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The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa), is an independent, community-based non-profit organization that provides services for eligible individuals in the Ottawa area with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorder, many of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed. CMHA Ottawa is dedicated to promoting good mental health, developing and implementing sustainable support systems and services, and encouraging public action to strengthen community mental health services and related policies and legislation.

Mission:

• To offer evidence-informed services for individuals experiencing serious mental illness
• To promote positive mental health for the broader population
• To promote an integrated system of mental health services in collaboration with clients, families, service providers, and other stakeholders
  

Referral guidelines: Whom do we serve?

• Clients must have a serious mental illness, as defined by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Diagnosis, Disability, Duration
• Clients must be homeless or vulnerably housed
• Clients with multiple and complex needs are prioritized
• Clients in the Familiar Faces program must have had two or more visits to the hospital emergency department within the last 30 days for a mental health and/or addictions issue OR ED presentation within 30 days of discharge from a psychiatric unit
  

Mental Health Community Support Services (MHCSS)

If you are seeking services from CMHA Ottawa or one of our partner agencies, please download the Mental Health Community Support Services (MHCSS) referral form for intensive case management by clicking this link: MHCSS Eligibility Referral Form – English

CMHA Ottawa is the central access point for intensive case management (ICM) services in the Ottawa area.

CMHA Ottawa completes intake and assessment responsibilities and coordinates all Mental Health Community Support Services (MHCSS) for the Champlain region. Intensive case management services are provided by a consortium of local agencies that strive to provide language-, culture- and program-specific access to ICM for qualifying individuals, aged 16-64, living with a severe and persistent mental illness. MHCSS promotes continuity of services, increases autonomy, and enriches the quality of life for the people who receive those services.

Programs and Services

Case Management, Outreach Services, Specialty Services, Counselling Services, and Research and Evaluation

CMHA Ottawa’s case management services provide intensive long-term supports for individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness who are experiencing chronic homelessness or may be at risk of homelessness. They may have a concurrent disorder (mental health diagnosis and problematic substance use) or be involved in the justice system. Community support workers and clients work together to develop goals and plan for an eventual transition out of services and into the community.

For a full picture of the breadth of services we offer to the Ottawa community, view our annual impact report in full here.

Helpful Resources

AccessMHA

Are you looking for support for your mental health or substance use/addiction? Navigating the complex and sometimes confusing healthcare system can be challenging. Our friends at AccessMHA can help. Visit https://www.accessmha.ca/ for free mental health and/or substance use/addiction support, services, and care.

Counselling Connect

Counselling Connect provides quick access to a free phone or video counselling session, available in English and French. You choose a convenient date and time. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Visit https://www.counsellingconnect.org/ today.

BounceBack

BounceBack® is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. Visit https://bouncebackontario.ca/ to find out if BounceBack is right for you.

Find crisis resources

If you have arrived at this page in search of resources and crisis lines, please visit this page now.