Amanda Bates, MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work, and founder of Skyline Counselling which offers virtual counselling to adults right across Ontario.
Her focus is helping people navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with ongoing health conditions—things like changes to identity, relationships, and daily life. She works with clients to process loss, adjust to new realities, and build strategies that support coping and overall quality of life. She describes where virtual counselling has advantages over traditional in-person treatments.
Bates also supports those dealing with anxiety, depression, grief—including pet loss—stress, and caregiver fatigue. Her approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based care, with a strong focus on the whole person. Sessions move at an individual’s pace, centred on what matters most to them. She reports on how her virtual services are making real improvements.
And because it’s all offered virtually, support is accessible from wherever someone is—bringing care into the comfort and privacy of their own space. Bates adds it also reduces wait times for those in remote areas with limited mental health resources.
Bates is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). You can find out more at skylinecounselling.ca and listen to our complete conversation below.
Story by Brian Turner
