Mental Health Partners

We’re proud to share our inaugural Mental Health Partners Annual Report (2024/25)—a reflection of a transformative year for Ontario’s specialty mental health hospitals. From launching our first-ever Research Retreat and Suicide Reduction Working Group, to amplifying the voice of forensic mental health at Queen’s Park, to building our digital presence, 2024 marked a series of “firsts” that are shaping a stronger, more connected system of care. This report captures the milestones, partnerships, and collective impact of our nine member hospitals as we work toward an integrated, evidence-based, and equitable mental health system for all Ontarians. We invite you to read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gJGMNDtF

I was proud to attend Queen’s Park last week with Jodi Younger, CHE, Steven Rolfe, RN, CHE and other members of the Mental Health Partners to meet with government officials and discuss the critical needs of individuals in our communities. We spoke about the need to prioritize supportive housing for people with mental illness or substance use disorders, as well as the challenges of ALC rates and how they uniquely impact our patients with a dual diagnosis. Thank you to the members of government that met with us and engaged in these important discussions. 

What a week of engagement and advocacy for mental illness and addiction. One highlight was Queen's Park Day. The incredible Mental Health Partners convened our community leaders to shine a light on the urgent need for supportive housing for people living with mental illness and substance use conditions. We were honoured to receive formal remarks from the Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, at the lunch reception. Additional greetings were shared by MPP Alexa Gilmour NDP Critic, Autism Program; MPP Lee Fairclough, Liberal Party Critic for Addictions, Homelessness, Hospitals and Mental Health; and MPP Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party. A highlight was working alongside our partner Mark MacAulay MA CCC RP Ottawa Salus Thank you to everyone who participated! The Royal

Yesterday, together with some of our community partners, MHP gathered at Queen’s Park to shine a light on the urgent need for supportive housing for people living with mental illness and substance use conditions. 21 delegates attended 18 meetings with government leaders, opposition critics, policy advisors and ministry officials to share how supportive housing is the most effective solution to address prolonged hospital stays — driven by ALC backlogs — that can diminish recovery, tie up scarce resources, and place immense strain on families and care teams. We were honoured to receive formal remarks from the Hon. Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, at our lunch reception. Additional greetings were shared by MPP Alexa Gilmour, NDP Critic, Ontario Autism Program; MPP Lee Fairclough, Liberal Party Critic for Addictions, Homelessness, Hospitals and Mental Health; and MPP Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party. Thank you to our delegates, community partners Ottawa Salus, LOFT Community Services, Indwell, Reena and Surrey Place, elected officials and ministry officials for participating and engaging in the day and these vital conversations. For a comprehensive recap of the day, please read our article: https://lnkd.in/g24zbhAt

Representing Mental Health Partners, I’m pleased to be moderating a session at the 10th annual Patients Redefining the Future of Health Care in Canada Summit, taking place virtually from November 25–27, 2025! 📅 I’ll be moderating the panel “Scaling Supportive Housing” on November 25th from 2:15 – 3:45 PM ET. Our conversation will explore how supportive housing models—when aligned with strong policy, investment, and integrated health and social services—can create scalable, long-lasting improvements in health and equity across Canada. Learn more and register here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gtqFcfBJ

Founded in 2010 by Ontario’s four specialized mental health facilities, Mental Health Partners (MHP) began with a shared vision: improving outcomes for individuals living with complex mental illness and addictions. Today, that vision has grown stronger. MHP now brings together nine psychiatric hospital providers across Ontario, united by a commitment to innovation, compassion, and advocacy. Today at #QueensPark, we stand together to amplify our collective voice—sharing goals, driving change, and ensuring that every Ontarian has access to the mental health care they deserve. The Royal CAMH North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences Providence Health & Services Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care St. Joseph's Care Group

Yesterday, MHP leaders were hosted by The Royal (both in person and virtually) for the October CEO Council meeting. Engaging presentations were delivered by The Royal, the Ministry of Health, the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence, CAPSA Canada and the Ontario Hospital Association, which set the stage for thoughtful dialogue. The discussions that followed were both enriching and collaborative—reflecting the shared commitment across our sector to advancing mental health care through partnership, innovation, education and collective leadership. A sincere thank you to our host and partners for fostering such a productive exchange. Together, we continue to build stronger, more connected systems of care.

If you feel overwhelmed, worried or like you’re struggling with a low mood, it’s time to explore options to support your mental health.   OSP West is a FREE cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that provides tools to help navigate life's challenges.   This program includes 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 to meet your needs:   ✔️  Self-led CBT (workbooks, online modules) with regular check-ins with a clinician or coach    ✔️ Group CBT (online)  ✔️ One-on-one CBT (online or in-person)  Explore your options at the OSP West website: https://www.ospwest.ca/. OSP West is managed and delivered through a partnership between St. Joseph's Health Care London and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.  𝙊𝙎𝙋 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙨, 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩 988.