When someone needs support for their mental health, it can be hard to know where to start. Navigating the health care system can be daunting and confusing—for some, it may feel so overwhelming that it deters them from taking the first step of seeking the support they need, and for others, it can be a long, frustrating experience of trying to find the right kinds of resources to meet their needs.
While Grand River Hospital is our community’s leading authority on mental health and the sole provider of acute mental health care for the region, not everyone will need the scope of mental health care we provide. But hospitals aren’t the only place you can get help for your mental health. In fact, there are numerous providers throughout the community that offer different types of mental health and addiction services, including those that are a part of the KW4 Ontario Health Team (OHT).
The KW4 OHT is comprised of health and wellness partners from across Kitchener, Waterloo and the Townships of Woolwich, Wilmot and Wellesley (KW4) that are working together to create a local health care system that better meets the specific needs of our communities. The goal is to offer seamless, interconnected care for all 400,000 residents in the KW4, making it easier to navigate the health system and transition between care providers.
In addition to our local hospitals, Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital, there are a range of providers that make up the KW4 OHT, offering all different types of services and care. These are just some of the mental health services available through local care providers that are a part of the KW4 OHT:
Mental Health and Counselling Services:
Carizon Family and Community Services
CMHA Waterloo Wellington
Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
Lutherwood
New Vision Family Health Team
The Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team
Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic
Woolwich Community Health Centre
Addiction Services:
House of Friendship
Ray of Hope
Stonehenge Therapeutic Community
Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions Services:
Carizon Family and Community Services
CMHA Waterloo Wellington
Family and Children’s Services Waterloo Region
Front Door*
Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
Lutherwood
Ray of Hope
*A partnership between KW4 OHT partners Carizon Family and Community Services and Lutherwood
Specialized Services:
Family and Children’s Services Waterloo Region
House of Friendship
Reception House Waterloo Region
SHORE Centre
When you’re struggling with your mental health, asking for help can be one of the hardest parts. But it’s also one of the best: it means you can get the support and care you need. Learn more about the KW4 OHT and the mental health resources that are available to you and your loved ones when you need them most.
