This article will discuss mental health statistics, list the best mental health hospitals in Ontario, discuss inpatient and adolescent care options, and highlight leading professionals in the field.
Additionally for those seeking a psychiatrist or mental health facility in Ontario, online platforms like BetterHelp can connect you with licensed professionals for therapy and support, providing the convenience of accessing services from home.
Ontario Mental Health Statistics
In Canada, more than 6.7 million people are dealing with mental health issues, and Ontario shows a similar situation.
Among them, young adults aged 20-29 are especially vulnerable, with over 28% facing mental health problems each year.
In Ontario’s high schools, 39% of students feel a lot of stress, like anxiety and sadness, with another 17% feeling even worse.
Boys are more likely to have problems with drugs and alcohol, while girls tend to struggle more with feeling down and anxious.
Mental health issues and substance abuse in Ontario are a bigger problem than all types of cancer combined by 1.5 times and more than all infectious diseases by over 7 times.
Sadly, about 4,000 Canadians die by suicide every year, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
During the pandemic, 24% of people in Ontario have looked for help with their mental health, which is the highest ever.
Mental health issues don’t just affect individuals; they also have a big impact on society, costing billions in lost work and productivity.
Efforts are being made to spend more money on mental health services in Ontario because right now, they’re not spending as much as experts recommend, which is 9% of all healthcare spending.
List of Best Mental Health Hospitals in Ontario
1. The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre is the largest mental health care and teaching hospital in Eastern Ontario.
It provides specialized assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and community reintegration for adults with severe psychiatric illnesses, especially those involved with the criminal justice system.
This 284-bed psychiatric hospital offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services for both adults and children, treating conditions like schizophrenia, psychosis, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues.
ROMHC emphasizes a collaborative and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing patient well-being.
Their team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and various therapists, ensuring holistic care.
For more information about their services or programs, visit their website or call +1 (613) 722-6521.
2. Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington
The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) offers comprehensive support for people facing addictions, mental health issues, or developmental needs.
They serve all age groups, including children, adults, and seniors.
CMHA WW provides various programs and services like support groups, mental health workshops, and crisis intervention to help individuals and families live fulfilling lives.
With a focus on community-based assistance, they make mental health resources accessible throughout the Waterloo Wellington area.
3. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – Toronto
CAMH is a globally recognized center for mental health research, education, and care.
They provide a variety of programs for both adults and children, including inpatient, outpatient, and community services.
CAMH excels in areas such as addiction treatment, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. For more details, visit their website.
4. Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (OS) – Whitby
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (OS) in Whitby, Ontario, is a public hospital with 346 inpatient beds across 16 specialized units.
They treat complex mental health conditions in areas such as adolescent psychiatry, general psychiatry, geriatrics, and forensics.
They provide both inpatient and outpatient care and have community-based programs.
Ontario Shores is dedicated to compassionate, recovery-focused care.
With a team of 1,300 staff members, they offer specialized programs and services to support patients and their families throughout the recovery process.
Their services include assessment, crisis intervention, consultation, and education.
For more information, visit their website or call 905-430-4055 or toll-free at 1-800-341-6323.
5. Brockville Mental Health Centre (BMHC) – Brockville
The Brockville Mental Health Centre (BMHC) is part of The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Care Group.
It has 163 inpatient beds: 59 in the Forensic Treatment Unit for Forensic Mental Health Care and 100 in the Secure Treatment Unit for individuals with significant mental health needs.
BMHC also supports the community with programs like Assertive Community Treatment Dual Diagnosis (ACTDD), geriatric outreach, the Homes for Special Care program, and outpatient services.
Their approach is patient-centered, with a strong focus on recovery.
6. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a non-profit dedicated to mental health, with branches throughout Canada, including Ontario established on April 22, 1918. CMHA offers resources, programs, and advocacy for mental wellness.
With 330 community locations, CMHA provides a client-centered, recovery-focused approach to support individuals and families dealing with mental health issues.
Their services blend health and social care to promote long-term well-being.
Because CMHA operates through many branches, the specific services available can vary by location.
To find your local branch, visit the CMHA national website. For more information, visit their website or call (416) 646-5557.
Inpatient Mental Health Facilities Ontario
When outpatient treatment isn’t enough for mental health issues, inpatient facilities in Ontario provide a safe and structured environment for intensive care.
These facilities offer thorough treatment for severe conditions, with 24/7 supervision by professionals.
Patients benefit from personalized treatment plans, medication management, and both individual and group therapy sessions.
Other available therapies include art therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
The focus is on safety, daily living support, and holistic treatments for overall well-being. Transition and discharge planning help prepare patients for life back in the community, with follow-up care arranged.
There are publicly funded options covered by provincial health insurance, and private facilities that may require private insurance or personal payment.
Resources like Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences or eMentalHealth.ca can help you find the right facility based on your needs and location.
For example, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in Whitby provides assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services for adults with complex mental illnesses, and has specialized programs for mood disorders, eating disorders, and addiction.
Similarly, Brockville Mental Health Centre offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient services for adults, with a focus on patient-centered care and recovery.
Adolescent Mental Health Facilities in Ontario
In Ontario, Canada, numerous mental health facilities for adolescents provide a range of programs and services for children and teens up to 18 years old dealing with mental health and addiction issues.
These services include crisis support, prevention programs, short-term sessions for immediate needs, and family support to help families adjust and respond to their child’s needs.
Specialized assessments and intensive treatment services offer 24/7 care in a secure environment for teens with severe symptoms or at risk of self-harm.
Some facilities also provide partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), where teens receive daytime treatment but return home in the evenings and on weekends.
Psychiatrists can prescribe medication for conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
Many facilities also offer support for academic challenges and include therapeutic activities such as art, music, or physical exercise to promote well-being.
Ultimately the best facility for your teen will depend on their specific needs. With the right support and treatment, adolescents can overcome mental health challenges and achieve a brighter future.
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
- Top 6 Mental Health Hospitals in Kentucky
- 6 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Chattanooga TN
- 5 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Bristol
Top Mental Health Doctors & Professionals in Ontario
1. Susan Brooks Frank
Susan Brooks Frank is a Registered Psychotherapist with more than 31 years of experience.
She specializes in helping individuals with Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disorders, and Dual Diagnosis.
Susan is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
She is known for her ability to tailor counseling methods to match each client’s unique way of learning.
You can find her practice at 158 Albert Street, Oshawa, ON.
2. Sylvia L Plester-Silk
Sylvia L. Plester-Silk is a Registered Social Worker with over 36 years of experience specializing in Trauma, PTSD, Codependency, and Grief.
She completed her BSW at Ryerson University in 1988 and is also certified as an Enhanced CIQ (Conversational Intelligence) Coach by Benchmark Communications.
Sylvia offers a unique therapeutic approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, helping clients recognize and overcome subconscious patterns that affect their well-being and happiness.
You can visit her practice at 400 Woolwich Street, Guelph, ON.
3. Duke Oliogu
Duke Oliogu is a respected Registered Psychotherapist, licensed Supervisor, and Spiritual Care practitioner.
He completed his Master of Divinity in Clinical Counseling at Tyndale University in 2015.
Duke specializes in helping individuals with a wide range of challenges such as Anxiety, Neurological Issues, Trauma, Grief, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Depression, Schizophrenia, Addiction, life transitions and Divorce.
His therapeutic approach focuses on empowering individuals in their healing journey, helping them discover their inner strengths and achieve overall well-being.
You can find him at 20 Millwick Drive, Unit 2, North York, ON.
4. Matthias Barter
Matthias Barter is a highly skilled Registered Psychotherapist who specializes in anxiety, stress, and anger management.
He mainly uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but also incorporates techniques from ACT, EFT, and Psychodynamic Therapy to address early childhood experiences.
