Tele-Mental Health for Children and Youth

The Tele-Mental Health Service offers improved access to specialized mental health consults for children and youth in rural, remote and under-served communities using video conferencing. Video conferencing helps to connect children and youth, who are already receiving mental health services, to a specialist who can address their issues. Services are culturally safe and offered as close to home as possible. TMHS Specialists have a range of expertise on topics  that include, but are not limited to:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Disruptive behaviour disorders
• Mood and anxiety disorders
• Learning difficulties
• Attachment disorders
• Psychosis/thought disorders
• Transgender care

This video call can help provide:

• Diagnostic clarification
• Treatment recommendations
• Medication review and recommendations
• Help prioritizing treatment in complex cases
• Assist in managing safety and risk

Early Intervention Matters

Children and youth thrive when their emotional and mental health needs are identified and supported early.  Early intervention can:

• prevent concerns from becoming crises;
• improve school success through better focus, learning and participation;
• strengthen coping skills; and,
• reduce stress for the whole family.

Please contact the Tele-Mental Health Coordinator at tmh@soahac.on.ca for more information about whether this service is appropriate for your family.

‍Eligibility

All children and youth who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) are eligible for Tele-Mental Health. The young person does not need to have proof of Status or Metis citizenship.  OHIP coverage is not required. We accept referrals within the following boundaries: Windsor in the west, Fort Erie in the south, Ottawa in the east and Nipissing in the north.

Additional Services Offered

‍‍Professional to Professional Consultation

Mental health care providers or interdisciplinary teams can book a consultation with a specialist when a young person or family does not wish to participate in a direct clinical consultation.  In the event the child or youth does not show up for their appointment, the specialist can provide guidance and recommendations to the case manager.

Program Consultations

Community agencies can access mental health specialists to consult on cases or topics.  For example, a consultant can meet with care providers to review individual youth and their behaviour, diagnosis and case management.

Education Sessions

Community agencies can request consultation on a clinical topic such as eating disorders, self-harm, attachment and trauma.