Searching for Community Mental Health Centres

Fitness for Mental Health offers programming that is specific and consistent and customized to suit both individuals and organizations

One-to-one programs:
* offered in a private setting
* programs are designed to be unique to each individual and their personal challenges
* benefits include improvements in mood symptoms, the ability to focus, and overall mental well being

* group programs also available to organizations and communities to promote the benefits of physical activity

Provides an actionable program that encourages student-to-student conversations about mental health, facilities peer-to-peer support networks, and funds on-campus mental health programs
* encouraging peer-to-peer conversations about mental health among students
* educating students about the causes of mental illness, and how to build resiliency
* connecting more students to on-campus and in-community mental health resources

Friendship Bench
* more than 60 yellow benches installed in seven Canadian provinces
* for teens and young adults attending high school, college or university
* volunteers work with on campus groups to install a yellow friendship bench to remind students to get support if they are dealing with loneliness, depression or other mental health-related issues
* bench is embossed with website address, which explains the purpose of the bench and promotes the mental health resources available at the school as well as a list of resources available provincially and nationally

Benches in Halton
* Notre Dame Secondary School, 2333 Headon Forest Drive, Burlington
* Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School, 5150 Upper Middle Road, Burlington
* Aldershot School, 50 Fairwood Place West, Burlington
* Holy Trinity High School, 2420 Sixth Line, Oakville
* Sheridan College - Trafalgar Campus, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
* St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic Elementary School, 1359 Bayshire Drive, Oakville

A single point of access for referrals to publically funded addictions and mental health providers in Mississauga and Halton

• ADAPT (Halton Alcohol Drug and Gambling Assessment Prevention and Treatment)
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Halton Region Branch
• Halton Healthcare Services - Outpatient Mental Health
• Hope Place Centres - community based supports
• PAARC (Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre)
• STRIDE (Supported Training & Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments)
• Summit Housing & Outreach Programs
• Support & Housing - Halton
• Trillium Health Partners - Mental Health Services

Accepting referrals for clients residing in the the Mississauga Halton area or from primary care providers who practice in Mississauga, Oakville, Southwest Etobicoke, Milton or Georgetown * this includes referrals to both Ambulatory Outpatient Mental Health Services at Halton Healthcare and Trillium Health Partners

Provide an interprofessional approach to the assessment and treatment of children, youth and families in difficulty

Services include:

Crisis Service
* provides immediate outreach for children and youth, their caregivers and community members

Virtual Walk-in Clinic
* provides quick access to therapeutic intervention with a trained therapist or counsellor
* the entire family or individual family members are welcome to attend

Mental Health Services include:
* brief therapy, 3-4 sessions
* group therapy, provides support and treatment that targets specific problems
* therapy, provides assessment and treatment

Trauma Group
* program consists of a trauma group for parents/caregivers, trauma assessments and trauma specific therapy

Intensive Treatment Services include:
* Intensive Counselling Service (ICS): provides a range of intervention and support services to high-need children/youth (aged 6-18) and their families
* live-in treatment at Aberdeen House

Specialized Consultation & Assessment Services include:
* Psychological Services: assessments/consultations are considered for children and youth when there is a concern about learning, developmental, cognitive and/or social emotional functioning
* Autism and Behavioural Services
* Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Services: provide consultation, coaching, education, training and service coordination to families, caregivers & professionals who are supporting individuals (up to age 18 or 21 if registered in school) with suspected or diagnosed FASD

Peer Support
* for both caregivers and youth, focusing on decreasing isolation and creating opportunities for connections with others

Partnership Programs include:
* Halton Coordinated Service Planning: provides children and youth with multiple and/or complex special needs, and their families, with a high level of seamless and family-centred care
* Caroline Families First: uses an evidenced-based wraparound model of care for families who are struggling with mental health needs (referrals are made directly from a physician that is connected to the program)

Prevention Services include:
* Positive Space Network: builds community and creates safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 6-24 in Halton Region by creating youth-focused programming and by providing mental health support
* Halton Families for Families: connects, supports and engages with Halton families who are impacted by a child/youth's mental health struggles
* Danielle's Place - Eating Disorder Support and Resource Centre: offers a range of groups for female-identifying and non-binary youth ages 8-16
* Our Community Cares: program works within the community to empower people and to help build skills in adults and children who are at risk for mental health problems
* EarlyON Child and Family Centre Burlington: provides a welcoming and inclusive space for all children ages birth to six years and their families to participate in programs on-site, virtually, and outdoors


See the listings for the Milton Office and Burlington Office for information on programs and services at these locations

ADAPT has partnered with numerous local mental health and community agencies to bring a variety of special programs to those experiencing concurrent disorders

The Health & Hope Partnership

• offers individual, group, and family programs to individuals experiencing any combination of substance misuse, gambling and other mental health issues

The Phoenix Program

• Early Intervention Service for Psychosis, a clinical partnership between Joseph Brant Hospital, Halton Healthcare Services, North Halton Mental Health Clinic, Halton ADAPT and the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario
• provides comprehensive clinical services for individuals in their first episode of psychosis
• eligible to individuals between the ages of 14 and 35 yrs who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis and who have received no previous treatment (or less than 6 months of treatment) for psychosis, and who live in the Region of Halton

Halton Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Program

• assists older individuals with mental health issues, and those who may have substance abuse concerns which require clinical services outside of an office setting
• please call Kate Rizzuto, 289-259-1269

Prioritizing Health through Acute Stabilization and Transition (PHAST) Partnership - Burlington

• a partnership between Joseph Brant Hospital, Halton ADAPT, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Halton Region Branch, Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), and the Burlington Family Health Team (BFHT)
• provides rapid assessment and treatment services to patients aged 16 and older during a mental health crisis, and provides options for ongoing community based care (through ADAPT, CMHA, ROCK and the BFHT)

If you are unsure of which program is right for you, phone ADAPT's general intake line at 905-639-6537, ext. 0

ADAPT offers a variety of Community Justice programs to youth and adults, providing assessment, counselling and case management services, assistance can also be provided to the family or caregivers

Extra-Judicial Programming (EJM and EJS) (ages 12-17)

• Extrajudicial Sanctions (EJS) is a program that gives young people an opportunity to accept responsibility for their actions and to make amends by completing certain tasks, after being charged with an offence
• Extrajudicial Measures (EJM) is a program that gives young people, who are willing to participate, an opportunity to accept responsibility for their actions and to make amends by completing certain tasks (option available to police instead of laying a formal charge)
• involvement with ADAPT may be one of the tasks assigned as part of the EJS/EJM contract

Youth Justice Program

• provides screenings, assessment and counselling services to young people involved with Halton Youth Justice Services who are experiencing issues related to drug and /or alcohol use
• referrals are initiated by Halton Youth Justice Services
• support is also provided to family members of the young person

Probation and Parole Program

• provides alcohol/drug use and problem gambling assessments for probation and parole clients as required by a court order and/or parole certificate
• these screenings, in conjunction with the Probation and Parole Officer, determine the level of service required to meet the counselling condition of the order
• services include group and individual counselling and referrals to community programs/services tailored to the needs of the individual

Drug Court Program

• the Halton Drug Treatment Court (HDTC) is a judicially-supervised drug treatment and rehabilitation program for offenders whose criminal conduct is motivated by drug addiction
• expected to take 9 to 12 months to complete
• participation is voluntary and includes an application and screening process by the Federal Crown Attorney's office and the Court Liaison worker
• once accepted, ADAPT is the lead provider to address the substance addiction and the individual is assigned an addiction worker

Safe Beds

• a short-term residential bed program (Mental Health & Justice Beds) providing individuals living with mental illness, and recent or current involvement with the criminal justice system, with a 30-day stay with onsite 24-hour supports to assist in resolving the current crisis and creating strategies for long-term interventions
• referrals are made by Halton Regional Police and admission to the program is based on a screening with Safe Beds program staff
• Canadian Metal Health Association (CMHA), Supportive Housing Halton (SHH) and ADAPT work in collaboration to provide individuals with a service delivery model that is comprehensive
• if the individual is in need of addiction services, the ADAPT Safe Beds Addiction Worker will be assigned to provide services

Trained counsellors provide ongoing support to clients of all ages who are struggling with any of the following:

• gambling-related issues
• gaming
• excessive internet use
• shopping
• hyper-sexuality

Support services begin with a comprehensive assessment to explore the effect the problem area has on all aspects of one's life, followed by an individualized treatment plan, developed by the counsellor and the client

• gambling addiction treatment plan may include individual, group, couples/family counselling, as well as referrals to day treatments, residential treatments, or utilization of other community resources
• counselling services are also available to the significant others and family members affected by the problem behaviour of a loved one, regardless of whether or not the loved one is a client of ADAPT services

Problem Gambling Intensive Day Treatment Program

• offers a no-cost, 5-day intensive treatment program focused on gambling-specific issues
• through education and support, strive to assist clients in building a successful foundation for healthy, long-term lifestyle changes
• program is accessible at several locations in Ontario and runs Mon to Fri, 9:30 am-3:30 pm
• topics covered include: education about problem gambling and how it can become addictive, exploring thoughts that maintain problem gambling, coping with emotions, developing behaviours that support change, and relapse prevention
• for inquiries or referrals please contact the Problem Gambling Day Treatment Program at: 1-866-783-7073 or 905-691-2687

Offers a full range of supportive housing options for those with mental health and/or substance use issues, from highly intensive staff supported residences, to community supports through rent subsidies with private landlords

• supports multiple needs and works to strengthen essential life skills
• assists in connecting with additional supports in the community such as interdisciplinary health teams
• supports individuals to transition to more independent housing

Staff Supported Residences include:

Chartwell House

• supports individuals aged 16 and up with Residential Counselors between 5-7 days per week
• located in Oakville
• has seven bedrooms in a congregate setting

Life House

• supports youth 16 to 24 with Residential Counselors 7 days a week
• located in Acton
• has five bedrooms in a congregate setting

Grace House

• Halton's only 24/7 staffed supportive housing residence
• located in Oakville
• has 10 bedrooms in a congregate setting

Support House's Centre for Innovation in Peer Support provides

• wellness-based, peer-led self-help and social connections programming to community members; and
• support to organizations who have peer staff, through training in peer-support program implementation, capacity-building, evaluation, research, knowledge brokerage, and quality improvement

Peer Support Programs include:

Virtual Self-Help

• to ensure confidentiality and safety of the group, all participants new to the Centre are required to register for Virtual Self-Help groups
• Community Resource and Wellness Series
• Daily Wellness Planning
• Well Being Drop-In
• Navigating Stress & Anxiety
• We Matter

Social Connections

• free, drop-in, virtual social connection opportunities are open to anyone aged 16 and older, no registration or commitment required
• Lit Grit
• Creative Writing
• The Games Room
• The Sharing Circle
• Just Be You (OAK0144)

Peer Support Navigation (one on one)

• offers one-to-one peer support appointments via phone/teleconference

Peer Warm Line (one on one)

• talk, and be heard by someone able to offer supportive listening
• call 289-644-1480, Mon-Fri, 12 noon-5 pm

Peer Supporters & Organizations Supports include:

Provincial Systems Virtual Learning Centre & Resource Hub

• weekly on-line Communities of Practice for Peer Support Worker and one for Peer Support Supervisors, open across Ontario
• guidelines, manuals & toolkits, open to province
• training for peer positions, supervisors, teams and organizations
• support for peer program implementation
• quality improvement & evaluation support
• infrastructure & governance
• influencing policy & decision makers

Qualified support coordinators provide support and services based on the client's level of need

• referrals for housing and support services are processed by one-Link

Support Coordination

• Support Coordination for Adults
• Support Coordination for Youth
• TAY Service Coordination (Transitional Aged Youth)
• for more information, see listing OAK0403

Peer Services

• Peer Support Programs
• Virtual Self-Help
• Social Connections
• Peer Support Navigation
• Provincial Systems Virtual Learning Centre & Resource Hub
• for more information, see listing OAK4675

Supportive Housing

• Variety of housing options
• for more information, see listing OAK0079

A social group that meets to work on their own art (drawing) projects, with their own materials
* most participants collaborate on publishing comic books as well as other books, including textbooks
* some participants do limited painting (small watercolours)
* drop-ins are welcome - coffee, good company, paper and pencils available

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Continuing to provide virtual and modified services using email, phone, text, and video conferencing, while also gradually re-opening office locations to be able to support clients virtually or in-person. Check website for current status.

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Employment Connections Program includes:

• employment planning - developing a realistic employment goal
• support coordination - assistance with successful transition to employment; advice on funding supports to access training and employment opportunities
• employment preparation - assistance with resume updates, job searches, applications and interview skills, vocational life skills training
• job placement - assistance with job searches by establishing contacts that can lead to employment
• on the job training/coaching - providing support to individuals while training on the job
• job maintenance - providing ongoing follow-up to help maintain employment

Youth Employment Program provides:

• a client centered program that responds to the varied employment needs of transitional aged youth,16 to 24 years, who are experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues
• outreach service to meet youth in the community, accessing at-risk youth who traditionally are not seeking services
• youth-oriented service that will assist youth in developing the skills they need to become contributing members of their communities

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Continuing to provide virtual and modified services using email, phone, text, and video conferencing, while also gradually re-opening office locations to be able to support clients virtually or in-person. Check website for current status.

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Employment Peer Mentor Program:
* open to individuals who are 16 years or older who have experienced or are experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges
* Employment Peer Mentors (EPMs) are individuals with lived experience with mental health and/or addiction issues and who are in recovery
* provide a positive role model through support, guidance, mutual exchange and coaching from the perspective of lived experience

Services may include:
* support to find employment and access community resources
* provide support during appointments, assistance with paperwork and attend meetings when needed
* assist in developing a personal wellness plan and goals

COVID-19 Service Change: FREE call in counselling is being provided via phone rather than in-person. Call 289-291-5396 to be contacted by a counsellor within 24 business hours. 24/7 COAST Crisis Line is available at 1-877-825-9011

Programs and services include:

Case Management

• helps people manage symptoms in positive ways, get the right care, find a place to live, make healthy choices, and connect to others who can help

Information and Referral

• provides information on mental health, addictions, and services to promote improved health and well-being
• provides current and comprehensive information for people who have a mental health and/or addiction concerns as well as family members, friends, physicians, health care workers, or service providers

Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST)

• provides telephone support and mobile intervention to persons who are in crisis and have a mental health concern

Education and Training

• offer a range of workshops, courses, training, groups, and services to promote positive health and create a supportive community

Free Walk-In Counselling: temporarily on hold until further notice * service is being provided via phone rather than in person * call 289-291-5396 and a counsellor will contact within 24 hours, Mon-Fri


Transitional Case Management Program:

• Dual Diagnosis Program: for people who have both a mental health concern and /or intellectual disability
• Justice Services: providing assistance and court support services for people who have a mental health/addiction concern and are involved in the criminal justice system
• Court Support: for people who have a mental health and/or addiction concern and are accused of an offence * help patients get the mental health and/or addictions support they need while they are in the midst of court proceedings, such as the community treatment court
• Release from Custody: help people to reintegrate back into the community in a safe and supportive manner

Peer Support Program

• virtual peer support groups * weekly drop-in groups * email peermentors@cmhahrb.ca for more information

Services and Programs:

• COAST - Crisis Outreach and Support Team
• Education and Training
• Equilibrium - Mood Disorder Support Group

Providing specialized supportive living services, care and support to persons over 18 years of age with developmental disabilities, challenging behaviors and mental health issues * supportive living services are located in a central administration and recreational building in downtown Oakville * operates eleven homes in the communities of Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Halton Hills and Georgetown * elected volunteer board of directors is responsible for the governance of the organization * volunteer opportunities available


Services for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities with a focus on complex needs

• clinical services: persons are served by a multidisciplinary team consisting of direct care counsellors and other professionals including physiotherapist, speech language pathologist and speech language assistant, occupational therapist, behaviour therapists, psychologists, nutritionist, nurse specialist, physician and psychiatrist
• ongoing assessment, treatment and management
• opportunities for basic life skill development, workshop activities and for some supported employment
• a ten bed activity-based respite program for children and adults with complex needs
• managing Halton Support Services, a community service for people with intellectual disabilities who live in the Halton Region * contact Beth Watson at 905-844-7864 ext 230 or bwatson@cwsds.ca for more information

Day Services

• supports people with an intellectual disability, including those with complex needs, to meet their community participation aspirations and desires as outlined in their Personal Support Plans
• Individuals have a range of activities in which they can participate, including an on-site greenhouse, a laundry service that supports some of the community-based homes, swimming, landscaping, and supporting the Town of Oakville's park clean-up program

Dual Diagnosis Service

• provides consultation, comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, interpretation, on site support and follow up, mentoring and education/training
• Dual Diagnosis Justice Coordinators support individuals through the criminal justice system and to ensure supports are in place to reintegrate into community life * serve individuals 18 years old and up * referrals can be made by the individual, family, service providers, courts, police or anyone involved with the individual * individual's consent must be obtained

Short Term Assessment and Treatment Environment (STATE)

• for those with a dual diagnosis - assesses the individual and develops a treatment plan that will assist in integrating the individual back into their community

Central West Region Passport Agency (CWRPA)

• administers program for adults with a developmental disability who have completed school and are seeking community participation supports

Central West Community Network of Specialized Care

• working with community partners to develop, coordinate and streamline access to resources

Services and Programs:

• Halton Support Services
• Respite Services

In addition to providing structured, challenging academic programs for all of its students, Wildwood is also designed to provide the support that children with learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) need to achieve their goals

• programs are tailored for children with three distinct placements
• teacher ratios of 14:1 allowing teachers to cater not just to students' academic needs but also to their behavourial and social needs
• curriculum is presented through Direct Instruction (D.I.) programs and methodology

Major services:

• job placement for persons with physical, mental health and developmental disabilities
• employment plans that outline the steps to reach a job goal
• job coaches who focus on keeping the job
• self-employment mentoring to test feasibility of new ideas

Partners with Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP), Employment Ontario (EO), Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Centre for Skills Development, YMCA and Sheridan College on employment initiatives for people with disabilities

A free program intended for individuals, ages 13-30, who experience mild to moderate anxiety, stress, and low mood

• learn techniques to help you to effectively cope with stress and anxiety
• best suited to those for whom anxiety is the primary concern
• curriculum is based on Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and includes education about mindfulness, mindfulness techniques and self-compassion
• participants are encouraged to self-select to be part of the program, independent of caregivers or other external support(s)
• a diagnosis or referral is not necessary in order to participate
• occurs weekly, for 7 weeks, and each session is 90-120 minutes long

Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) services in Brampton, Halton and Mississauga are delivered through a network of organizations led by CarePoint Health * in-person or virtual cognitive-behavioural therapy in a one-on-one format * client will be matched with a therapist for 10-12 sessions held weekly for 5-60 minutes

Services can be provided for:

• depression and low mood
• generalized anxiety and worry
• health anxiety
• obsessive-compulsive concerns
• other anxiety and stress-related problems
• post-traumatic stress
• social anxiety and performance fears
• specific fears
• unexpected panic attacks and agoraphobic fears
• different supports are available to meet client's needs including individual or group psychotherapy
• cognitive-behavioural approaches focus on practical strategies and skills to manage problems that happen in everyday life

Peer support group for individuals and their families who are affected by a mood disorder and whose main purpose is to gain a better understanding of the illness, to offer non-judgmental support and to share experiences

The focus of monthly meetings is wellness through education and sharing

• guest speakers include individuals who live with a mood disorder, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers and specialists in nutrition and relaxation
• video presentations by medical specialists or professional documentaries
• open discussions
• no registration or membership required
• all those affected by a mood disorder are welcome
• refer to the Mental Health Services offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton Branch for more information

Mental health advocate

• for women struggling with depression, anxiety or other undiagnosed mental health challenges and are in need of mental health supports

Drop-in support

• open to all women who may be going through a difficult time and are facing challenges in their everyday life
• peer supporters provide one-on-one support by phone, email or in person

Abuse/crisis counselling

• one-on-one counselling for women dealing with the effects of abuse
• women will receive emotional support and guidance throughout the healing process with a focus on concrete plans for future safety

Life skills coaching

• women dealing with low self-esteem can receive up to eight personalized life coaching sessions
• learn skills to find empowerment and boost self-esteem

Legal Advice

• volunteer lawyers provide a free half hour legal advice session

Income tax clinic

• tax preparation for low income women that includes advice on rebates and benefits including the Canada Child Tax Benefit and health care benefits
• call or visit for financial eligibility
• clinics run from the end of February to the end of March

Borrow a Laptop

• loaning laptops to women in the Halton region to support their personal and professional development goals, and to make it easier for women to join our workshops
• Drop in or send an email to borrow one from our Technology Lending Library

Offers a variety of workshops and support groups, both in-person and virtually

• please visit website or Eventbrite for more details and to register

Assertiveness Coaching

• learn how to ask for and receive the things you want from life
• practice communication skills to be more assertive at work, in relationships and other areas of your life

Self-esteem Series

• focuses on making positive changes and facing challenges head on
• provides the opportunity to foster friendships, build confidence and promote positive thinking

Divorce and Finance workshop

• a divorce financial analyst discusses financial mistakes women can avoid
• topics include selling or keeping your home, support payments, income tax, banking and credit

Family Law 101

• one day seminar introducing the basics of Family law and covering everything women need to know about separation and divorce
• topics include property division, spousal support, child custody and access, separation agreements and child support

Coffee and Conversation

• join the group for lighthearted conversation and snacks

Self care

• a monthly drop-in workshop for participants to learn ways to practice self care in the midst of all of the chaos

Provides long-term case management to enable individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses to attain self-sufficiency, stability and integration into the community * team of nurses and social workers provides long term slow paced rehabilitation * services are ongoing as long as client needs support * discharge occurs when the client moves outside Halton, refuses or no longer requires service or demonstrates ongoing violent or aggressive behaviour * partner of the Halton Homes Program, working in collaboration with Summit Housing & Outreach, Support & Housing Halton and Joseph Brant Hospital

Services include:

• psychiatric assessment and treatment
• medication and symptom management
• case management, group and individual counselling
• relapse prevention planning and strategies
• collaboration and referral to community partners
• family/caretaker education and support

Outpatient, community-based program for individuals 14-35 years old experiencing early stages of psychosis * clinical partnership between Halton Healthcare, Joseph Brant Hospital, North Halton Mental Health Clinic, Halton ADAPT and the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario * team includes psychiatrists, nursing, social work, occupational therapists, peer support and addiction counsellors


Comprehensive clinical services include:

• psychiatric assessment and treatment
• medication and symptom management
• case management, group and individual counselling
• family education and support
• relapse prevention planning and strategies
• addictions counselling
• peer support
• community program referral and illness management instruction after discharge
• assistance with education, work, and housing

Offers help to individuals who have a concurrent addiction and mental health issues

Services include:

• assessment, consultation and treatment with an Addiction Psychiatrist
• individual and group therapy
• group based education focused on developing personal goals, skill building, and improving the management of mental health and addiction issues