World Mental Health Day at QCH
This World Mental Health Day on October 10, we take this opportunity to recognize the incredible work being done by our mental health teams across both Outpatient and Inpatient services. Whether it's supporting individuals in crisis, providing intensive treatment, or helping patients take the next step in their recovery, our teams demonstrate unwavering compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to mental wellness.
One Step Transitional Day Treatment Program – Outpatient Care
The One Step Program is an eight-week structured group treatment program designed to support individuals transitioning from inpatient care or acute episodes into community life. Offered Monday through Thursday, the program is led by a multidisciplinary team, including an Occupational Therapist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker, and Recreation Therapist.
Through a recovery-focused lens, the program emphasizes the development of coping strategies, emotional resilience, and reconnection with community and social supports.
Program Testimonials:
“This program is both a beacon and a map. You help steer lives back on course. Your care is deeply appreciated.”
“I came in feeling hopeless, depressed, and suicidal. Today, I feel hopeful, empowered, and reconnected to life.”
Crisis Nurses – Emergency Mental Health Support
Our Crisis Nurses are front-line responders in the Emergency Department, providing compassionate and timely mental health assessments and interventions for individuals in crisis.
Key responsibilities include:
Risk and needs assessment
Brief counselling and psychoeducation
Connecting patients and families with community supports
Coordinating with ED staff, psychiatry, police, mobile crisis teams, shelters, and group homes to develop safe and supportive care plans.
Consult Liaison & Outpatient Referral – Connecting Care
Our Consult Liaison plays an essential role in bridging mental health and medical care for patients admitted to medical units by:
Assessing psychiatric concerns
Providing emotional support, education, and guidance to patients and families
Collaborating closely with medical teams to support whole-person recovery
The Outpatient Referral function further extends our care into the community by:
Navigating patients to appropriate outpatient mental health resources
Partnering with community agencies, GPs, AccessMHA, TOH, Montfort, and ROMHC to ensure seamless continuity of care.
Inpatient Mental Health – Providing Safety, Structure, and Support
Our Inpatient Mental Health Department offers 24/7 intensive care and support for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. With a multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational and recreational therapists, the unit provides:
Stabilization in a safe, therapeutic environment
Comprehensive assessments and individualized care plans
Skill-building groups and recovery-focused interventions
Discharge planning in collaboration with outpatient and community supports
Our inpatient team plays a vital role in helping patients regain safety, dignity, and a sense of control, often serving as the foundation for long-term recovery.
We give a big kudos to our entire Mental Health team, from inpatient to outpatient, to the emergency room and the community.