Getting Help

Supports for Families and Friends

At CAMH, we use the word “family” broadly, meaning a relative, partner, close friend or supportive person. CAMH provides a variety of programs and services for families of people with mental health and/or substance use disorders. Unless indicated otherwise, these services are open to families beyond CAMH.

 

Support Groups for Families

CAMH offers a number of support and education groups for families at our various sites, tailored to the nature of the loved one’s illness.

 

Family-Centred Care Initiative

Family members are important partners in treatment at CAMH. The Family-Centred Care Initiative involves families in client care, develops and improves professional services for families, and supports families in helping each other. 

 

Events of interest to Families

CAMH’s Calendar of Events includes events of special interest to families and friends. CAMH’s Education Program provides opportunities for families to learn more about mental illness and addictions.

 

Family Resource Centre

Open Monday-Thursday and staffed by experienced volunteers who provide emotional support, understanding, education, coping strategies, and opportunities to meet with other family members. A collaboration between The Family Council and CAMH, the Family Resource Centre publishes the Family Resource Manual for the GTA and for Simcoe County.

 

Family Council

The Family Council is a non-profit organization, which has board of directors made up of family members of those who have experienced mental health and addiction issues. The Family Council believes families are critically important to an individual’s healing from mental health and addiction problems and that families have their own unique needs for services and support.

 

CAMH Information Centre

The CAMH Information Centre is particularly committed to reaching out to those who are not currently connected to support, and to supporting the many people who find it difficult to access the mental health and addiction systems, in particular, those from diverse communities.

 

Information and booklets for clients, families and friends

Access to accurate, reliable and impartial information is critical to be able to make informed decisions around care, treatment and recovery, and to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and mental health issues.

Father and kids walking in the fall down a road

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