If You Require Emergency or Crisis Support
If your situation is urgent, life-threatening, or you are experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department
ConnexOntario provides information and support for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services in Ontario.
This service is free, confidential, and anonymous. ConnexOntario can help connect you to services in your area and may assist with identifying Mobile Crisis Response Teams, where available.
This service is free, confidential, and anonymous. ConnexOntario can help connect you to services in your area and may assist with identifying Mobile Crisis Response Teams, where available.
How do I access behavioural support services?
There are several ways to connect with Behavioural Support Services for older adults across Ontario. Depending on your region and care setting, a healthcare provider may make the referral, and in many areas you, a family member, friend or other care partner, or a community service provider can start the process. Some regions refer through long term care or hospitals, or may not accept direct referrals.
Use these steps to access referral information in your region and learn more:
- Find your region below.
- Review referral requirements - Each region may have a different process for making a referral. Make sure to read the services below carefully.
- Submit a referral - Contact the organization listed for your region, or ask your healthcare provider to make the referral on your behalf.
What to expect after a referral is accepted
Getting in touch
A member of the BSO team (or a similar local team) will contact you, your substitute decision-maker (if applicable), or your care partner. This first conversation is to listen, learn more about what’s going on, and explain how BSO can help. Consent must be given for any further BSO involvement.
Initial assessment
The BSO team will conduct an initial assessment to help determine your behavioural health needs. This may include discussing changes in behaviour and what might be contributing to these changes.
Support in action
Based on the findings of the initial assessment, the BSO team will implement a behavioural care plan, share practical ideas, tools, education, and coaching. When appropriate, they may also provide hands-on support. The goal is to help everyone respond in ways that are safe, respectful, and centred on you.
Staying connected
The team will stay involved as needed, working alongside you and your care team to monitor how things are going and how strategies are working. Plans can be adjusted over time, and additional supports or services can be explored if helpful. In some regions, support may be offered for a set period of time, while in others it may continue based on your needs. If your needs change, BSO support can be revisited in the future.
Regional Services
Region:
North West (NW)
Referral or general inquiries phone number:
Central intake offices:
District of Thunder Bay: 807-346-5218 (St Joseph's Care Group)
Districts of Kenora and Rainy River: 1-877-311-0117 (Canadian Mental Health Association - Fort Frances Branch)
District of Thunder Bay: 807-346-5218 (St Joseph's Care Group)
Districts of Kenora and Rainy River: 1-877-311-0117 (Canadian Mental Health Association - Fort Frances Branch)
Office address:
District of Thunder Bay: 63 Carrie St, Thunder Bay ON P7A 4J2
Districts of Kenora and Rainy River:
Fort Frances - PO Box 446, 612 Portage Ave, Fort Frances On P9A 3M8
Dryden - PO Box 525, 52 Van Horne Ave, Dryden ON P8N 2Z2
Kenora - PO Box 492, St Joseph Health Centre, 21 Wolsley St, Kenora ON PN9 3X5
Atikokan - PO Box 2255, 101 Main St, Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
Districts of Kenora and Rainy River:
Fort Frances - PO Box 446, 612 Portage Ave, Fort Frances On P9A 3M8
Dryden - PO Box 525, 52 Van Horne Ave, Dryden ON P8N 2Z2
Kenora - PO Box 492, St Joseph Health Centre, 21 Wolsley St, Kenora ON PN9 3X5
Atikokan - PO Box 2255, 101 Main St, Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
Office hours:
District of Thunder Bay: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm EST, excluding holidays
Districts of Rainy River and Kenora: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm CST, excluding holidays
Districts of Rainy River and Kenora: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm CST, excluding holidays
Special instructions and additional information:
District of Thunder Bay: Physicians and Nurse Practitioners/Clinicians/Community Support Services can refer. Self-referral by call-in only.
Districts of Kenora and Rainy River: Referrals can be made by health care providers for clients/residents/patients residing in long-term care homes and hospitals throughout the Kenora and Rainy River districts. Self-referrals not accepted.
Districts of Kenora and Rainy River: Referrals can be made by health care providers for clients/residents/patients residing in long-term care homes and hospitals throughout the Kenora and Rainy River districts. Self-referrals not accepted.