GRH’s mental health and addictions program supports patients of all ages. We want to instill hope and foster recovery for people who have a mental illness as well as their families.
Most of our programs are based on specific ages and conditions. We have information on services in an emergency, help for children and youth and programs for adult patients. We offer those programs at our Freeport and KW campuses and other locations around Waterloo Region.
Grand River Hospital does not work alone in providing mental health care. We partner with community mental health agencies and providers to help patients once they have left the hospital.
We hope we can be a partner with you in improving mental health in our community.
Where to get help:
If you are experiencing a mental health and addiction emergency that requires immediate treatment call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.
For non-urgent information about the mental health services and programs offered at Grand River Hospital, please call 519-749-4310.
To get help in the community you can call Here 24/7 any time at 1-844-437-3247 or TTY 1-877-688-5501. Here24/7 provides intake, assessment, referral, crisis support and can help you figure out what will be the most helpful.
To access children and youth mental health services call Front Door at 519-749-2932, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
If you need crisis support outside of business hours, call:
- Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247
- Kids Help at 1-800-668-6868 also provides immediate counselling help
Families for Awareness, Change and Education (FACE) is a volunteer advisory committee that works in partnership with our program to promote patient and family centered care. If you are interested in more information, please email facecommitteegrh@gmail.com.
More about mental health at GRH
Heather Jennings: building partnerships for mental health patients and their families
August 25, 2016Diversity is the spice of life for Heather Jennings, and it helps get results for her clients. Heather spends part of her week supporting pre-school children with mental health needs as well as their families. The other half of her time is for helping families of adult mental health clients through the hospital’s community outreach treatment team.
Andrew Torrens: building understanding to improve mental health care
July 4, 2016GRH peer navigator Andrew Torrens wants nothing to get in the way of someone having care for a mental health issue. Andrew is also a key organizer for GRH’s “Stomping Out Stigma” effort to help end stigma and encourage support for mental health care.
Dr. Olufemi Banjo: supporting patients outside of GRH
May 6, 2016Mental health providers at GRH often work outside of the hospital to support patients. Such is the case with Dr. Olufemi Banjo.
Dr. Mazin Al-Battran: compassionate mental health care during life-changing medical conditions
May 6, 2016A life-threatening illness or a life-changing chronic disease can also bring rise to mental health needs. Dr. Mazin Al-Battran supports patients with mental health needs in the hospital’s cancer, renal (kidney) and childbirth programs.
Elaine Paton, helping families navigate a loved one's mental health challenges
May 5, 2016Often, the impact of a mental illness goes beyond the person dealing with the condition. Family members have to find ways to support a loved one who’s struggling, while tending to their own needs. That’s where Elaine Paton comes in.