AccessMHA: mental health, substance use health & addictions services
Finding the right support for mental health, substance use health, and addictions can be challenging. To address this challenge, health-care organizations, community services, and individuals with lived and living expertise have come together to create AccessMHA.
AccessMHA provides a single point of referral and collaborates with various service providers to connect your client/patient to the right resources. It is designed to facilitate your ability to refer to suitable supports for your clients/patients. Throughout the process, we offer continuous support and guidance and take on the burden of system navigation.
How does it work?
If your client/patient requires assistance for mental health, substance use health, and addictions, we are here to support you find that service. A simple referral, available on the Ocean eReferral platform is all it takes. Additionally, you can support your client/patient living in our catchment to self-refer using the online referral at www.accessmha.ca or calling 1-833-527-8207.
Once a referral has been received, a mental health and substance use health professional will contact the patient (usually within 24 to 48 hours) to discuss their needs and connect them with appropriate resources, services, or supports, including peer support. Along the way, you will be provided with feedback on where they are in the process.
What are the referral criteria?
AccessMHA is available to individuals aged 16 or older residing in our many catchment areas, which include Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.
What services are available through AccessMHA?
Think of AccessMHA as a gateway connecting you to a network of publicly funded service providers. Through AccessMHA your patients may be matched with:
- Individual or group counseling and psychotherapy, including Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program
- Psychiatry services
- Case management and other community based supports
- Peer support and support for families
- Psychoeducational programs
- Rapid access addiction medicine clinics
- Withdrawal management and bed-based substance use health treatment services
AccessMHA is the result of collaboration between community and health organizations, individuals with lived experience, and primary care providers. Since its inception in 2021, AccessMHA has made a significant impact. We've assisted nearly 20,000 individuals in regions like Ottawa, Pembroke, Cornwall, Hawkesbury, and their neighboring areas in Eastern Ontario. This achievement is the outcome of partnerships with over 65 agencies.
To learn more or refer a patient, visit www.AccessMHA.ca.