AccessMHA expands services to Southeastern Ontario, providing vital access to mental health, substance use health, and addictions support in the region

[KINGSTON] – AccessMHA has been eliminating guesswork about where to turn for mental health substance use health and addictions support for the last three years in Eastern Ontario. Today, the single point of entry service is thrilled to announce its expansion into Southeastern Ontario, from Trenton to Prescott. 

"Our expansion into Southeastern Ontario underscores our commitment to ensuring that more individuals have access to vital mental health, substance use health and addictions services," says Andrea Almas, Operations Manager, South East at AccessMHA. "By collaborating with those who need services, we have worked together to create a program that provides a seamless experience that supports individuals while they prioritize their well-being."

Anyone who is 16 years of age or older can fill out a form at AccessMHA.ca and book time for a confidential conversation with a mental health, substance use health and addictions professional. That professional will work with the client to assess their needs and goals, then connect them to the service that is the best fit for them, from a network of partner organizations across the community. Services might include individual and group counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultation, substance use health services, or peer support.

"With so many organizations offering different services, it can be very confusing for those in need to know where to turn,” adds Andrea. “AccessMHA is dedicated to breaking down barriers to access services, so that people can get the help they need, when they need it.”

AccessMHA was co-created by system partners, including those with lived and living expertise and primary care providers, and has already helped more than 20,000 individuals receive care.

“I am reminded of my experiences accessing systems of care before we had this co-ordinated service, of how I was unsure how to find needed help. My friends and family didn’t know where to take me,” says Shawn Fisk, AccessMHA PWLE Transformative Lead and Education and Partnership Lead, CAPSA. “AccessMHA provides a different experience. It never says, ‘You are in the wrong place’ or ‘We don’t help people like you here’. Instead, this service co-ordinates on my behalf, in a low-barrier way, that helps me to get to the right place, to walk through the right door.”

 

This expansion marks a significant milestone in the mission to provide accessible and comprehensive care to those in need. AccessMHA will collaborate with a diverse network of partner organizations across the Southeast, with leadership and backbone support from Providence Care. Additionally, three organizations provide staff and coordination across the region:

• Kingston Health Sciences Centre
• Addiction & Mental Health Services - Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington (AMHS - KFLA)
• Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health

AccessMHA not only provides personal assistance on where to seek help, but also helps minimize wait times navigating multiple waiting lists in search of suitable support. Family doctors or other health care providers can also submit a referral to AccessMHA on a patient’s behalf.

"We encourage anyone looking for assistance to reach out to us,” adds Andrea. “We are here to help."

Individuals interested in accessing AccessMHA's services or learning more about the organization can visit www.accessmha.ca or contact 1-833-527-8207.