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
Emily Schacht: putting her social work calling into action
March 6, 2018For Grand River Hospital's Emily Schacht, social work is a calling. Her passion for it remains even after her work day is done.
Sarah Skanes: a social work advocate for GRH patients
March 2, 2018For GRH social worker Sarah Skanes, her role is about maximizing a patient’s quality of life. Sarah provides care in GRH’s specialized mental health program at the Freeport Campus.
New Propel program helps children and youth get involved and build lifelong skills
January 31, 2018Thanks to the support of our community, care providers can refer children and youth to Propel, a new program offered through Grand River Hospital’s mental health program. Propel staff members reach out to community organizations to find a suitable activity for patients as part of their treatment.
From the Grand River Hospital Foundation (opens in a new window)
Let's talk about mental health: perspectives from GRH mental health and addictions staff members
January 30, 2018As Grand River Hospital continues the conversation on mental health on this Bell Let's Talk Day, we would like to offer various perspectives on mental health care and resources available to patients and families.
Neuro-psychologist Dr. Cathleen McDonald wins GRH’s award of excellence
January 25, 2018Neuro-psychologist Dr. Cathleen McDonald has won GRH’s award of excellence for her support of patients and colleagues in the mental health and addictions program.