Mental health

What is a mental health problem?

Mental illness can take many forms (mood disorders, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychosis, eating disorders, etc.). If you are suffering from a mental health problem, or know someone else who is, it's important to get he

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The CSSS: the place to go to access mental health services

The health and social service centres (CSSS) are the point of access to mental health services. Each CSSS has two mental health teams, one for children and young people and the other for adults.

They are responsible for evaluating the situation of the people who come to them and giving them the appropriate assistance. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, they may refer these people to dedicated multidisciplinary teams that include social workers, psychologists, child psychiatrists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, etc.

They work in cooperation with the teams in the CSSS's other sectors and with partners to ensure service continuity.

If you need help, please contact your CSSS, or talk to your doctor or a community organization. They will direct you to the right place to get the support you need.

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Mental health in young people

If you are concerned about the behaviour of your child and think you need help, speak to your child's doctor or call your CSSS.

Your child's condition will be evaluated and professionals will refer you to the appropriate resources.

Your CSSS offers the following services to the children and families of young people who are displaying a mental health problem, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety, attention deficit disorder, etc.:

evaluation
psychosocial follow-up
psychological services
follow-up nursing care
follow-up occupational therapy
treatment
intervention in the child's environment
support for family members

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Crisis centres

The crisis centres are open to adults in the state of psychological or psychosocial distress, and to their relatives. As the point of access to crisis services, they help people cope with the immediate situation and recover their balance.

Their services (consultation, evaluation, referral, follow-up, temporary accommodation) are available 24/7.

See the list of Montréal's Crisis centres.

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Psychiatric emergencies

Psychiatric emergency departments are specifically designed for people whose safety is at risk. These are people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis and urgently need care.

Psychiatric emergency departments provide intake and triage services, medical and psychiatric evaluation, treatment and hospitalization, if necessary. Psychiatric emergency departments may be affiliated with a psychiatric hospital or a general hospital. In either case they are open 24/7 every day of the year.

See the list of psychiatric emergency departments.

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