Home / Health / Ottawa Launches New Youth Mental Health Crisis Team
Ottawa Launches New Youth Mental Health Crisis Team
14 Jul
Summary
- A new youth mobile crisis team is operating four days a week.
- The team includes a specially trained officer and a crisis worker.
- It supports youth experiencing mental health crises and connects them to services.
A new mobile crisis team specifically for youth is now operational in Ottawa, providing crucial support four days a week. Operating from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, the team consists of a specially trained police officer and a crisis response worker.
This collaborative effort aims to support young people experiencing mental health crises, including psychosis and suicidal ideation. The team is designed to provide care in familiar settings, ensuring youth and their families are connected to appropriate mental health, health, social, and community services. Police officers offer expertise in public safety when needed.
This initiative is part of a larger movement to provide mental health responses beyond traditional policing. It aligns with other mental health services in the region, such as The Ottawa Hospital's mobile crisis team for adults. The bureau noted that the team is accessible through their 24/7 crisis support services via phone or online chat.
