Mental Health

The Family Health Team (FHT) of the University of Ottawa Health Services offers mental health services. Our Mental Health Counsellors are qualified professionals who work with patients in a short-term, focused and confidential manner to find solutions. Bilingual services provided may address a range of issues, from acute situational reactions, marital discord, behavioural issues in children, to more chronic conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, with clinical counselling services being offered to people of all ages. Counselling services are goal oriented and a range of evidence based approaches are used in working with patients. The length and type of service provided will depend on the nature of the presenting issue. Patients may also be referred to other community resources to help meet their needs.
In addition to individual counselling services the mental health team offers psycho-educational groups on different topics. They also work collaboratively with other interdisciplinary health providers regarding chronic disease management programs.

What to Expect

Mental Health Counselling

Counselling for different mental health/psychosocial issues such as: depression; anxiety-stress; phobias; PTSD following domestic violence, sexual abuse, accidents, or other traumas; grief and loss issues; relationship problems (with partner, child, teen, colleague, employer, etc.); parenting issues (parent-child, parent-teen, etc.); addiction issues (short-term assistance only)
Individual, couple or family therapy
The number of counselling sessions is limited to 6-8 sessions
Psycho-educational groups on selected topics such as anxiety, and attention deficit disorder.
Linkages to community resources

Student Academic Success Service – University of Ottawa

Additional support and counselling services are offered through SASS.

How to Access

Family Health Team Psychiatrist and Mental Health Counselors – available to patients enrolled with a family physician with the UOHS Family Health Team. uOttawa and St-PaulU students can also access mental health counselling services when referred by a provider at the University of Ottawa Health Services Walk In Clinic (located at 100 Marie Curie Private). A telephone Intake Assessment appointment with a Mental Health Counsellor will be scheduled upon receipt of your referral from a University of Ottawa Health Services Provider. Patients are to contact our office directly at 613-564-3950 ext 497 or complete the online appointment request form to schedule this appointment. This appointment will provide an opportunity to discuss your needs and determine the best strategies for you. There is no fee for our mental health services.

UOHS also offers psychiatric and psychological services to all patients.

Resources

SASS – Student Academic Success Service
Crisis Line Ottawa 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991
CAMH – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
CMHA – Canadian Mental Health Association
Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa
Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line (24h) 613-722-6914
Ottawa Distress Centre (24h) 613-238-3311
Assaulted Women’s Helpline (24h) 1-866-863-0511
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (24h) 613-234-2266
YSB Crisis Line (24h) 613-260-2360
CAS Ottawa – Child Protection Issues 613-747-7800
Fem’aide – ligne de soutien 1-877-336-2433 (French only)
Tel-aide Outaouais (8am-Midnight) 613-741-6433 / 819-775-3223 (French only)
Kids’ Help Phone (24h) 1-800-668-6868
Tel-Jeune (24h) 1-800-263-2266
Good 2 Talk (24h) 1-866-925-5454
The Walk-in Counselling Clinic

After Hours Access to Care

Patients registered with a family doctor at UOHS

In case of emergency, always dial 911. THAS connects you to a nurse who can provide medical advice, or, if appropriate, provide access to a family health team doctor or suggest that you go to emergency.

1-866-553-7205

Patients not registered with a family doctor at UOHS – Ontario residents

In case of emergency, always dial 911. Telehealth Ontario is a free service that allows Ontario residents to speak to a Registered Nurse with their medical questions any time of the day or night. This could be when you're sick or injured but aren't sure if you need to see a doctor or can treat the situation at home.

1-866-797-0000

Patients not registered with a family doctor at UOHS – Quebec residents

In case of emergency, always dial 911. Info-Santé 8-1-1 is a free and confidential telephone consultation service that puts you in contact with a nurse in case of a non-urgent health issue.

Info-Santé 811