The Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce is improving access to mental health and addiction services.
The organization has introduced a single intake phone number, simplifying the process for individuals seeking support. People can call 1-888-451-CMHA.
CEO Stephen Musehl explained the central intake system connects callers to a range of services, including mental health counseling, addiction support, case management, family support, and group programs.
"One phone number that you can call us at, and they can really help you decide what services you need, what services you have to wait for, what services you can start right away. That's really helped us manage our wait list," Musehl said. "Instead of the client guessing what they need, we can support them with a different range of activity and services for them to at least get them started, get them to understand some information and then go from there."
Musehl pointed out the project is still underway, as it's a large undertaking. He said there are various intake coordinators who can support people on their health journey and point them in the right direction to the services they need.
"The navigation of the healthcare system is extremely complex, and you know, whether you have a mental illness, or you have a physical illness, the last thing you want to be doing is research about how to access services," he pointed out. "So, we're trying to make it easy as possible to support people with that."
Muselh said the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce introduced new procedures to help alleviate wait lists. But he added the need has been growing exponentially, so they're trying to keep up the best they can with the same resources they've had for many years.