CRISIS LINE
If you or somebody you know is experiencing serious mental health problems, call Toll free, 24 hours a day.
WITHIN OTTAWA 613-722-6914
OUTSIDE OTTAWA 1-866-996-0991
| I have an appointment to see a psychiatrist in two weeks but I need help now. Can you speed up the process or provide interim counselling while I am waiting? |
The Crisis Line and the Crisis Team are available to offer support while an individual awaits an appointment with his/her psychiatrist. The Crisis Team can advocate on behalf of the client when the situation warrants. |
| Will anything I tell the crisis worker be shared with my case worker or psychiatrist? How confidential is my information? |
The Crisis Teams encourage complete disclosure of your involvement with the crisis team with the staff who are providing on-going treatment — this is done to help with your overall recovery. However the client does control what information is released and to whom. |
| I know that the local Crisis Team in my area has a consulting psychiatrist. What are the criteria for being able to access the psychiatrist? |
The Crisis Teams are staffed by mental health professionals that includes nurses, social workers and crisis counsellors. They, in consultation with yourself, will decide who is best to meet your needs at the time of the crisis. Psychiatrists function primarily as consultants to the Teams. |
| I don't like my psychiatrist. Can you give me a list to choose from or refer me directly to a new one? |
A list could be given but a referral to a specialist has to come from a doctor. It is not a self-referring process. The Team can only make referrals to psychiatry through a doctor. |
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