CAMH

CAMH is implementing a strategy to address & confront anti-Black racism at our hospital and Dr. Kwame McKenzie spoke to CBC Radio: The Current to discuss how we're tackling this important issue. Listen to the full interview at: https://www.cbc.ca//15824462-dismantling-anti-black-racism #BlackMentalHealthWeek #BlackLivesMatter #BLM

This year, The City of Toronto is partnering with TAIBU Community Health Centre to host #BlackMentalHealthWeek - an opportunity to raise awareness of the negative impact that anti-Black racism has on the mental health of Black people. We must confront racism & discrimination together for there to be a fair, just and healthy future for all. Learn more at https://blackmentalhealthweek.ca/ #BlackLivesMatter #BLM

I knew early on as a young student that I wanted to work in a field that helps people. I am passionate about social justice and always wanted to be part of something that helps make the world a better place. I worked on issues of gender-based violencefirst with survivors, then perpetratorsproviding counselling, and also doing advocacy on issues of equity. My work in mental health has largely been with people who are marginalized in society who are least able to afford me...ntal health services. I worked for just over nine years as a prison psychologist before coming to work in the forensic program at CAMH. I find it rewarding and inspiring to see patients overcome adversity move on with their lives, live joyfully and thrive, in spite of the many challenges that have come before them. If I can play any small part in their journey, then I consider it a contribution. Seeing patients leave the hospital with resolve, hope and sense of agency is the best part of the job! -Dr. Smita Vir Tyagi, Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Consultation and Assessment Team #FacesOfCAMH#MentalHealthIsHealth#PsychologyMonth#Psychology#Psychologist#Toronto#Hospital#Recovery#Health#MentalHealth See more

This year was an unprecedented one for all of us. Together, staff and patients also experienced moments of pride, resilience and joy. Here are some CAMH moments from 2020: https://youtu.be/lVmS1QIJCug

While vaping has become an alternative harm reduction strategy for smokers trying to quit, most young people who vape have never smoked. In a recent study, researchers discovered differences in how youth and young adults perceive the health impact of vaping vs. smoking. Their findings highlight what the authors say is a critical need to develop unique vaping prevention and cessation strategies for this age group. Learn more about the study's findings, and how policy-makers should tackle these issues: https://www.camh.ca//first-of-its-kind-camh-study-on-why-y

The #BlueMonday myth calls today "the most depressing day of the year", but is there any scientific basis to it? Our experts weigh in: https://camh.ca//camh-news-and-/blue-monday-survival-guide

Join CAMH experts Dr. Leslie Buckley and Dr. Peter Selby to talk about the increase in alcohol use during the pandemic, and share strategies to help reduce or stop alcohol use, especially for Dry January.

Surveys early in the pandemic show cannabis use in Canada increased, with just over half of respondents reporting greater consumption. Among those who reported using cannabis during the first wave of the pandemic, the median usage rate was about four days a week. Learn more about the findings & implications from the study: https://www.camh.ca//half-cannabis-users-increased-consump

CAMH 2020 Moment: This year we launched our most personal awareness-raising campaign to date. Each year, about 4,000 Canadians die by suicide an average of almost 11 suicides a day. One life lost to suicide is one too many, and in 2020 we urged everyone to pledge to give people hope for a better tomorrow. Together, we can prevent suicide.... http://www.camh.ca/en/suicide-prevention See more

Visitors to CAMH can download the CAMH App - an easy-to-use app for patients & families at our hospital. The app includes wayfinding & navigation and emergency information at your fingertips. Download it today: Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details... iOS: https://apps.apple.com//centre-for-addiction-a/id512241004

CAMH 2020 Moment: This year we were excited to announce the support of the Garron family, whose gift of $15M will help revolutionize mental health research through brain imaging. Read more: https://www.camh.ca//camh-news-and-stories/garron-family-1

CAMH 2020 Moment: This year, thanks to a collaborative effort by staff, we launched the Hope app - a safety planning app for people experiencing suicidal ideation. Learn about how it came together here: http://www.camh.ca//camh-news-and-stories/the-camh-hope-ap ... You can download the app on the Google Play store and the Apple App Store.

CAMH 2020 Moment: In 2020 we celebrated the spirit of Caribana with patients & staff at a physically-distanced outdoor party at our Queen Street site. Check it out on Instagram for more memories of warmer weather: https://www.instagram.com/p/CDjWShcBUW-/

CAMH 2020 Moment: This year we were reminded of the resilience & strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Early in the pandemic, we launched the Apart. Not Alone campaign. While we continue to stay physically apart to keep people safe, let’s not forget that we’re in this together.

Art has the power to help heal. As part of our #CAMHredevelopment Therapeutic Art Project, we integrated a diverse selection of art installations into our hospital building to promote recovery.

CAMH 2020 Moment: Three cheers for our front line healthcare workers! This year, we celebrated all of the amazing people who have been keeping us safe during the pandemic.

Join us for a free Facebook live event for parents and family members, featuring a panel discussion among youth, family members and mental health care professionals/researchers.

Check out today's webinar on supporting children, youth and families, presented by Shkaabe Makwa, today at 11am!

In 1998, CAMH was created to transform mental health care. 20 years later, we're seeing some big changes! Our new buildings - created to promote healing & recovery - are helping us realize this vision. Visit www.camh.ca/move to find out more.

I feel privileged to have a unique Occupational Therapist role in ENCORE, which will soon be transitioning into the Tour de Bleu Therapeutic Neighbourhood in our new buildings. In this role, I am able to work closely with my interprofessional colleagues to deliver structured and evidence-based group programming for patients across the hospital. It brings a smile to my face when I see our patients connect with each other, and grow in their skills, knowledge, and comfort lev...el. I am very excited for the new vision and space in Therapeutic Neighbourhood. It is a huge step forward in creating a recovery-oriented, safe, and inviting community for patients. I look forward to bringing my OT lens into the new and improved groups to help them work towards their goals. I'm also looking forward to collaborating with community partners, such as George Brown, to support patients in developing valuable life skills. At CAMH, I am amazed by our patients’ resilience and strength. I am honoured to take part in their recovery journey by providing them hope and supporting them in doing the things that are meaningful to them. - Winnie Lieu, Occupational Therapist, CAMH ENCORE program #FacesOfCAMH #OTofCAMH #OTmonth #OccupationalTherapy #MentalHealthIsHealth See more

Psychiatrist & Clinical Researcher Dr. Juveria Zaheer has been named to Canada's Top 40 Under 40 list for 2020, in part thanks to her groundbreaking research on suicide prevention, inclusive mentorship and clinical expertise. Congratulations Dr. Zaheer!

People have been using different strategies to cope with the pandemic, but not all of them are healthy. For those who are experiencing problem alcohol use, there is help. Read more: https://healthydebate.ca/pers/pandemic-turning-into-drinker

October is Occupational Therapy Month, highlighting the multi-disciplinary work of our OT's. "Being an Occupational Therapist (OT) not only enables me to pursue my aspirations, but also empowers me to support others in discovering their passions. Working in forensics mental health has always been a goal of mine and volunteering at a hospital has allowed me to learn the integral role of OT in one’s recovery journey. I choose to work in this field because mental illness is ‘i...nvisible’ and is often misunderstood. OT allows us to recognize that it is about learning a new way of living, while realizing that one’s health symptoms does not make them who they are but rather the decisions of who they choose to become. It is truly fulfilling to witness our patients re-integrate themselves in the community through engagement in meaningful activities, such as volunteering in a café, securing their first customer service job with employment training or completing a diploma program for the career they have always dreamed of. It is appreciating the degree to which one is able to achieve their occupations and how it can still provide value, positive well-being and an enriched quality of life. A quote that resonates with me is Medicine adds days to life but occupational therapists add life to days. As an OT, being able to support our patients during this pandemic is essential because with even more limited opportunities to re-integrate into the community, more resources are needed to help them cope with this unprecedented time. We’ve started to implement a comfort room in our forensic inpatient unit, to enable a safe therapeutic space for patients to learn and practice appropriate emotional regulation strategies using their 5 senses. We’ve had artists volunteer their time to create a beautiful and calming mural that resembles the Nova Scotia lighthouse.Due to safety precautions, only comfort items that can be sanitized between uses are offered on a mobile cart that can be readily accessed anytime or during our mindfulness meditation group. - Lily Chiu, Occupational Therapist, Forensic General Rehabilitation Unit A #FacesOfCAMH #OTMonth #OTofCAMH #Mentalhealth See more

"Now more than ever the world has been given this time to reflect on what is truly meaningful in our lives, due to COVID-19. This unique circumstance gives the Occupational Therapy (OT) profession the platform to shine and demonstrate what we have to offer. As Occupational Therapists we are champions of engaging clients to find fulfilling activities that allow them to have a better quality of life. As OTs on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team we work with clients ...in the community in achieving recovery oriented goals. This can range from living safely on the street, finding employment, completing school and even publishing a novel. We have been inspired by the resilience and resourcefulness of our clients during this pandemic. COVID-19 has made both staff and clients think outside the box and adapt in ways we never could have imagined. At CAMH Downtown Central ACT, we are privileged to work with a fantastic interdisciplinary team. Our team has been resourceful, creative and determined to support our clients despite the various barriers presented. We are also grateful to work alongside many talented OTs at CAMH who we continue to learn from in this wonderful profession. We are both very proud to be OTs." - Farhana Zaman & Lindsay Sinclair, Occupational Therapists, CAMH Downtown Central Clinic #FacesOfCAMH#OTofCAMH#OTmonth#OccupationalTherapy#MentalHealthIsHealth #COVID19 See more

October is Occupational Therapy Month, and this month we're highlighting the multi-disciplinary work of our OT's at CAMH. "I became an Occupational Therapist because I loved the idea of working with people in a way that empowered them to achieve their goals. I was always interested in health care, but think it’s such a privilege that as an OT, we get to work with clients in a functional and meaningful way beyond their illness. And as a member of the SDH Service, we get to ...support these kinds of goals and activities from a broader systems level. Truthfully, I never considered working in mental health until my very last student placement here at CAMH, which I ended up enjoying the most out of all of my student placements! Overall I am proud of the work that CAMH strives towards in the field of mental health and addictions. Hearing positive feedback and appreciation from clients and the frontline clinicians we serve always energizes me and motivates me to keep on going. - Jenifer Kim, Occupational Therapist, Social Determinants of Health Service #FacesOfCAMH #OTofCAMH #OTmonth #OccupationalTherapy #MentalHealthIsHealth See more

Calling all Indigenous direct service providers who focus on health and education! Shkaabe Makwa is excited to announce our Fall 2020 Webinar Series. Sîtiskâtow...in Webinar Series To Support One Another Supporting Children, Youth, and Families in Wellness Check out the details below and click the links to register through WebEx: Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST October 27: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Executive Functioning (Presenter Dr. Chris Mushquash) Register here: https://bit.ly/3dMofNK November 3: A Tutorial On the We Matter Youth Toolkit (Presenter: We Matter) Register here: https://bit.ly/34kcHhp November 17: Creating Space to Honour Youth Voices (Presenter: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Indigenous Education Team) Register here: https://bit.ly/3mdX5lT November 24: Grief and All that Goes With It (Presenter: Jonathan Kakegamic) Register here: https://bit.ly/3jkhDqP December 1: Indigenous Youth and Well-Being During COVID-19 (Presenter: Assembly of Seven Generations) Register here: https://bit.ly/3dQFT2M December 8: Mother Earth's Families: Health in Mind, Body, and Spirit (Presenter: Shkaabe Makwa & Creators Garden) Register here: https://bit.ly/3jo17Gk

Today Dr. Juveria Zaheer appeared on the Marilyn Denis Show to discuss her work on suicide prevention, and shared tips on how to support people who have experienced suicidal thoughts. Check out the full video here: https://www.marilyn.ca//New-CAMH-campaign-wants-to-make-su

Today on World Suicide Prevention Day, we renew our commitment to creating hope for a better tomorrow. Join us.

Calling all educators with students in grades 7-12: Interested in helping your students learn more about mental health and building resiliency? Sign up for one of our virtual Game Changers presentations that will feature two of CAMHs Youth Ambassadors with lived experience. Sign up here: camh.ca//dri/game-changers/game-changer-book-an-ambassador

And we're live... join us for our Back to School during COVID-19 webinar at: https://youtu.be/eKkm4swvFr8

Attention educators: Are you looking to involve your students in discussions around mental health? Check out our Game Changers virtual presentations - interactive sessions led by youth, for youth featuring youth facilitators from CAMH. Register today at http://www.camh.ca/gamechangers

And were live... join us for our Back to School during COVID-19 webinar at: https://youtu.be/eKkm4swvFr8

How are youth coping with #COVID19 during their first week back to school? Join our Youth Engagement experts NYAC - National Youth Action Council for a discussion on youth mental health today at 5pm EST. If you have any questions for the panel, please leave them in the comments below.

Back to school can be a stressful time for parents & kids, and the ongoing pandemic further adds increased anxiety. Here are a few resources that can help parents manage mental health in their households: Helping with childrens anxiety: http://ow.ly/tFCS50BsRm3 Tips for parents well-being: http://ow.ly/Uk7j50BsRm0

One quarter of Direct Support Professionals - experts who support people with developmental disability - experience moderate-to-severe mental distress, according to a new study that calls to question the supports available to some essential workers. We don’t often talk about people with developmental disabilities or the staff who work with them. This is an invisible work force, but they are essential," says Dr. Lunsky. Read more: https://www.camh.ca//research-understanding-mental-health-

To address gaps in mental health services, clinicians, administrators and policy-makers need effective options that complement traditional, face-to-face mental health supports. This has become even more important since the COVID-19 pandemic. An integral part of this work will involve using technology to deliver mental health care. Health care providers, you can get started today. Check out our Virtual Care & Mental Health videos and view more of our resources at: https://digital.camhx.ca/

In partnership with Children's Mental Health Ontario, The Royal Mental Health Centre, Waypoint Centre For Mental Health Care Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences & Addictions and Mental Health Ontario we're calling on Ontario to invest in emergency support to address #mentalhealth & #addiction impacts from #COVID19. Read more:

I am doing this so I can be a voice for people who look like me. Asante Haughton is one of many who are saying Not Today. Because when we all say Not Today together, it becomes easier to say it when were alone. https://www.camh.ca//give-he/real-stories/asante-haughton

When the world loses someone to suicide every 40 seconds, one day is not enough. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #notsuicidenottoday https://www.camh.ca/en/suicide-prevention

The latest results from the Canada-wide survey on mental health and substance use by CAMH & Delvinia show that the COVID-19 pandemic has a more adverse effect on the mental health of women and people with children. Learn more about the latest findings: http://www.camh.ca/covid19dashboard

Live now: Join us to create hope for a better tomorrow. Tune in to a live conference with Dr. Catherine Zahn & Mayor John Tory #notsuicidenottoday #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvbZ-iKs52E

This is a pledgea promiseto do everything we can to prevent suicide. Its a pledge we need the whole world to take. When we all say Not Today together, it becomes easier to say it when were alone.

One day is Not enough. Suicide is Not a crime. Its Not the answer. Not suicide. Not today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3guX2x5IA... #notsuicidenottoday #WSPD #WorldSuicidePreventionDay See more

Erin LeDrews career in Recreation Therapy has spanned over a decade, and in that time shes helped many people in their recovery journey at CAMH. Recognizing that mindfulness practices are beneficial tools to improve mental wellness, and knowing that many people experience their first episode of mental illness in childhood or adolescence, she decided to use her experience to write a childrens book to help teach parents and children on how to employ mindfulness in their liv...es at a young age. Since high school I have known I wanted to work in mental health and addiction treatment. This became my focus throughout all of my schooling, and when I started as a student at CAMH, I knew this was where I wanted to work. I was hired as the Recreation Therapist and intake coordinator for Medical Withdrawal Services, and this year I celebrate 11 years since beginning my career at CAMH.Over the course of those 11 years, Ive met many individuals struggling to find recovery. As I supported individuals to find their path to recovery, I noticed a common themewe need to learn better mental health habits, and we need to learn them earlier in life. To me mental health habits are the wellness skills we apply to maintain our mental well-being, and I wanted to find a way to bring these skills to children, so I decided to start with my family and friends. This is where my journey to write the bookMindful Me Goes to Sleepbegan. One of the best ways to build strong habits is to link them to a routine you have already established. Reading stories are a big part of the bedtime routine in my home, and this has become the time my family uses the book to practices mindfulness skills. We do this together and we talk about what helps. My hope is that this book can help families start a mindfulness routine in their homes. Learning how to manage difficult feelings when you are young helps you know how to navigate them when you get older. The better we feel, the better choices we make. The support and opportunities I have experienced at CAMH is what inspires me to bring my best work every day. -Erin LeDrew, Interim Manager for ENCORE, Social Determinants of Health and Homes f See more

The future of #mentalhealth is right around the corner. Introducing The McCain Complex Care and Recovery Building - a state-of-the-art facility centered on recovery and learning. Learn more at www.camh.ca/redevelopment

Were creating the #mentalhealth hospital of the future with the CAMH Crisis and Critical Care Building, which will provide therapeutic spaces for people in various stages of recovery. Learn more at www.camh.ca/redevelopment

One day is Not enough. Suicide is Not a crime. It's Not the answer. Not suicide. Not today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb3guX2x5IA... #notsuicidenottoday #WSPD #WorldSuicidePreventionDay See more

A new study by Dr. Alex Abramovich - the largest study of its kind ever conducted in Canada - found that transgender individuals in Ontario are more likely to experience chronic health problems than the general population. Learn more:

Are you a Health Care Worker in need of #mentalhealth support due to #COVID19? The help you need is available through CAMH, The Royal Mental Health Centre, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton & Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. For more info visit: bit.ly/supportHCW

We're creating the #mentalhealth hospital of the future with the CAMH Crisis and Critical Care Building, which will provide therapeutic spaces for people in various stages of recovery. Learn more at www.camh.ca/redevelopment

Deaths due to overdose are increasing across Canada, and have seen a surge during COVID-19. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we continue to encourage a strategy that includes evidence-based treatment and scaled-up, low-threshold harm reduction services. Read our policy recommendations on strengthening Canadas approach to substance use issues here: https://www.camh.ca//pdfs--/camhsubmissioncdss2018-pdf.pdf

The pandemic has impacted us all in some way, whether physically, emotionally, socially or mentally. For people with mental illness, the effects of the past several months may not be immediately obvious, but theyre there. Here are a few examples of how people with lived experience of #mentalhealth issues are coping with COVID-19.

Its never too early to learn about mindfulness. Recreation Therapist Erin LeDrews new childrens book, Mindful Me Goes To Sleep, outlines actionable steps parents can take to model mindfulness for their children and teach them simple ways to make it work in their lives. Learn more at https://threefavouritethings.ca/ You can purchase digital or physical copies of the book at: https://www.amazon.ca/Mindful-Me-Goes-Sleep-mi//B07XNG3JTN

Today on #WorldPhotographyDay we celebrate our community during #COVID19 with some of our favourite photos from the last six months. Our staff has been working diligently to serve our patients, while prioritizing safety during the pandemic. And through it all, our community has been right there with us, lending their voices in the reassurance that were #ApartNotAlone, and that we are in this together. Thank you to everyone who has given their time and talents in support of patients and staff at our hospital. @ Toronto, Ontario

What are some simple ways we can improve our health and #mentalhealth? In this video, we share a few suggestions on how eating right, being active and incorporating good sleep habits can improve your wellbeing, with tips vetted by youth for youth. This series is developed by The Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression at CAMH and by NYAC - National Youth Action Council. For more resources, visit https://www.camh.ca//cundill-/innovations-in-clinical-care

Today on International Youth Day, were highlighting the many ways youth engagement enhances the work we do at CAMH. Learn more about our Youth Engagement Initiative:

What is #depression, how does it affect us, and what can we do to help those affected by it? Check out Mood Matters - a series of tips and information created by youth for youth, developed by the Cundill Centre at CAMH & the NYAC - National Youth Action Council:

Tonight, join IFFSA Torontofor Frame of Mind, focused on films that explore #mentalhealth in South Asian communities, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gursharan Virdee. Get your free passes today at www.iffsatoronto.com

It's never too early to learn about mindfulness. Recreation Therapist Erin LeDrew's new children's book, Mindful Me Goes To Sleep, outlines actionable steps parents can take to model mindfulness for their children and teach them simple ways to make it work in their lives. Learn more at https://threefavouritethings.ca/ You can purchase digital or physical copies of the book at: https://www.amazon.ca/Mindful-Me-Goes-Sleep-mi//B07XNG3JTN

Community Notice: Our partners PCL construction have scheduled testing of the steam system at our Queen St Site this week. You will notice plumes of steam venting from our stacks, potentially accompanied by the sound of the steam being vented today, on Wednesday, August 12 from noon to 4pm and on Friday August 14 from 9am to 1pm. Toronto Fire Services has been informed. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

Our recent #COVID19 survey in collaboration with Delvinia found that adults under 40 were more likely than older adults to experience mental health problems during the pandemic. Read more on CBC News:

Last week we celebrated the spirit of Caribana with our patients and staff through a physically-distanced Caribbean party. To ensure safety, each participating clinical unit had a scheduled attendance time, and all staff and patients wore masks and maintained distance. While #COVID19 is impacting the way we gather, were finding ways to be #ApartNotAlone. Big thanks to CAMH Gifts of Light, the CAMH Foundation and the Caring for CAMH Committee for their support of this initiative! @ CAMH

Today on International Youth Day, we're highlighting the many ways youth engagement enhances the work we do at CAMH. Learn more about our Youth Engagement Initiative:

My journey has been long I started at McMaster with a Psychology degree, and I was thinking about what I could do around becoming a Counsellor. Around that time, I met a Recreation Therapist at St. Josephs in Hamilton. There was an opportunity to work with seniors, which I did, and then another opportunity to work in Mental Health, which I did. I then went to the University of Waterloo, which is where I got my degree in Recreation Therapy, and I did a placement at CAMH fo...r my co-op program. I started my CAMH career at the Archway clinic, where I ran two nighttime drop ins for both the patients and groups. I was the second RT at Archway, and worked there for about 10 years. I eventually went back to the University of Toronto to complete my Masters. I have worked in many different places, from homeless shelters, to CMHA ACT and also in inpatient units. I work with many clients in transition from hospital to the community. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we had to adjust. This was the second crisis in a year since the Downtown East had a flood before this and so the teams were housed on-site at CAMHs Queen St. site, but both Occupational Therapist Courtney Brennon and I returned to the east end clinic to offer group sessions. We have had to adjust our group process to make sure the patients needs were met while keeping them safe. Early on we held small, physically-distanced group sessions outdoors in lawn chairs where we would also give patients sealed energy bars and bottles of water because people may be hungry when they arrived. During our groups, wed often talk to them about how theyre doing, how theyre feeling, and educate them on how to connect without a family bubble and how to keep people safe. - Terry MacPhee, Recreation Therapist, Downtown East Clinic See more

"I think we will have a rise in mental health needs," says Dr. David Gratzer in this interview with CityNews Toronto about the future effects of #COVID19. For resources & strategies to manage your mental health during the pandemic, visit www.camh.ca/covid19

My 20 year career at CAMH has been defined by challenge and change. Ive had only 1 job title, Department Secretary, which surprises most people, because of the unique responsibilities I have supporting the Addiction Service teams at CAMHs White Squirrel Way buildings in the Queen Street site. I started out my career in Admitting Dept at Queen St and College St, registering clients who arrived seeking help for their addictions and mental health. From there I moved to the ...Brentwood site of the Donwood Institute and found my calling for helping people seeking support for their substance use in the 21-day residential treatment service. In 2008 we moved downtown to White Squirrel Way and my role changed again in support of the Medical Withdrawal Service and the Concurrent Addictions Inpatient Treatment Service (CAITS). In 2013 my team honoured me with a Tremain Award for my compassionate approach to working with clients and my contribution to ensuring clients have timely access to addiction services. Since 2016 Ive been working on developing a network of relationships with community partners to support clients and improve access to concurrent disorder services. And now, during COVID-19 Ive also added the role of Tech Support to the CAITS team who are doing morning huddle and Team meetings on Webex. Through it all Ive learned that Im not defined by my role, rather Ive always looked for new opportunities to support my team and improve access to services for our clients. - Cherry Dator, Administrative Secretary, Concurrent Addictions Inpatient Treatment Service See more

As communities re-open during #COVID19, our routines are being disrupted again as we do our best to adapt to whats next. Check out Dr. Katy Kamkars piece on the Toronto Public Library blog about managing mental health as we establish a new normal.

Dr. Jeff Daskalakis is departing CAMH on July 31 to head the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego). . Jeff joined in 1998 as the first Chief Resident of the newly formed CAMH, and has advanced as a researcher and clinician to become Co-Director of the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention and Chief of the General Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division. His career has included numerous pioneering accomplishments, i...ncluding being the first at CAMH to study novel forms of brain stimulation and provide these treatments to patients. Today, co-led by Dr. Daskalakis and Dr. Daniel Blumberger, the Temerty Centre is one of the worlds leading centres in brain stimulation treatment, research and training. . "In 2014, I became Chief of the Mood and Anxiety Division, which later evolved into the General Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division. My biggest accomplishments in that role are, first, integrating research into clinical care, with initiatives such as CLEARR and measurement-based care with the Major Depressive Disorder Integrated Care Pathway. Second, we increased the size of the program so that the team is now providing longitudinal care in an evidence-based way. And, third, team-based care-we never had a culture of working in teams, and now we do. And by working this way, Ive had the chance to work with incredible colleagues on teams, including Drs. David Gratzer, Allison Crawford, Stefan Kloiber and Albert Wong. . One of my greatest accomplishments is the people Ive worked with, mentored and trained: Drs. Daniel Blumberger, Tarek Rajji, Aristotle Voineskos, Daphne Voineskos, Andrea Levinson, Marina Frantseva, Faranak Farzan, Tyler Kaster, Cory Weissman, Victor Tang and Brett Jones, and Jennifer Bennie, to name a few. Working with such outstanding people has been the highlight of my career at CAMH, and its the hardest part to leave behind." . . . . . #FacesOfCAMH #MentalhealthIsHealth #MentalHealth #ONEcamh See more