Mental Health Resources
Midwives are primary care providers who are committed to supporting client’s mental health through the year of care. Ideally, the regular 30-45 minutes will give our clients and their midwives an opportunity to check in about on-going and newly developing mental health concerns. The goal is to create an environment of trust where clients can express any worries, or concerns, and if necessary, connect with the community resource that best meets their needs.
One of the unique aspects of our care, as it relates to mental health, is our accessibility. We are on call for you 24 hours a day, and a small team of 2 or 3 midwives can help create a safe space where families can feel comfortable to reach out in an urgent or non-urgent situation. Although not specialists in mental health, our commitment to understanding the wide range of hospital and community-based mental health supportive options allows for midwives to help link families to a resource that best supports their needs. Together with family doctors, midwives can help play a role in this circle of care. At The Midwives’ Clinic we often refer to the Michael Garron Hospital Mental Health Program.
Michael Garron Hospital
825 Coxwell Ave.
Toronto, ON M4C 3E7
Major Intersection:
Coxwell Ave. / Mortimer Ave.
(416) 461-8272
416-469-7608 (Intake)
www.tegh.on.ca
Mental health services include individual counselling/psychotherapy, medication monitoring, community linkage and discharge-planning. There is a crisis intervention unit in the ER from 9:00a.m. to 11:00p.m. and a psychiatrist is on call 24 hours/day.
East Toronto Post Partum Adjustment Program
https://www.srchc.ca/programs/family-programs/post-partum-adjustment-support/
Mondays from 1:00PM-3:30PM
955 Queen St. E., (416) 469-7608
ETPAP is a community-based collaboration involving South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto Public Health and Alternatives East York Mental Health Agency. The program is for clients who are experiencing postpartum adjustment difficulties. There is a weekly support group operating at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre on Mondays from 9:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. as well as short term individual counselling and referrals from a Public Health Nurse or Social Worker. Childcare, TTC and snacks are provided to program participants.
Catchment: East of Yonge St. / South of Steeles Ave. / Scarborough East border / Lake Ontario
Toronto Public Health
TPH maintains a comprehensive list of mental health resources. Check for more information:
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/children-parenting/pregnancy-and-parenting/postpartum-depression-and-anxiety/
To connect with a Public Health Nurse at Toronto Public Health Connection 416-338-7600.
Toronto Public Health echat function:
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SBHC)
2075 Bayview Ave
Toronto ON M4N 3M5
Major Intersection: Bayview Ave. / Eglinton Ave. E.
(416) 480-6100
https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=feelings-emotions-pregnancy
Mental health services include inpatient care, drop-in programs and clinical counselling.
Perinatal Mood Disorders Services at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Women’s Mood and Anxiety Clinic: Reproductive Transitions416-480-5677
416-480-6878 (fax)
Catchment: Open
This program requires a referral from your family doctor with the help of your midwife. This clinic requires your family doctor to provide ongoing care and so if you don’t have a family doctor you can’t be referred to this clinic. If you don’t have a family doctor your midwife can help you get one and facilitate the referral process with this clinic.
Gerstein Crisis Centre
100 Charles St East
Toronto, ON
M4Y 1V3
http://gersteincentre.org/
Telephone Crisis Intervention Hotline (24 hours a day service) where you can speak to a Crisis Worker: 416-929-5200
Administration and Referral line: 416-929-0149
“We are a 24-hour community based crisis service for adults 16+ in the City of Toronto, who are dealing with a serious mental health issue, concurrent or substance use issue and are currently in crisis.” – Gerstein Crisis Centre
Health Access Thorncliffe Park
416-421-6369
East York Town Centre. 45 Overlea Blvd., Unit B7 (lower level)
https://www.fhc-chc.com/announcement/depression-and-anxiety-pregnancy-and-after-birth
“We can help in adjusting to life with a new baby. Individual counselling support, group support, child minding, healthy snacks and there is support with transportation for those who qualify.”