CMHA Champlain East offers a range of programs and services designed to enhance the rehabilitation, recovery and independence of individuals living with a severe mental illness or concurrent disorder (mental illness combined with substance use disorder).
Funding for branch programs and services is received by Ontario Health.
French Language Services
Our Branch has been designated under the French Language Services Act since 1991 and as such, is committed to providing services in both official languages (French and English). Guided by our French Language Services Policy (rev. November 24, 2014), we are committed to the resolution of the Association to continue to provide all its services in both official languages and to follow the active offer principle.
An “active offer” refers to a series of measures that are taken in order to ensure that French language services are clearly communicated, visible, available at all times, easily accessible and equivalent to the quality of services offered in English. This includes measures related to communications – signage, notices, social media and all other information on services – as well as at the time of initial contact with French speaking clients. [Source Office of Francophone Affairs, Agency Designation Plan according to the French Language Services Act, (2014)].
Community Support Services
CMHA Community Support programs are client centered services designed to enhance the rehabilitation, adjustment, and independence, of individuals living with a severe mental illness or concurrent disorder (mental illness combined with substance use disorder).
These services are flexible, portable, and community based. They are designed to facilitate maximum client participation and self-determination.
An Intensive Case Manager works in collaboration with clients and informs them about their options, as well as helping them acquire essential life skills. It is up to the client to make decisions that influence all aspects of their lives.
Our Programs and Services include:
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- Intensive Case Management Program
- Community Treatment Orders (CTO)
- Pre Charge Diversion
- Court Diversion Program
- Court Support Program
- Post Court Transitional ICM
- Supportive Housing Program
- Supportive Employment Program
- Community Homes for Opportunity
- Hoarding Response Program
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Admission Criteria
- You must be 16 years of age or older.
- You are living with a severe mental illness or concurrent disorder (mental illness combined with substance use disorder).
- You must reside in the Champlain East region (SDG/PR & Akwesasne).
- Willing to work on your recovery goals.
Referrals can be made by self, family, hospital staff, physician, psychiatrist, mental health professional, or primary health professional.
Intensive Case Management
CMHA’s Intensive Case Management program works with individuals 16 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness and who require support to live and work in the community. These services assist individuals in meeting their basic needs (e.g., food, shelter, finances) and encourage the development of skills needed to live independently and improve quality of life.
Intensive case managers also work to coordinate required services across the mental health system, as well as other services systems (e.g. criminal justice, developmental and addiction services). Integral to this process is the direct involvement of the client and the development of a caring, supportive relationship between the client and the intensive case manager, and where appropriate, with the client’s family and supports.
The Intensive Case Management Program Offers:
- Assessments of abilities, strength, and need
- One-to-one supportive counseling
- Recovery and crisis plan development
- Life skills guidance
- Linkage with desired/needed services and available resources
- Family / caregiver support
- Client advocacy to ensure the protection of rights and to facilitate rehabilitation
- System navigation
- Monitoring service delivery to ensure the appropriateness and effectiveness of services that will lead to improved quality of life, independence and community integration
- Discharge planning
To refer yourself or someone else to our services, you can access our Caredove Forms.
Community Treatment Orders (CTO)
CMHA staff provide Intensive Case Management service to psychiatric patients who are living in the community on a Community Treatment Order (CTO). A Community Treatment Order (CTO) is an order issued by a physician and agreed to by an individual (and/or their Substitute Decision Maker) under the Ontario Mental Health Act. This allows the individual to receive care and treatment in the community in lieu of detention in a hospital or psychiatric facility.
The CTO Program collaborates with individuals to fulfill their Community Treatment Plan (CTP) obligations, while also providing support to meet their basic needs, develop their skills, access physical and mental health resources, and connect with other relevant community supports.
The intensive case management services provided are based on a trauma-informed and recovery-based approach. The focus is on empowering individuals to work towards their recovery goals and achieve greater independence and well being.
Court Support & Diversion Program
The Court Support Program provides support to individuals with mental health and substance related problems, who are involved in the criminal justice system. Referrals to all programs can come from legal counsel, family members, friends, community organizations, police etc.
Court Support is a service that provides support to individuals who are involved in the court system, collaborating with legal counsel, family members and assist with bail release planning, court support, mental health diversion screening.
Release from Custody Program CMHA Champlain East can coordinate with the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC) access to transportation of offenders’ basic personal effects upon their release at court such as: prescriptions, medications, house keys, ID, health card, etc. Such basic effects are placed in a sealed and numbered envelope. We can provide release / discharge planning for individuals in custody who are inmates at OCDC, to promote successful community reintegration and reduce recidivism. Direct, in-person support for individuals released at Court who may be at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Please make request with at least 48 hours notice.
Mental Health Court Diversion is a service that provides support to individuals who have been charged with minor offences, where mental health has been determined to be a factor in the offence. The purpose of the service is to assist individuals, providing Intensive Case Management services such as referrals, advocacy and education, to assist in the recovery. Upon successful completion of the mental health diversion, individuals’ charges can be withdrawn and may not appear on their criminal record.
Pre Charge Diversion Program diverts offenders who have committed a minor offence and who are living with a mental illness or concurrent disorder away from the judicial system.
Post Court Transitional Intensive Case Management provides housing support services and/or community support services to individuals with serious mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system and require assistance in locating affordable and suitable housing and/or to assist in obtaining resources to meet basic needs. Support is provided to maintain housing and assist in the prevention of future involvement with the criminal justice system.
To refer yourself or someone else to our services, you can access our Caredove Forms.
Housing & Support
Supportive Housing
It is aimed for those who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
CMHA’s Supportive Housing program connects individuals living with mental illness to permanent and affordable housing, enabling them to live independently and improve the quality of their lives.
Support is provided to help individuals maintain their housing and access community resources to assist them in their recovery process. Our intensive case managers also act as a liaison between the landlords and our tenants/clients by providing information on their respective rights and responsibilities.
The program enables individuals to maintain or obtain suitable housing while receiving support through the Intensive Case Management Program.
Rent Supplement is a provincially funded service that provides a rent subsidy to individuals who require financial assistance to obtain or maintain suitable housing. The purpose of the service is to assist individuals in accessing decent, safe, affordable and secure housing. Additional admission criteria apply (contribute more than 50% of their income on accusations).
The rent supplement program is based on a priority scale and not on a first-come, first-served basis to be accepted. Individuals who wish to apply can do so. Please note that all applicants must provide proof of income with their application. There is no waiting list and those who are not selected will have to reapply when there is availability.
Hoarding Response Program
- Assist people experiencing homelessness obtain and retain housing.
- Assist people at risk of homelessness to remain housed.
- Assist individuals with hoarder disorder/difficulties who are living in an unsafe environment.
- Provide mitigation for clients who have been identified by the community as at risk for homelessness or harm related to hoarding activities.
- Maximize the number of individuals and households serviced within the available funding allocation.
- Develop a community integrated approach that supports intervention to the psychological, emotional, and physical issues involved in supporting individuals living with hoarder disorder/symptoms.
- Maintain a Hoarding Response Coalition as an inclusive committee - recognizing that all voices have value in our community response.
- Provide information and education for agencies and the public on hoarding and the steps to take for support and safety.
To refer yourself or someone else to our services, you can access our Caredove Forms.Caredove Forms.
Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO)
Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) provides tenants who have a serious mental illness with a recovery oriented supportive housing environment. It offers 24/7 support services to maintain housing stability.
CHO is a modernization of the Homes for Special Care (HSC) program and is based on a recovery model which focuses on a holistic, person-centred approach to mental health care. By encouraging increased responsibility in a home environment, tenants are empowered to actively participate in their own planning and decision-making.
CHO offers opportunities for tenants to enhance the quality of their daily living, their personal growth and development, and to improve life skills through participation in a variety of activities and programs. Tenants are provided access to support services both in the CHO home and in the community.
Structured programs that offer activities designed to build a variety of skills and increase opportunity for social connection can be accessed through community-based agencies.
Note: This program is currently available at Riverview Manor, Cornwall only.
To refer yourself or someone else to our services, you can access our Caredove Forms.
Telemedicine
We help clients, their physicians and healthcare providers connect virtually through the OntarioTelemedicine Network (OTN).
How the Telemedicine Program Works
Using a private two-way video conferencing system, clients and their healthcare professionals discuss symptoms and treatment just as they would if they were in the same room.
Appointments are held locally and are timely.
How to Register for the Telemedicine Program
Existing clients can be connected to our services through their case managers.
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre will utilize the organization's already existing resources (interdisciplinary staff and OTN linkages) to offer Psychiatric Consultations to CMHA Champlain East healthcare team, through the Ontario Telemedicine Network.
This regional partnership will increase mental health capacity through direct patient psychiatric consultations, case conferencing with healthcare providers, and ongoing clinical education.
To refer yourself or someone else to our services, you can access our Caredove Forms.Caredove Forms.
Supportive Employment/Vocational
The Supportive Employment program offers a variety of services to individuals in their short and long term employment goals. Each participant develops an individualized employment action plan that will assist in identifying specific needs to achieve their employment goals. Steps can include access to training certification, development of social skills and access to recovery focused programs, resume development, interview preparation, job development and retention supports. Each participant works one to one with an intensive case manager to collaboratively coordinate and develop plans and services.
Program Objectives
- To explore clients' interests, abilities, skills, strengths and barriers in order to develop their vocational goals.
- To help clients access existing employment and educational resources within the community.
- To help clients obtain job-related skills they need to prepare for today's competitive workforce.
- To assist in finding an appropriate match between the clients’ needs and abilities with community employment opportunities.
To refer yourself or someone else to our services, you can access our Caredove Forms.
Youth Transition Program
This program is designed to help teenagers and young adults transition from youth programs to adult services in mental health and addictions. To access Intensive Case Management services, a client must be between the ages of 16 to 24 and not yet involved with adult mental health services. Clients in that age range who have successfully transitioned to adult services would be served in the same manner as other intensive case management clients.
To refer yourself or someone else to our services, you can access our Caredove Forms.
Resource Centers
Our Resource Centers are places for adults 16 years of age and older who are living with a severe mental illness or concurrent disorder, and/or are experiencing social isolation. It offers a social environment in the community where clients can participate in various group activities which emphasize mental and physical health.
Objectives
To provide a social milieu in the community in which individuals can:
- Increase social interaction
- Learn and practice life skills
- Participate in various group activities
- Promote a sense of belonging
- Provide opportunities for improving clients; self-image and self-esteem
- Promote the use of community resources
- Help prevent rehospitalization - -
- Social/Recreational activities
- Unstructured activities: e.g. card and table games, billiards, coffee and conversation, etc.
- Structured: e.g. bingo, sandbags and billiards tournaments, special events, arts, crafts, etc.
Educational Activities
Self-help activities and discussions on topics of interest to the group: e.g. Job search, legal rights, budgeting, nutrition, health, safety, etc..
Possible Activities
- Collective kitchen
- Creative Expression Through Art (CETA)
- Meal deal
- Baking group
- Focus on fitness
- Knitting group
Resource Centre Calendars
For location of the Centers and Calendar of Activities, please phone our office at 613-933-5845 or 1-800-493-8271.
Client Family and Caregiver Advisor
Do you have ideas about how to make sure every client and family member gets the very best care possible at CMHA? Our Client Family and Caregiver Advisors are partners that work to improve the quality, safety, and relevance of care we provide.
Advisors join our Client Family and Caregiver Advisory Committee to engage with staff members on a variety of topics and projects such as new policies, procedures, programs etc. Advisors are also provided opportunities to give additional insights through surveys or other types of feedback requests, taking part in special committees such as co-designing new websites, interviews for senior staff roles, or by sharing their stories and experiences within their level of comfort.
Client Family and Caregiver Advisor Requirements & Competencies
- Must have had a care experience with CMHA Champlain East within the past three years, either as a client or a family member (as determined by the client).
- Commit to attend policy and practice group meetings, 4-6 meetings per year on average or as needed.
- Be comfortable speaking in a group and interacting with others.
Clients and family members with a care experience with CMHA Champlain East are encouraged to apply.
Process to Become a Client Family or Caregiver Advisor
- Submit an online application
- Take part in an interview with the Manager of Volunteers and Students
- Sit in on a Policy and Practice Group meeting as an observer
- Complete any, and all required training and paperwork
If you do not meet the requirements to be a client or family advisor but are still interested in volunteering and supporting CMHA Champlain East, please visit our volunteer page.
Client Feedback Form