FEATURED NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Centre

by Jacqueline Fraser, Blog Editor/Writer

Earlier this week, I and two of ONE’s Board members, had the opportunity to meet with the Vice President, Lori Hassall, Vice President-Programs and Karna Trentman, Director of Community Services, who have worked for many years with Canadian Mental Health Association [CMHA] (https://cmhatv.ca/). We met at one of ONE’s hidden gems, the CMHA Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Centre located at 648 Huron Street in Kipps Lane neighbourhood. I left our meeting extremely impressed by the variety of programs and support services provided by this gem in Old Northeast London, that I felt I had to shine a spotlight on what they do for our London and area community!

The Mental Health Commission of Canada estimates 1 in 5 Canadians is affected by mental health or addiction issue each year. CMHA’s vision is a Canada where mental health is a universal human right. In their report, the Commission asserted that timely intervention is critical to reducing the lifelong burden of mental illness and addiction.

Hence, in alignment with its mission to ensure that all people in Canada experience good mental health and well-being, and with the help of funding from the provincial and local governments, space in the building at 648 Huron Street was converted to manage 10 vulnerable patients at a time, in a more home-like setting.

How is a mental health and/or addiction crisis defined? CMHA defines it as a serious, immediate mental health or addictions problem, a situational crisis, psychosis, risk of self-harm or harm to others, emotional trauma, agitation (or inability to sleep resulting from agitation), severe depression or anxiety, symptoms of moderate withdrawal, or suicidal thoughts.

The Crisis Centre, which opened in 2016, provides onsite support for individuals experiencing a mental health and/or addictions crisis who do not require hospital or emergency services (911). No referral is needed. It offers a warm, welcoming environment open for walk-ins 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a highly trained and skilled clinical services team of dedicated mental health professionals on site. Please note, however, there is no psychiatrist on site; so one cannot seek to a change in medications at the Centre.

Hassall, who served as the Crisis Centre’s first manager, explained that the Centre was established to help people out of a crisis and get them support in the community to maintain their health over the long haul. The Crisis Centre provides assessment and supportive counselling for immediate crisis issues and referrals to other services for on-going, non-crisis issues. Staff make referrals to treatment and case management services, social & recreational activities, life skills development, vocational and housing supports, withdrawal assessment and community withdrawal management support. In fact, if you or your loved one is experiencing severe depression, anxiety, panic or dealing with addictions, this should be the first stop you make, not the hospital.

To complement its crisis mental health and addictions support, Trentman advised that CHMA has also established Reach Out – a bilingual information and referral, support and crisis service for those living in London, Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties. Launched on August 23, 2016, Reach Out is for people living with mental health and addictions needs and their families, caregivers and health care providers. Trained mental health workers answer all calls and provide system navigation, supportive listening and crisis services. After Connex Ontario managed the service for three years, in April 2019, CMHA took over responsibility for managing Reach Out. The service is available by phone, text and web chat service.

To help streamline the service and continue to enhance community mental health and addiction supports, as of April 1, 2019, Reach Out was transferred to CMHA Middlesex. To utilize this service:

Call 519-433-2023 or toll-free 1-866-933-2023
Text 519-433-2023
Connect online through their web chat feature

Watch this short video learn more about the Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Centre.

Please share this valuable information with anyone you know who is struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, has suicide ideation, or is in a mental health crisis. This vital first responder type support service is a blessing to have in Old Northeast!