Mental Health Care - How To Access

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

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available to all Canadians to call or text for help. It is a toll-free hotline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 9-8-8 is a safe space for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Learn more at 988.ca.
  • 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.

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Hotline

All Canadians can call or text for help when they need it. 9-8-8 is a safe space for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. It is a toll-free hotline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Learn more at 988.ca.