Mental health is at the core of our daily lives, shaping how we handle stress, connect with others, and navigate life’s ups and downs.
As awareness of mental health issues grows, so does the need for accessible, specialized care.
In Canada, a wide range of facilities provides this vital care, focusing on both adolescents and adults who require long-term treatment and inpatient services.
This article will highlight some of the top mental health hospitals in Canada, emphasizing their commitment to long-term care and recovery.
Canada Mental Health Statistics
In Canada, mental health challenges are widespread, with 1 in 5 people experiencing a mental health problem or illness in any given year.
According to research, by the time individuals reach 40, half of the population will have either faced or been dealing with a mental illness.
Statistics show that among age groups, young people between 15 and 24 are the most affected, particularly by mental health and substance use disorders.
Research from different Canadian cities also highlights that up to 67% of homeless individuals may be living with a mental illness.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for accessible mental health care across the country, a need that has been acknowledged for centuries.
The history of mental asylums in Canada provides a glimpse into the early stages of mental health treatment, where facilities focus on institutional care.
Over time, this system has transformed, leading to the development of modern mental health hospitals offering more compassionate care.
Best Psychiatric Hospitals in Canada
Canada is home to numerous excellent mental health hospitals. Let’s explore some of the top facilities providing mental health services across the country.
1. Ontario Shores
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is one of the best psychiatric hospitals in Ontario.
It is a public teaching hospital that specializes in providing assessment and treatment services for individuals with complex and serious mental illnesses.
The hospital focuses on recovery-oriented care, using evidence-based practices and research to deliver effective outcomes for its patients.
They offer a range of programs, including the Assessment and Reintegration Program, which provides short-term crisis intervention and stabilization in a recovery-focused environment.
The hospital also has a Borderline Personality Self-Regulation Clinic aimed at helping patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
They also provide outpatient services for complex psychosis, and a forensic assessment unit, which houses 22 beds for court-referred patients requiring psychiatric assessment and treatment.
This program works in collaboration with the legal system to assess criminal responsibility and determine individuals’ fitness to stand trial.
2. Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Cambridge Memorial Hospital is a dynamic acute care facility, dedicated to delivering exceptional health services to Cambridge, North Dumfries, and the Waterloo region.
Their mental health services are designed to support patients through assessment, crisis management, and treatment.
Their Psychiatric Assessment and Admission Nurse (PAAN) service provides 24/7 mental health evaluations, crisis management, and admission decisions in the Emergency Department.
This service is facilitated by skilled mental health nurses who collaborate with doctors and psychiatrists.
The hospital’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit consists of 25 beds and offers short-term stabilization and treatment for adults aged 18 and older.
Patients are typically admitted through the Emergency Department or referred from other hospital services.
For more intensive, yet structured care, the Mental Health Day Hospital offers a 6-week program for individuals needing focused daytime individual therapy and support.
Additionally, the Community Outpatient Mental Health Clinic provides time-limited psychotherapy and psychiatric consultations for both children and adults.
The clinic also offers group therapy, medication management, and specialized services such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
3. Fraser Health
Fraser Health offers a wide range of psychiatric services, designed to meet the needs of both inpatients and outpatients.
Their Psychiatric Assessment Unit provides assessment and short-term treatment for individuals with acute mental health issues that cannot be managed in standard psychiatric units.
One of Fraser Health’s key resources is the Psychiatric High Acuity Unit, a secure 10-bed unit designed to treat patients with schizophrenia, mood disorders, and schizoaffective disorders.
This unit serves as a short-term treatment hub, to stabilize patients within 14 days before transferring them back to their referring unit.
Fraser Health also includes a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, a closed and secure environment that treats individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.
This unit manages cases that cannot be safely addressed in other hospital mental health settings.
For patients requiring community-based support, their psychosis treatment optimization program (PTOP) assists people whose medications are not effectively managing their psychotic issues.
PTOP nurses and clinical teams, including psychiatrists and psychologists, collaborate to find improved treatment strategies for these patients.
4. Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam, BC, provides specialized care for individuals found not criminally responsible or unfit to stand trial due to a mental health disorder.
This secure 190-bed facility operates on the unceded territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation and focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration into the community when possible.
The hospital offers psychiatric assessments for courts, treatment for mentally ill individuals in correctional facilities, and care for severe mental health issues such as schizophrenia.
Treatment is trauma-informed, ensuring patients feel safe and supported during their recovery.
Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists.
The hospital also has Indigenous Elders, spiritual care practitioners, and forensic service officers who contribute to holistic patient care.
Referrals come exclusively from BC provincial courts or community corrections staff, with no outside health care referrals accepted.
Indigenous patients have access to a dedicated Indigenous care coordinator who ensures culturally sensitive and high-quality care free from discrimination.
5. The Royal
The Royal is a leading mental health care, teaching, and research hospital, dedicated to helping individuals recover from complex and treatment-resistant mental illnesses and addictions.
Serving primarily individuals aged 16 and older, The Royal offers specialized mental health services through inpatient, outpatient, and community-based programs.
Many patients are referred by physicians or nurse practitioners, although the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program accepts self-referrals.
Operating from eastern Ontario, The Royal also extends some of its specialized programs to northern Ontario, Quebec, and Nunavut.
One notable program is the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, which provides treatment to Canadian Forces members, veterans, and RCMP officers.
In addition to clinical care, The Royal plays a key role in educating healthcare professionals and working with community partners to enhance mental health services.
6. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
CAMH, providing mental health and addiction services in Canada, offers everything from initial assessments to inpatient and outpatient programs, day hospital services, and family support.
CAMH addresses a variety of mental health issues, including addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, trauma, and concurrent disorders.
The center’s Virtual Urgent Care offers same-day, confidential mental health support, making it convenient for those needing immediate assistance.
Their specialized programs include group therapy for LGBTQ2S+ individuals concerned with substance use, and the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, offering treatment for difficult psychiatric disorders.
CAMH also provides an Integrated Day Treatment Service, offering intensive programming for clients dealing with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and addictions.
Additionally, the center features both an emergency department and a forensic department for those requiring immediate or court-ordered care.
7. Grand River Hospital (GRH)
Grand River Hospital provides top-notch mental health services through its adult inpatient mental health unit.
This 52-bed short-stay facility is designed for patients in need of the security and intensive care that a hospital setting offers.
Six of these beds are reserved in the Psychiatric Intensive Care Area (PICA), a specialized and secure section for patients requiring the highest level of care in a controlled environment.
Admissions to the inpatient unit are typically made through the emergency department or referred from GRH’s outpatient services.
GRH also provides outpatient treatment, primarily focused on individuals requiring short-term assessment, treatment, and support.
These outpatient services are accessible via referrals from other GRH mental health programs, family physicians, or urgent care clinics.
The hospital’s mental health care structure ensures that patients receive the right level of support for their specific needs.
Adolescent Mental Health Hospitals in Canada
Canada offers specialized mental health care for adolescents, addressing the specific challenges faced by children and youth.
These hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient services to support young individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Below are key hospitals that offer mental health care for adolescents.
1. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
CAMH extends its mental health services to adolescents, offering specialized care for children and youth aged 6–18.
Their Mood and Anxiety Service provides assessment and treatment for mood-related difficulties such as worry, phobias, sadness, and hopelessness.
Group therapy is available for youth aged 10–18, focusing on the CBT triangle (thoughts, feelings, and behaviors), teaching relaxation, mindfulness, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving strategies.
Their Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorders Service (YACDS) supports young individuals aged 14–24 who face substance use issues, often combined with mental health challenges.
CAMH also offers two-day treatment programs in collaboration with the Toronto District School Board: R.E.A.C.H, which allows youth aged 16–21 to earn high school credits while receiving treatment.
2. Grand River Hospital (GRH)
GRH provides both inpatient and outpatient mental health services for children and adolescents at its KW Campus.
The Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Unit offers care to youth aged 17 and under from the Waterloo Wellington region.
Admissions are coordinated through local emergency departments. The unit, a 13-bed secure facility, provides short-term care for those struggling to function in daily life.
A secure observation area ensures the highest level of care for those in need. GRH also runs several outpatient services, including:
- Psychiatric Consultation Clinic (PCC), where psychiatrists offer assessments and treatment recommendations.
- Rapid Response for short-term treatment after emergency department visits.
- Transitional Support Service, which offers short-term intensive support for patients.
- Young Adult Program, a day program providing both therapeutic and academic support for youth aged 16–21.
These hospitals, with their targeted adolescent programs, play a vital role in supporting the mental health and development of Canada’s youth.
3. Joseph Brant Hospital
Joseph Brant Hospital provides mental health programs and therapy services to adolescents under 18 in the Halton region.
Their Child & Adolescent Psychiatric (CAP) Program offers early intervention for young individuals, helping them reintegrate into home and school life more quickly.
The intake process involves gathering a detailed history through meetings with social workers or nurses, followed by appropriate referrals to services or resources.
Their Youth Early Intervention Program is a youth-centered, recovery-focused service that aims to reduce barriers young people face when seeking mental health or substance use support.
The program is voluntary, allowing youth to self-refer or be referred by others, including family members, support persons, or healthcare professionals.
4. William Osler Health System
William Osler Health System offers comprehensive mental health services for children and adolescents, with two inpatient units at Brampton Civic Hospital.
The Child and Adolescent Unit provides care for up to 10 patients under 18 experiencing acute mental health issues.
Treatment focuses on stabilization and discharge, supported by family, school, and community resources. An on-site school program can be incorporated into the treatment plan when needed.
For more severe cases, the Child and Adolescent Intensive Unit, a four-bed facility, is available to acutely ill patients who arrive via the emergency department.
Osler also offers a Day Hospital Program for children and youth up to 18 who require intensive psychiatric care but not overnight admission.
This program provides therapeutic care along with the option for an on-site school program.
Outpatient services at Osler include child psychiatry consultations, offering assessment and diagnosis for youth up to 17 years old.
Additionally, their Eating Disorders Clinic serves children, adolescents, and adults with mild to moderate eating disorders.
The clinic helps patients reduce symptoms, manage anxiety, and develop coping strategies, working closely with physicians and mental health professionals to guide recovery.
5. Ontario Shores
Ontario Shores provides specialized recovery-focused services in collaboration with its patients.
Their Adolescent Inpatient Unit caters to youth aged 12–18, offering tertiary care for individuals experiencing severe mood, psychosis, or anxiety symptoms that require hospitalization.
Referrals are accepted from psychiatrists, family physicians, or nurse practitioners, with a preference for patients coming from other inpatient mental health units.
Treatment is designed to assess, stabilize medication, and provide evidence-based therapies for individuals and their families.
The main goals of the unit include diagnostic clarification, symptom management, functional improvement, and ensuring a smooth transition back to the community.
Treatment is delivered by an interprofessional team, with a typical length of stay of 75 days, after which patients are discharged back to the care of their referring provider.
Services offered include interprofessional assessment and evidence-informed treatment, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care during their stay.
6. North York General Hospital
North York General Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health services support children, teens, and their families facing mental health challenges.
Their services include an Inpatient Unit, an Outpatient Program, and a Day Hospital.
The Inpatient Unit provides care to children and adolescents up to 19 years old with severe mental health issues.
For those who do not require inpatient admission, the Outpatient Program offers assessments and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns.
The multidisciplinary team includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and child youth counselors who provide follow-up care after inpatient discharge.
For patients needing continued care but able to live in the community, the Day Hospital Program at Phillips House offers additional support.
The program helps youth navigate mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and socialization challenges, often working with schools to reintegrate students into academic life.
A multidisciplinary team provides treatment and includes psychiatric assessments, stabilization, medication management, and various forms of therapy.
The hospital also offers educational support through an on-site classroom run by a teacher from the Toronto Catholic District School Board, ensuring academic needs are met during treatment.
7. Interior Health Adolescent Psychiatry Unit
The Interior Health Adolescent Psychiatry Unit offers specialized inpatient care for youth aged 12-17 who experience severe psychiatric symptoms, including psychosis, or mood disorders.
Serving the Interior Health region, this program provides a safe space for extended assessments and treatment planning.
The unit, which is not suited for adolescents with severe behavior issues, substance abuse, or significant developmental delays, operates with an 8-bed capacity.
The unit’s multidisciplinary team consists of nurses, youth and family counselors, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, teachers, and psychiatrists, among others.
Together, they work with adolescents and their families to create a comprehensive assessment and initiate treatment plans.
While full resolution of issues is not expected during the admission, the team focuses on forming a solid foundation for follow-up care with family and community mental health services.
8. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Stabilization Unit (CAPSU) at Fraser Health
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Stabilization Unit (CAPSU) at Fraser provides short-term inpatient care for children and youth aged 6-17 experiencing acute mental health crises.
With stays typically lasting 2 to 7 days, CAPSU focuses on crisis stabilization, safety planning, and equipping families with coping strategies and community resources.
The unit is designed to ensure the safety of young patients while helping them manage mental health distress.
The Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (APU), for youth aged 12-17, assists in recovery from mental health conditions by developing and implementing treatment plans.
APU stays are usually four weeks and involve a team-based approach where staff collaborate closely with the youth, their families, and community services.
In addition to assessment and treatment, APU offers group activities and educational support through a school component.
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
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- 6 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Memphis Tennessee
Top Mental Health Doctors & Professionals in Canada
Canada has many dedicated and experienced mental health professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to their respective fields. Some of them are:
1. Dr. Malak Abu Shakra
Dr. Malak Abu Shakra is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
She earned her Ph.D. from McGill University, where her research explored addiction vulnerabilities, examining the motivations behind alcohol misuse among individuals with distinct personality profiles.
Dr. Abu Shakra specializes in a range of psychological issues, including substance abuse, anger, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, and relationship difficulties.
Her experience spans working with various populations, including gifted individuals, athletes, LGBTQ members, and survivors of childhood and narcissistic abuse.
2. Dr. Hanna McCabe-Bennett
Dr. Hanna McCabe-Bennett is a Clinical Psychologist, who completed her Ph.D. and Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University.
She completed her predoctoral internship at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, specializing in anxiety disorders.
Her expertise includes providing diagnostic assessments and evidence-based treatments for anxiety-related issues such as social anxiety, phobias, OCD, hoarding, and depression.
She utilizes a trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral approach, integrating mindfulness, emotion regulation, and acceptance-based techniques to tailor her treatments effectively.
3. Dr. Melissa Card
Dr. Melissa Card is a Clinical Psychologist who earned her Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg.
Dr. Card works with adolescents and adults, offering support for issues such as eating disorders, body image concerns, perinatal mental health, posttraumatic stress disorder, and grief.
Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, incorporating evidence-based practices like dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness.
4. Dr. M. Azam Khan
Dr. M. Azam Khan is an experienced Psychiatrist based in Windsor, Canada.
He earned his medical degree from Dow Medical College and is known for his compassionate approach to patient care.
Dr. Khan is dedicated to building strong relationships with his patients and their families, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment.
Fluent in both English and Urdu, Dr. Khan creates a welcoming and safe environment during consultations. He is affiliated with Windsor Regional Hospital.
5. Dr. Rajasekar Basker
Dr. Rajasekar Basker is a skilled Psychiatrist in Windsor, Canada, who graduated from Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in Tamil Nadu.
He focuses on helping patients understand their mental health conditions while teaching them effective coping strategies to manage their challenges.
Dr. Basker offers thorough clinical assessments, diagnoses, and consultations that exceed typical care standards.
Known for his respectful and compassionate demeanor, he is committed to delivering sustainable patient results.
His areas of expertise include bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, memory loss, and stress-related issues.
6. Dr. Corina Velehorschi
Dr. Corina Velehorschi is a prominent Psychiatrist in Windsor, Ontario, specializing in treating individuals across all age groups, from children to older adults.
She combines psychotherapy with therapeutic techniques to help her patients manage conditions such as depressive disorder, insomnia, schizophrenia, mood and sleep disorders, and ADHD.
Fluent in English and Romanian, Dr. Velehorschi collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide well-rounded care.
Dr. Velehorschi is affiliated with Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare and Windsor Regional Hospital.
FAQ’s:
1. How to admit yourself to a mental hospital in Canada?
You can be admitted as a voluntary patient by willingly seeking treatment through a referral from a doctor, mental health service, or visiting the Emergency Room.
Alternatively, you can be admitted involuntarily if unable to seek help or posing a risk to yourself or others.
2. Is hospitalization in Canada free?
Yes, medically necessary hospital services are free for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
3. Can I get free therapy in Canada?
Yes, some mental health and counseling centers provide free or low-cost therapy.
4. How much does it cost to stay at a mental hospital in Canada?
The costs to stay at a mental health hospital vary depending on the hospital and your insurance plans.
