Helping you access the services you need in eastern Ontario

Looking for support for your mental health, substance use health and addictions? Navigating the complex and sometimes confusing healthcare system can be challenging. We can help.

One starting point.

One referral. 

One assessment process. 

What is AccessMHA?


AccessMHA makes it easier to help find mental health, substance use health, and addictions support, services, and care. After reaching out to us, you will be paired with a trained mental health, substance use health and addictions intake specialist who will connect you to the services you need from a network of partner organizations. Learn more about us.

AccessMHA is not a crisis service.  If your substance use health, addictions or mental health needs are a medical emergency, or if there is a concern you might hurt yourself or someone else, contact 9-1-1, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. You can also click here for a list of crisis services.

Who is it for?

AccessMHA is for anyone looking for mental health, substance use health or addiction services, that is: 

16 years of age or older lives within our service area

If you're under 16 years of age or do not live within eastern Ontario, view a list of other resources here.

How does it work?

Book an appointment

Fill out our secure and easy online form and select a call back time that works for you.  Or, ask your health care provider to submit a referral for you.

After filling out the form, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions to complete a set of questionnaires online.

Speak with AccessMHA staff

Please complete required questionnaires before your appointment.  At the appointment date and time, a staff member will contact you by phone to confidentially discuss your needs and figure out the next step.

Get connected to help

After your call, we will directly connect you to services offered by one of our partners, link you to local services, and/or connect you to a peer with lived expertise of mental health challenges and/or substance use health/addictions.

Click here to book an appointment

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • What is AccessMHA?

    AccessMHA is a program that assists people in accessing services for mental health and substance use health, and addictions issues.

  • Who can access AccessMHA services?

    Anyone aged 16 years or older residing within our service area can access AccessMHA for assistance in finding services. Our coverage extends to various regions in Eastern Ontario, for more information on our current service areas, please click here.


    If you or your loved one is under 16 years old and located in Ottawa, Pembroke, Cornwall, Hawkesbury, and surrounding areas, including the counties of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Prescott-Russell, and Renfrew, please contact 1Call1Click.ca for guidance.


    If you are situated in the counties of Leeds and Grenville please contact Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville, Lanark please contact Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth, and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington please contact Maltby Centre, and Hastings, Prince Edward, please contact Children’s Mental Health Services of Hastings and Prince Edward.

  • How can I access services if I am under 16?

    If you or your loved one is under 16 years old and is located in Eastern Ontario please contact one of the organizations below, depending on where you would like to access services

  • Can I apply for a family member or loved one?

    Yes! You can request service for someone else, but they must be aware of the request and must agree to participate in the screening and assessment appointment.

  • Do I need a physician or healthcare provider to do the referral?

    No, you can refer yourself for AccessMHA services. Some services accessed through AccessMHA may require a physician referral, but the AccessMHA staff will assist you with the process if a referral is required.

  • What happens when I apply? What can I expect?

    When you fill out the online form,  you choose a time for an AccessMHA staff member to call you and discuss your needs. After the call, you may be referred to one of AccessMHA’s partners for ongoing services, or staff may assist you with finding the right service from another local organization.

  • What can I expect from Peer support?

    Peer support members have lived experience of mental health and/or substance use health and addiction challenges. They will listen to your needs, help you understand the process and answer any questions you may have. They can also connect you to other peer-based services.

  • I have more questions or need help filling out the form.

    Please email inquiries@accessmha.ca and someone will be in contact with you.

  • Are there any costs associated with AccessMHA? What about the services that I may be matched to?

    AccessMHA is funded by the Province of Ontario and there is no cost to use it. After your initial appointment, an AccessMHA staff member will connect you to partner organizations that offer the mental health, substance use health, and addictions services best suited to your needs. Many of these services are free but some charge a fee on a sliding scale or are subsidized. The staff member will let you know if the services have fees associated with them so you can make an informed choice that works best for you.

Looking for more information?

Explore our Mental Health, Substance Use Health & Addictions Resources

For those looking for help

Check out this list of resources that are available to you immediately.

See Resources

For clinicians and professionals

Resources to help them connect patients to the appropriate services.

See Resources