The current landscape of mental health care in Ontario is changing: patient expectations and standards are shifting, demand for mental health care is continuing to grow, and outcomes are worse for individuals with both mental health needs and physical illnesses. Healthcare systems have evolved to focus on addressing either physical or mental illness, but not both at the same time. The world of mental health is a complex landscape to navigate. It doesn’t have to be this way.

With an overarching vision to integrate both complex medical and mental health needs of patients, UHN’s Centre for Mental Health plays a unique role as one of the largest and most academically productive mental health centres in Canada. The Centre’s core areas of expertise and programs include: depression, mood disorders, medical psychiatry, eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, general psychiatry, seniors’ mental health and addictions. Dedicated to treating the whole person, the Centre for Mental Health aims to provide comprehensive care across many disciplines of physical and mental health needs. With a global reputation for innovation and excellence, internationally known leaders, educators, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and residents work every day to improve the lives of patients. 

Many parts of the healthcare system need to work together in order to make a real difference in patients’ lives – from removing barriers to accessing care, to helping navigate the system, to following up and ensuring the right kind of care is delivered, and so much more.

We need donor support to continue to address various mental health care needs across our hospitals, and prioritize the integration of both physical and mental health. You can make a difference – not only in the lives of patients and their families, but in the lives of the many Canadians who look to UHN for answers.