Community Mental Health
Welcome
The first step in getting the mental health treatment and support you need is a simple phone call away. If this is not an emergency and you don’t require urgent help, then check out How to Access Services (on this page, below). Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or youth (aged 12 years or older), our Mental Health Access Program workers will be pleased to speak with you. And if you’re a referring professional, you’ll also find relevant information.
If this is an emergency, dial 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. Click here for directions to the SickKids Emergency Department if this is the closest location for you.
If you need urgent help but don’t need to go to a hospital emergency room, click here for Crisis Centres.
How to Access Services
For Parents and Guardians
If you are looking for our Intensive Services for Children or Intensive Services for Youth , contact Help Ahead, the central point of intake for intensive mental health services for infants, children, youth and their families in Toronto. You may contact them by phone at 1-866-585-6486 or email helpahead@stridestoronto.ca.
To access our Individual and Family Services, please call our Mental Health Access Program at 416-924-1164, ext. 8708 to discuss service options for your family.
For Children and Youth
To make finding services easier, there is now a central point of intake for intensive mental health services for children, youth and their families in Toronto: Help Ahead. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please visit their website at www.helpahead.ca, or contact their friendly and experienced team by phone at 1-866-585-6486 or email helpahead@stridestoronto.ca.
To access our Individual and Family Services, please call our Mental Health Access Program at 416-924-1164, ext. 8708 to talk to one of our staff about your service options.
You do not need permission or consent from a parent or guardian to contact us or Help Ahead if you are 12 years of age or older.
All services at GH-CCMH and those referred by Help Ahead are free, and unless we are concerned about your safety or someone else’s, any conversation you have with Centre staff will be kept confidential.
For Professionals: Do you require a counselling/therapy referral for your patient/client?
If you require a counselling/therapy referral for your client/patient, please complete this referral form. Fax the completed form to 416-924-8208, Attn: Mental Health Access Program.
Please note: We are unable to provide service for acute suicidal ideation; developmental delays and dual diagnosis; or if court mandated; or where primary/only concern is: autism spectrum disorder diagnosis; substance misuse; eating disorders; or child/custody access.
For intensive service referrals, call Help Ahead at 1-866-585-6486 or email helpahead@stridestoronto.ca.
For Physicians: Do you require a psychiatric consultation for your patient/client?
If you require a psychiatric consultation for your patient/client, please complete this referral form. Fax the completed form to 416-874-6271, Attn: Scheduling and Registration.
Please note: We are unable to provide consultation for: autism spectrum disorder diagnosis; primary substance use problems; psychosis; eating disorders; primary forensic concerns; or child custody/access cases.
For information regarding all Toronto child mental health services, visit Help Ahead.