Seniors Mental Health Resource Teams

Seniors Mental Health Resource Teams are multi-disciplinary teams that provide specialized services to seniors experiencing complex mental health problems, as well as support to their families and/or caregivers. 

Teams are located in Kings, Queens and Prince Counties and include psychiatry, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and social workers. However, teams may vary across sites. 

Seniors Mental Health Resource Teams provide office-based services, as well as community outreach to clients living at home and in community care housing. The teams work collaboratively with Home Care, the Provincial Geriatric Program, Inpatient Psychiatry units and family physicians to provide assessment, treatment, diagnosis, and condition management and support. The program aims to reduce the incidence and impact of psychiatric symptoms; maintain or improve the quality of life of clients, their caregivers and families; and assist seniors in maintaining independent living.

In long-term care facilities, teams will collaborate with the family and facility staff to recommend and support a plan of care, including assessment, collaborative care planning, consultation and limited direct care.

Who can get help?

Seniors Mental Health Resource Teams will see individuals experiencing complex emotional, cognitive, functional or behavioural problems resulting from:

• A new onset or existing serious mental illness complicated by the aging process (e.g. mood disorders, psychosis, anxiety); or
• Dementia with psychiatric complications.

Typically, individuals are over 65 years and evidence indicates that a medical cause of symptoms has been ruled out.

How do I make a referral?

Referrals can be made by contacting a Community Mental Health office in your area.  

Health care providers can also provide a referral by submitting an Adult Services Referral Form  [PDF | 210 KB] to Community Mental Health.