6. Empowering yourself through support and self-care
Resources
The resources listed below outline supports available for families and friends of people with mental health problems.
A telephone-based service providing information and resources for people and their families on mental illness, addiction and concurrent disorders. Includes information about how families can access CAMH services for a family member or friend, as well as information about services available in the community (including crisis centres). Also connects families to support groups and educational sessions coordinated by CAMH.
416 535-8501 (press 2) or 1 800 463-6273
Empowerment Council
Offers a voice for the clients of CAMH.
Jennifer Chambers, coordinator: 416 535-8501 (ext. 34022)
Family Addiction Service
Provides support, education and consultation for those concerned about a family member’s or friend’s substance use (the person of concern does not have to be a CAMH client or patient). Offers a monthly family education session for families to understand addiction, concurrent disorders, motivation and change, and includes information on coping strategies for family members and treatment options.
Access CAMH: 416 535-8501 (press 2) or 1 800 463-6273
Family Psychoeducation Series
Offers group information sessions for families and friends of people with mental illness. Includes topics such as navigating the health care system, communication, strategies and problem and crisis management.
Access CAMH: 416 535-8501 (press 2) or 1 800 463-6273
Family Resource Centre
Includes printed resources on mental health and addiction, a lending library, access to a computer and volunteers who can answer questions and help family members and friends get connected with other supports.
100 Stokes Street (Bell Gateway Building), ground floor, room 1314
416 535-8501 ext. 33202
E-mail: familyengagement@camh.ca
Slaight Centre Early Intervention Service (SCEIS)
An outpatient program for young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis and their families.
416 535-8501 ext. 34841 or 37702
Youth Concurrent Education Night for Families and Friends
Provides information sessions on mental health, addictions, harm reduction, self-care and setting limits and gaming/Internet use. Offered by the Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorders Service.
Access CAMH: 416 535-8501 (press 2) or 1 800 463-6273
211 Toronto
Provides information about social services in Toronto including child care, community legal services, home support, low-income housing, immigration and employment.
Contact: 211
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Offers resources and support groups. CMHA branches are available across Canada.
416 789-7954
ConnexOntario
Provides 24/7 access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling treatment services.
1 866 531-2600
Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION)
Provides links to support services for people and families with a relative with psychosis.
help4psychosis.ca/looking-for-help/where-to-get-help
Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME)
Provides one-on-one support, telephone support and support groups for people and families with a loved one with a mental health concern. FAMEkids offers support to children aged seven to 12 years and youth aged 13 to 17 years who have a loved one with a mental health concern. In partnership with CMHA Peel, offers a six-week educational program for people concerned about a relative’s mental illness and/or addiction. In partnership with CAMH First Assessment Clinical Team, offers family support for first episode psychosis.
416 207-5032
Family Connections Program
Offers an evidence-based, 12-week group that meets weekly to provide education, skills training and support for people who are in a relationship with someone who has emotion dysregulation or related problems.
sashbear.org/en/family-connections/family-connections-2
Family Navigation Project
Provides expert navigation of the mental health and addictions service system for youth aged 13 to 26 with serious mental health and/or addictions problems and for their families (within the GTA).
1 800 380-9FNP (1 800 380-9367)
E-mail: familynavigation@sunnybrook.ca
Family Outreach and Response Program
Offers recovery-oriented mental health support services to people 16 years of age and older and their families and friends. Now affiliated with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
416 539-9449
E-mail: connect@fmhr.org
familymentalhealthrecovery.org
Family Service Toronto
Assists families and people who face a wide variety of challenges through counselling, community development, advocacy and public education programs.
416 595-9230 or 416 595-9618
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO)
Offers support programs to people across Ontario, and their families, who are living with mood disorders and/or addictions.
Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO)
Assists people living with schizophrenia and psychosis and their families across Ontario through telephone, online and in-person support.
Stella’s Place
Offers drop-in services and programs for youth aged 16 to 20, including peer support.
Telehealth Ontario
Offers a 24/7, free, confidential phone service providing access to a registered nurse for health advice and general information.
1 866 797-0000
What’s Up Walk In
Offers mental health counselling for children, youth, young adults and their families.
CAMH Emergency/Crisis Service
Provides 24/7 emergency psychiatric assessment and treatment plans.
1051 Queen Street West, ground floor
Contact: in-person only
* You can also visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
Gerstein Crisis Centre
Provides 24-hour, non-medical crisis intervention for acute psychosocial crises, including mental health and substance use problems.
Admin line: 416 929-0149
Crisis line: 416 929-5200
E-mail: admin@gersteincentre.org
Distress Centres of Toronto
Offers 24-hour phone service for people in distress. Available in 151 languages through interpreter service.
General Information: 416 598-0166
Crisis phone: 416 408-HELP (416 408-4357)
TTY service for the hearing impaired: 416 408-0007
E-mail: Info@TorontoDistressCentre.com
Empowering Families Affected by Psychosis © , CAMH.