Mental Health Care - How To Access

Experiencing a mental health crisis or urgent situation in London-Middlesex?

  • Contact Reach Out crisis response line: Call 519 433-2023 or 1-866-963-2023 (The crisis response line and web chat is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is free and confidential)
  • or go to the CMHA Crisis Centre located at 648 Huron St., in London ON, 519-434-9191
  • or go to your nearest emergency department

Hospital-based mental health care services

Inpatient mental health care services

Access to St. Joseph’s specialized, inpatient mental health care program is coordinated through referrals from acute mental health facilities within our Southwestern Ontario catchment area, such as London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Our Coordinated Access Team of highly skilled and experienced mental health professionals manage incoming requests for inpatient care from psychiatrists at our Schedule One facility partners.

A psychiatrist or a member of the mental health team is required to complete the referral form.

For more information contact the Coordinated Access Team:

  • Telephone 519 646-6425
  • Fax: 519 646-6426

Outpatient mental health care services

For adults aged 18 to 64, all referral requests for hospital-based mental health outpatient services at both London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London are made through one Centralized Access Point: 

Referral forms: 

Connect with your primary care physician/family doctor or nurse practitioner. Your primary care provider will assess you and your situation and with your input, determine the best course of action.

If a referral to hospital-based outpatient service is required, your family physician/nurse practitioner will complete the mental health care referral form and submit it through the Centralized Access Point.

Once a referral from your family doctor is received, you will be contacted by phone for a brief interview which will result in an initial appointment with the most appropriate service. During this appointment, a comprehensive mental health assessment will be completed and treatment goals identified. If it is agreed that our services will be helpful, we will introduce you to your team and arrange follow-up appointments.

For more information, including available outpatient services and eligibility criteria, visit the LHSC Centralized Access Point for Adult Ambulatory Mental Health Services webpage.

Questions about the Centralized Access Point referral process can be directed by e-mail to @email or by telephone: 519 667-6777.

Need help accessing mental health services in your area?

If you need assistance with how to obtain a referral through a physician or are searching for contact information for mental health services and supports in your community, contact ConnexOntario for helpful, supportive information and referral specialists who are available 24 hours a day.

ConnexOntario provides free, confidential and anonymous information for people experiencing problems with mental illness: 1-866-531-2600.

St. Joseph's is a member of Mental Health Partners

Since 2010, four of Ontario’s specialized mental health care facilities (CAMH, Ontario Shores, The Royal and Waypoint) have worked together as Mental Health Partners to improve outcomes for clients who experience addiction and/or mental illness. We are pleased to share that the partnership has expanded to include all specialized psychiatric hospital providers across Ontario, of which St. Joseph’s Health Care London is now a member, effective 2021.

Mental Health Partners is now comprised of ten partner hospitals in total:

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

• North Bay Regional Health Centre

• Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

• Providence Care

• Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

• St. Joseph’s Care Group / Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

• St. Joseph’s Health Care London

• St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

• Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

Together, we provide a continuum of care for people living with mental illness and/or addictions across Ontario – from specialized inpatient acute and rehabilitative care, to outpatient services for people living in the community. In collaboration with system partners, we offer collective support as well as specialized clinical and innovation expertise to Ontario Health, towards building a comprehensive, connected mental health and addictions system of care for Ontarians.