Mental health support available during pandemic

Whitby, ON – Healthcare workers dealing with mental health challenges during this pandemic can get rapid access to a new service to support their resiliency and recovery.

Starting April 20, the Health Care Worker Assist Service (HCWAssist), offered by Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) will support healthcare workers dealing with increased anxiety and depression.

HCWAssist will provide virtual, rapid access to services for all healthcare workers, to provide skills that enhance resilience and reduce symptom burden, delivered over a 4-6 week period. An Intake Clinician will assess the individual’s needs and offer a plan of care utilizing a variety of services which may include system navigation, crisis planning or brief therapy intervention.

As the province works to stop the spread of COVID-19, there is increased pressure on healthcare workers across the sector including hospitals, long-term care, community services, public health and front-line paramedics. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions are at a high risk of exacerbation of symptoms during this pandemic. The virtual service allows healthcare workers to get the support they need safely from home.

“In this extraordinary time, healthcare workers are at the front-line of this pandemic and they are working tirelessly under stressful situations both at work and home,” says Karim Mamdani (pictured), president and CEO. “It was important to our organization that we direct resources to support these healthcare heroes so they can continue to provide care to our most vulnerable Ontarians.”

The clinic is open to any healthcare worker over the age of 18 who meets the criteria for service.

Healthcare workers can self-refer or refer through their Primary Care Practitioner to Ontario Shores’ Central Intake at 1-877-767-9642, calling crisis at 1-800-263-2679 or visit www.ontarioshores.ca/hcwassist for more information.

About Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a leader in mental healthcare, providing a range of specialized assessments and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental healthcare system.