Waiting for mental health services

Mental health problems are common in children and youth. Unfortunately, it can take months or more for an appointment with a mental health professional. Even though this can be a frustrating time, there are many things you can do to help while waiting for mental health services.

Keep in touch with your family doctor

Ask to be put on a cancellation list (if your provider has one). This gives you the possibility of being seen more quickly. If another family cancels an appointment, your service provider calls you to see if your child or teen can make the appointment time. If not, you can wait for the next available appointment. Make sure your provider has up to date contact information for you, including a number where you can be reached during the day.
Let your family doctor know if your child or teen is feeling worse (for example if your child or teen Is feeling more depressed or anxious; is having more trouble at home or at school; is Expressing thoughts that life is no longer worth living). Your doctor may also know about other available services.
Be ready for the first appointment. Make notes of what you want to discuss about your child or teen

Explore other options

While waiting, you can also explore other options, including:

Other mental health agencies

Even though you might be waiting for services at CHEO, you can still contact other services and ask to be placed on their wait-list as well.

School services

Many high schools have mental health resources available including psychologists, mental health nurses and addictions counsellors. Contact your child's principal or vice-principal to access these services. Schools may also be able to help refer you to other services.

Employee Assistance Programs

Your employer may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can usually provide a few meetings with a mental health professional. These services are confidential, and your employer will not know if or why you contacted EAP.

Professionals in private practice

Wait lists are more common for publicly funded services like hospital clinics or a children's mental health agency (this care is covered with your health card). You can make an appointment with a psychologist or social worker in private practice if you can pay the fee yourself or if you have work benefits that will cover the cost. You may not have to wait at all to see a professional in private practice.

Psychological associates

Clinical psychologists have earned a PhD at university. They are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and focus on talk therapy (psychological treatments), but do not prescribe medications. Some universities provide mental health services to their community at a reduced cost, often based on income. To make sure your psychologist is truly qualified, check out Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and the College of Psychologists of Ontario, 1-800-489-8388.

Social workers

Social workers have a university degree in social work. They do not diagnose mental health conditions, but they can provide counseling and therapy to help you and your family cope with mental health concerns. Check to make sure your social worker is truly qualified.

Certified counsellors

In many places, anyone can call themselves a therapist or counsellor without formal training. To make sure your counsellor or therapist is truly qualified, check out the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). To find a certified counsellor/therapist in your area, visit the CACP website.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have taken several years of extra training in psychiatry. They are able to assess, diagnosis and treat mental health conditions (with medications or without). Ask your family doctor or pediatrician if they can refer you to a psychiatrist in private practice. Psychiatrists are covered by your provincial health plan, and just like seeing any other medical doctor, you do not have to pay ‘out of pocket' for their services. Check to make sure your Psychiatrist is truly qualified.

Support your child or teen

Warmth and support from parents makes all the difference in the world to children and youth, though they may not always show it. Strong family support leads to better outcomes for youth, whether they have a mental health problem or not.

Spend quality, one-on-one time with your child or teen, at least once a week. Quality time can mean just talking or doing an activity together, for at least 15-30 minutes. Time with just the 2 of you will give your child or teen the chance to share experiences, feelings or worries. It will be easier for your teen to open up when it's just the two of you. Focus on making this a positive experience for both of you. Increasing positive interactions may help to decrease negative things, like arguing.

Healthy living makes a difference!

No matter what mental health issue your child is struggling with, caring for the body and mind can really help. Taking care of the basics can go a long way to helping your child or teen to feel better.

Sleep

Most of us, children and youth included, don't get enough sleep, and a lack of sleep can lower mood and energy levels. Better sleep can improve behaviour, attention and outlook. Try to work out a regular bedtime, and a calming bedtime ritual. Keep computers, TVs, cell phones and video games out of the bedroom.

Diet

Eats healthy meals and snacks, with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Exercise

Children and youth need about an hour each day of physical activity, and if this happens outside, even better. Studies also show that as little as a half hour of walking a day can have a positive effect on depression, anxiety and stress.

Limit screen time

Too much screen time doesn't leave enough time for physical activity or truly connecting face to face with family and friends. And it can interfere with sleep. Try to set a limit on the amount of time each day your child or teen spends watching TV, using social media or playing video games. Have a discussion with your child or teen about setting reasonable limits that everyone can live with.

Take care of yourself too

Waiting for mental health services can be stressful. Make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise too. The best way to get your children to take care of themselves, is for you to model healthy behaviours.

For additional support, parents can contact PLEO, the Parents' Lifeline of Eastern Ontario Ottawa Area at (613) 321-3211.