Find information and resources for individuals on psychiatric facilities and hospitals.
Some people facing mental health and addiction challenges may require inpatient treatment at a hospital.
A person’s physician may refer them to a hospital for inpatient treatment. In crisis situations, the person may be taken to the hospital by the emergency services, such as police.
Many hospitals in Ontario provide inpatient mental health and addictions treatment. However, only those which are “Schedule 1” hospitals under Ontario’s Mental Health Act can admit people involuntarily, that is, without their consent. To be admitted involuntarily, a physician must determine that the person meets the criteria under the Mental Health Act.
The Health Care Consent Act governs when a person can be treated. Even if a person is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric facility, they cannot be treated without their consent or the consent of a substitute decision maker in a non emergency situation.
After a person has been admitted to hospital, they will work with their physician to determine an appropriate plan of treatment.
After discharge from hospital, a person may continue to receive follow-up services through a hospital outpatient clinic. The person may also be referred to community based services and supports.
The information provided below is to help individuals identify where psychiatric facilities and hospitals are.
Physicians in designated Schedule 1 mental health facilities can change a patient’s legal status. Under the Mental Health Act , a doctor must contact a rights adviser to meet with the patient whose legal status has changed. The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office ( PPAO ) a program under the Ministry of Health, is designated by the Schedule 1 facility/hospital to provide rights advice as required under the Mental Health Act to:
The PPAO provides the only Minister-approved rights adviser training and certification under the Mental Health Act . Rights advisers do not work for the hospital, and the service they provide is free and confidential.
The following health facilities are designated as Schedule 1 psychiatric facilities.