Referral, Intake & Information

Individuals call a central number for referral into our programs or information for allied services. This is the point of entry to CMHA Niagara programs.
Telephone: 905-641-5222

Community Crisis Care

If you are in a Mental Health Crisis proceed IMMEDIATELY to your nearest hospital.

Community Crisis Care workers are available at St. Catharines General Hospital (SCG), Greater Niagara General Hospital (GNGH), and Welland County Hospital (WCH) through the Emergency department.

All clients must triage through the Emergency room. The triage nurse will notify the Crisis worker if applicable. If there is a medical condition that requires attention, the Crisis worker may not be requested until the condition is controlled.

Crisis workers conduct assessments of risk, collect information from the patient as well as collateral information from others when possible, assist with Community resource referral information, and provide report to Emergency Room doctor.

Location and times:

Greater Niagara General Hospital- 7 days a week 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

St Catharines General Hospital - 7 days a week 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Welland County Hospital - Mon-Fri 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Holiday coverage at all hospitals between 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

**The Hospital is available 24 hours daily and can assist clients in Crisis if Crisis worker is not available**

Safe Beds

Short-term, abstinence based, voluntary, non-medical  seven (7) bed shelter for individuals over the age of 16 years experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of supports.

Client cannot be a harm to themselves or others, must be willing to follow rules of the shelter, and must be agreeable to work on recovery goals.

Clients cannot self-refer to this program. Referrals are accepted by the following:

Community Crisis Care

CMHA-Niagara staff

Family doctors, psychiatrists, hospital

Community Agencies (in some cases)

 Location: 15 Wellington Street, St. Catharines. 

Case Management

 Moderate Case Management

Intensive Case Management

Concurrent Disorders Case Management

Living In The Community

Individuals are helped to access and maintain their apartments, learn basic life skills and link with community resources. Two levels of support are provided for people with serious mental Illness: moderate support of 1-2 visits per week, or intensive support (for those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness) with daily visits and 24 on call support.
Location: Niagara Region 

Justice Programs

Court Support

Individuals charged with minor offences are supported in the court system and with their transition back into the community.
Location: St. Catharines Court House 

Detention Centre

Case workers provide counseling and support within the jail and upon their release.

Residential Support

Independent Living

Group Living

Home support workers are available to assist residents of two homes with goal setting and day-to-day living skills.
Location: St. Catharines & Niagara Falls 

Employment / Employee Services

R.E.A.L Work

(Renewed Employment Access Link)
Individuals dealing with mental health issues are assisted with job skills development, employment search and maintenance. Location: St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Welland/Port Colborne 

Counselling Program

Short-Term Counselling/Groups

Counselling Program

Mental Health Counsellors are available in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and St Catharines to provide psycho-educational supportive counselling to individuals experiencing emotional distress. The counselling normally consists of 3-5 brief solution focused sessions (for example: the client learns how to break down cognitive distoritions, develops coping skills and learns to emphasize their personal strengths). The service is fee-based.

Eligibility: Individuals over 16 years of age who are experiencing emotional upset and are in need of support. In addition, the individual does not require a mental illness diagnosis however they must want the service - they cannot be forced to see a counsellor. Depression and Separation/Divorce groups are offered at various times throughout the year.