her career.

Leisa has extensive experience in using shiatsu to help patients living with a variety of chronic conditions, including pain, sleep problems, migraine, fibromyalgia and mental health issues, as well as injuries, stress and tension. Each shiatsu treatment is tailored to suit the needs of the individual and to support their healing process.

A key element of Leisa's practice is education – for other healthcare providers, the public and her patients. She has presented and published around the world. Leisa believes that we can all take an active role in our health. She particularly enjoys teaching patients self-care strategies to help them overcome the stresses and strains on their bodies and minds, allowing them to be at their peak.

Leisa has an MSc in Advanced Complementary Medicine Research and Practice and her research studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Her professional interests include neurological conditions and self-management interventions for chronic conditions.

As Leisa's first career was in theatre, she has a great respect and love for the arts and an understanding of the commitment and discipline they require.


Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua  

Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua, HBSc, ND, PhD

Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua ND PhD, or Dr. JJ as he is affectionately known, is a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) since 2003 and the first ND to practice naturopathic medicine at the Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) Artists' Health Centre (AHC). Dr. JJ completed his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Toronto in 2011.

Dr. JJ's areas of clinical interest include: stress and anxiety, infections, skin conditions, hair conditions, digestive issues, gastrointestinal conditions, thyroid conditions and fertility support.

At the AHC, Dr. JJ uses a melange of naturopathic principals, including clinical nutrition, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicines, counselling and acupuncture. As a ND in Ontario, he prescribes desiccated thyroid and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) where appropriate.

Dr. JJ has given a number of workshops throughout Ontario specifically focused on artists and their health care, as well as presentations internationally, including the World Health Organization in Washington DC.

As part of his PhD research, Dr. JJ investigated the safety of natural products during pregnancy and lactation at the Sick Kids Hospital and conducted a clinical trial on the effects of cinnamon on type 2 diabetes at the Toronto Western Hospital and the Centre Universitaire de Sherbrooke.

He was an Associate Professor (Status Only) at the University of Toronto Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy.

He is the Chief Medical Officer of Liberty Clinic in Downtown Toronto.


Carolyn Franke  

Carolyn Franke, Nurse Coordinator, RN, BA, CDE

Carolyn Franke, Nurse Coordinator, RN, BA, CDE is a registered nurse with 37 years of experience, the last 15 in primary care. She is also a certified diabetes educator. She believes passionately in assessing the whole person and has thoroughly enjoyed doing the intake assessments for people accessing care at the Artists' Health Centre. She has a special interest in the arts community as she is an enthusiastic weaver, spinner, dyer and knitter and has professional musicians in her family.


Agnieszka Halonska  

Agnieszka Halonska

Site Coordinator

Aga is the new Administrative Coordinator at the Artists' Health Centre supporting complex administration and operational processes. Aga has sizeable experience in medical administration in both hospital environments and private clinics. Her strengths are integrity, strong organizational and operational skills, and being patient-centred. She also worked as an Activation Therapy Assistant at a nursing home where she was able to quickly recognize the comforting properties of art.

Being a mom of an autistic artist, Aga has experience managing mental health and strong appreciation for creativity. She is planning to pursue continuing education in business administration to further her professional growth and development. Aga defines motivation as her "natural life goal" and cares about the well-being of the arts community and clinic's functionality.

Aga is enthusiastic to take on her new role working on collaboration with fellow team members to ensure the success and growth of the Artists' Health Centre.


Vicki Hawkins  

Vicki Hawkins, BScPT, BA

Registered Physiotherapist

Vicki Hawkins completed her Physiotherapy degree at University of Toronto. Previously she obtained an honours degree in Kinesiology with a Certificate in Sport Therapy and a Certificate in Fitness Assessment at York University. She is a member of the Women's Health Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She is also a member of IADMS (International Association of Dance Medicine and Science) and PAMA (Performing Arts Medicine Association). She has been a Clinical Instructor with the University of Toronto, Department of Physiotherapy since 2003 and held a Status-only Appointment with the University of Toronto from 2009 until 2015.

She has completed a variety of continuing education courses including Manual Therapy, Muscle Energy, Scoliosis, the Pelvis, Pole Walking, and Yoga Therapy. She has worked with members of the University of Toronto Music Program, York University Dance, Theatre & Music Programs, the Ryerson University Dance Program, OCAD University, Humber College Music Program, The Royal Conservatory of Music, Canadian Opera Company, Canada's National Ballet School, Toronto Dance Theatre, Ballet Creole, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Opera Atelier, and a variety of television and film programs. She also worked with the Mirvish musical, A Chorus Line.

In 2010, Vicki completed her Level 1 certification as a GYROTONIC® Trainer. In 2011, she completed her Level 1 certification as a GYROKINESIS® Trainer. The GYROTONIC® exercises are used alone or in conjunction with treatment to help her clients achieve optimum wellness.
Vicki's interest in becoming a therapist for artists began as a student at The School for Toronto Dance Theatre and the University of Calgary Dance Program.


Lauren Leslie  

Lauren Leslie

Registered Massage Therapist

Lauren was a massage enthusiast decades before becoming a therapist. Her training at Sutherland-Chan prepared her to treat clients with a wide range of issues, from survivors of catastrophic accidents to those struggling with stress and depression. Her son is an aspiring pianist and composer, so she has an understanding of the challenges artists face. She offers Swedish massage, myofascial release, and deep tissue work.


Shelly-Anne Li  

Dr. Shelly-Anne Li, PhD

Researcher

Dr. Shelly-Anne Li oversees the research, quality improvement, and community engagement portfolios at the Artists' Health Centre (AHC), University Health Network. Dr. Li sets the program's direction and designs research and quality improvement projects that are in accordance with the values and mission of AHC. She forms partnerships with external organizations in the arts community and develops strategies to increase AHC's community involvement. Additionally, she is an Assistant Professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, where she supervises and educates medical learners and conducts medical education activities.

Dr. Li is also a sessional faculty member at the School of Nursing at McMaster University and an Associate Editor for Springer Nature's Global Implementation and Research Applications journal. She received her PhD from the University of Toronto and completed her MSc at McMaster University. Her areas of specialization include research design and methods, program evaluation, clinical practice guidelines, as well as the implementation and knowledge translation of evidence-based practices.

Her vision is to use research to improve the health and well-being of professional artists and to educate healthcare professionals and the wider community. To address the unique health needs of professional artists, Dr. Li aims to implement evidence-based practices that have a lasting, positive impact on their health and well-being.


Lezlee Lindzon  

Lezlee Lindzon

Social Worker

Lezlee is a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. Her background includes a combination of working in healthcare and in private practice. Throughout her career, she has worked with a variety of clients to support overall mental health. She appreciates the unique needs of individuals involved in the Arts.
Her training includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Gottman Method to work with individuals, families, and couples. Her approach is collaborative focusing on supporting and empowering clients to draw on their strengths to identify meaningful goals.

"It is a great privilege and opportunity to join The Artists' Health Centre. I look forward to combining my interest in healthcare and the Arts working together to create positive change."


Susan Lucas  

Susan Lucas, RMT, Dip. CTP

Psychotherapy

Susan is a Registered Psychotherapist, and offers interactive, interpersonal psychotherapy for individuals and groups. Her training is in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, she graduated from the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy in 1996. She further trained with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute to build tools and strategies to repair wounds in the psyche and soma. She also offers EFT Couple's Therapy, (Emotionally Focused Therapy) to help couples be able to communicate more effectively with each other.

Having grown up in an artistic family, and having her own experience working in theatre, Susan is passionate about freeing and supporting artists to accomplish their work, and to have a healthy work-life balance.


Dr. Anita Shack  

Dr. Anita Shack, BFA, DC, FATA

Chiropractor – offering Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Craniosacral Therapy

Anita Shack DC, BFA (Dance), is a Toronto-based Chiropractor who uses Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Craniosacral Therapy to facilitate change and wellness for her patients. She is in both private practice and the Chiropractor at the Al and Malka Green Artists' Health Centre at the Toronto Western Hospital. She is a published researcher and international speaker and teacher. She explores holistic context in her work and her workshops that are designed to increase personal awareness leading to improved health on multiple levels.

Dr. Shack has extensive experience working with artists from many disciplines including dance, theatre, music, visual arts, film, writing, photography, and others. She is a member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association and Healthy Dancer Canada. She is sensitive to the specific stresses and sensibilities of artists.

Dr. Shack draws on her expertise as a health care practitioner for over 30 years, her varied life experience, and her over 25-year study of earth-based and spiritual healing paradigms. She creatively weaves knowledge from these ancient traditions, and evidence-based science into experiential workshops. She is an insightful and caring teacher, creating safe and supportive environments to facilitate learning, change, and healing.


Rebecca Shalansky  

Dr. Rebecca Shalansky, MD

Psychotherapist

Rebecca grew up in Vancouver, BC, and completed medical school at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her residency training brought her to Ontario, where she completed her Family Medicine certification at Toronto Western Hospital. During Rebecca's residency, she gained skills in GP-psychotherapy through supervision at the AHC, as well as additional courses in CBT and Narrative Therapy.

Outside of Rebecca's work as a GP Psychotherapist, she is passionate about public health and obtained a Master's in Public Health from the University of Toronto. She is working towards a career as a public health physician.


Dr. Paul Uy  

Dr. Paul Uy, MD

Psychotherapist

Paul Uy (MD, RCPSC, BHSc) is a physician who completed his psychiatric training at the University of Toronto. He has trained in a number of therapeutic modalities from psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy, group therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy and mindfulness therapies. He also travels, practices yoga and writes poetry.

Paul's eclectic interest in various therapies emerged partly from a lifelong interest in writing, particularly poetry. He appreciates the many links between psychotherapy and the arts – how one can inform the other in harnessing physicality, intuition and community for healing and meaning. He values the role of art in society in cultivating immediacy, curiosity and creativity in a highly complex and interconnected world.


Dr. Shirin Yousefi  

Dr. Shirin Yousefi, DC

Chiropractor

Dr. Shirin Yousefi's journey to become a chiropractor was inspired by her 25 years of experience in dance as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. After completing a BFA in Dance at York University, she discovered her love of teaching through dance, yoga, and pilates. She experienced her own successful relief from low back pain through chiropractic treatment and felt a calling to help people address their own pain in the same way. She returned to York to complete a BSc in Kinesiology and was compelled to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

Dr. Yousefi incorporates her decade of teaching experience accumulated from her background in movement with a wealth of scientific and clinical knowledge in her work. She integrates acupuncture, mobilizations, adjustments, muscle release techniques and craniosacral therapy into her treatments. She educates her patients and empowers them with the understanding of how their body functions, and how to support it with self-care techniques as they embark on their healing journey.

Given her roots in the arts, Dr. Yousefi finds joy in helping other artists and creative people move with ease and less stress. She is passionate about chiropractic as a hands-on, drug-free, multidisciplinary approach to addressing musculoskeletal problems. She genuinely enjoys listening to her patients and working with them towards solutions that fit their lives and achieve their goals. Dr. Yousefi is happy to be working as part of a collaborative team helping artists be able to continue making art.​​

 Service Descriptions & Fee Schedule

Service Descriptions

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that is over 3,000 years old. It is the practice of inserting ultra-fine needles into specific points of energy located along 14 energy channels, known as meridians, which run within and over the entire body. Each meridian is associated with specific organ systems as well as emotions. The insertion of these needles is generally not painful.

Acupuncture is based on the concept of restoring health by balancing the flow of life force energy called Qi (Chi) throughout the body. Research supports that the benefits of acupuncture include but are not limited to the reduction of pain, inflammation, muscle tension, and the negative effects of stress.

Acupuncture, as practiced at the Artists' Health Centre, can be used as both a single modality and in conjunction with other manual therapies.

People with the following conditions can benefit from acupuncture:

  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Acute injuries
  • Muscle strain and tension
  • Headaches
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Nerve pain
  • Pain due to osteoarthritis
  • Asthma
  • Digestive issues


Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is a patient-centred, non-invasive, hands-on, regulated health care profession. Chiropractors are spine, muscle and nervous system experts who use the best available scientific evidence and clinical expertise to diagnose and treat issues that affect your body's movement and function. They consider the context of an issue and work to affect the root cause of it, whether that be poor posture or technique, imbalance, acute or chronic injury, or stress. Stress causes many restrictions and constrictions in the body that impede proper function.

As artists, being able to function at your best is essential to your ability to create art and manage the stresses of life. Using specialized chiropractic adjustments of the joints to clear mechanical blockages, obstacles to nerve flow and relieve muscle tension, chiropractic treatment is used to maximize function and movement, alleviate pain, reduce the negative effects of stress on the body and improve the quality of life. Soft tissue techniques and exercise education are also used to enhance treatments.

Chiropractic Treatment can benefit people experiencing the following:

  • Back pain and tension
  • Neck pain and tension
  • Sciatica
  • Strains and Sprains
  • Headache
  • Pain associated with arthritis
  • Work and sports injuries
  • Poor posture


Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle, non-invasive hands-on osteopathic technique that works with the body's self-correcting mechanisms to affect multiple structural and physiological systems.

The craniosacral system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord including the bones of the skull and the sacrum. Using delicate touch, the practitioner works to detect and release strain and restrictive patterns that disturb the rhythmic movement of the craniosacral system and the function of the central nervous system.

Treatment is aimed at releasing tensions deep in the body tissues to reduce pain, dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance by facilitating the body's natural healing processes.

Craniosacral therapy induces deep relaxation by balancing the part of your nervous system responsible for the flight/fight response with the part responsible for restoration and relaxation. This therapy focuses on the whole being and can bring calm to the mind and body.

Craniosacral therapy can be helpful for people with:

  • Headaches
  • Concussion
  • Vertigo
  • Tinnitus
  • Jaw Pain
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Nerve pain
  • Acute or chronic injury
  • Physical components of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression


Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity.


Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are experts in how the body moves. Physiotherapy can be used for prevention or rehabilitation. Treatment can be for problems due to injury (such as joint sprain or tendinitis), surgery (such as joint replacement), health conditions (such as arthritis) or disability.

Your session will be customized for you. The physiotherapist will learn about the history of the problem you are experiencing and some background information, then will complete an assessment of your movement, strength & function, then will diagnose your condition. Then they will create and implement a treatment plan suitable to your needs and goals. Treatment may include education, exercise prescription and hands-on (manual) therapy. You will play an active role in achieving your goals.

Physiotherapy can be completed in-person or virtually with Telerehabilitation (using video).


Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is primarily talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Registered Psychotherapists are trained in a variety of therapy modalities and work with individuals, couples and families. Psychotherapy occurs when the psychotherapist and client enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client's thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning. Individuals usually seek psychotherapy when they have thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours that are adversely affecting their day-to-day lives, relationships and ability to enjoy life.


Single-Session Psychotherapy

Single-session therapy is a specific form of therapy conducted by professionals who seek to use their existing skill sets and knowledge base to address clients' presenting concerns, within one session. The session takes place with the understanding that the session might be the only one. Some of the issues you can discuss include:

  • Feeling sad or anxious
  • Relationship issues
  • Difficulties adjusting to a life situation
  • Grief/bereavement
  • Stress management
  • Accessing government services/assistance
  • Learn skills to help regulate emotions
  • Difficulties with sleep
  • Other

Registered Massage Therapy

Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints for the purpose of optimizing health.

Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved; and physical dysfunction and pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.


Shiatsu Therapy

Shiatsu therapy is a Japanese treatment that stimulates the body's natural healing abilities. Shiatsu translates to 'finger pressure' and involves the application of comfortable, sustained pressure to specific points on the body to promote relaxation, release muscular tension, relieve pain, improve and maintain health and well-being and balance the body's energy. Pressure can range from very gentle to quite deep, with each session tailored to suit the individual and their specific health needs. No oil or lotion is used, so the patient can remain in loose, comfortable clothing.

Shiatsu has a regulatory effect on the nervous system, thus promoting relaxation, reducing muscle tension and improving organ function. Studies have demonstrated its therapeutic effects for stress, fibromyalgia, chronic and acute pain, muscle and joint issues, mind-body awareness, migraine, sleep problems and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Regardless of the aim of treatment, shiatsu can enhance health and well-being and help to prevent injury and dysfunction.

Self-Care Training Sessions

Shiatsu Therapist has been teaching people how to better manage their health and well-being for many years. In these sessions, you can learn self-shiatsu and other self-management techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, stretching and acupressure. These simple self-care techniques can help you to take control of your health and feel better so you can live more fully.

These 45-minute one-to-one sessions are tailored to suit the health and well-being needs of each individual patient. Some of the issues these sessions can address include stress, anxiety, sleep problems, headaches/migraines, low back pain, neck and shoulder tension, chronic pain and injury prevention/recovery.


Fee Schedule

All resources are in PDF format unless otherwise indicated.

For the most current version of the fee schedule, visit our dedicated page

 The Joysanne Sidimus Fund

The JSF subsidizes 75% of each visit to the Al & Malka Green Artists' Health Centre, up to a maximum $760 annually. This funding is intended to help professional artists treat an acute injury, and this funding provides coverage for 12 months from the date of approval.

Effective November 20, 2023, all applicants approved for financial assistance will receive a maximum of $775 instead of $760. The 75% coverage remains unchanged.

Unused funds will not be extended beyond the expiry date.

The fund may be helpful if you are:

  1. Covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), with no additional insurance available to you
  2. Able to access the Centre regularly for appointments
  3. Able to pay 25% of each appointment fee
  4. Have a specific medical concern that can be treated within the funding and time limits
  5. Meet the following eligibility criteria:
    • You are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, or you have an approved work visa with a professional arts organization
    • You currently work or reside in Ontario
    • You have a valid OHIP card (Note: Out-of-province health card is not qualified)
    • You meet the requirements as a professional artist

To Apply

Step 1:
Book an intake appointment. We strongly recommend completing the JSF application after your appointment with the Nurse Coordinator.

This appointment is free and can be made by calling The Al & Malka Green Artists' Health Centre at 416 603 5263.

Step 2:
Please complete the online application after your intake appointment with the Nurse Coordinator.

This JSF online application will determine your subsidy eligibility.

Please respond to each question accurately and follow the instructions in the JSF online application.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact:
financialaid.ahc@uhn.ca
Joysanne Sidimus Fund c/o Agnieszka Halonska
Phone: 416 603 5263​​​

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