Understanding Mental Health

Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. It affects the way we think, feel and behave. A mental health problem can affect our ability to deal with life events.
Read MoreThe Province of Ontario has announced Phase 1 of the gradual re-opening of services.
Our physical sites will remain closed until Toronto Public Health guidelines can be properly implemented regarding the gradual re-opening of our sites.
All of our services remain available during this time and can be accessed remotely by phone or videoconferencing for both existing and new clients.
Autism Services
All children and youth under the age of 18 with a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional can register for the program.
If your child was previously registered with the Ontario Autism Program, you do not have to register again. For new families looking to register, contact the ministry's Central Intake and Registration team at 1-888-444-4530. Once your registeration is complete your child will be added to the waitlist. Families will receive a letter from the ministry when it is time for them to apply for the Childhood Budget.
If you are currently receving Ontario Autism Program services and have an active behaviour plan, contact your child's supervisor or lead therapist for any questions regarding your child's behaviour plan and next steps.
If you have inquiries about Autism Services at The Etobicoke Children’s Centre, please call Kathleen Molina-Kelly at (416) 240-1111 ext. 2271 or by email at autismservices@etobicokechildren.com
Mental Health Services
Our Mental Health Services are comprised of several programs, including Counselling, Day School Milieu Treatment Program (DSMTP), Groups, and West End Services for Abuse and Trauma (WESAT).
The following outlines the processes for our self-referral programs:
Counselling
To access our Counselling services the first step is to attend our Walk-in clinic. Often young people and families only need one or two sessions to make the needed changes in their lives so we want clients to experience the differences these changes can make as soon as possible. Following the walk-in session, we can also refer you to additional services if needed and Walk-in can be used more than once if necessary.
Day School Milieu Treatment Program (DSMTP)
To access our DSMTP, please contact our Intake Coordinator at (416) 240-1111, ext. 2238.
Groups
To access our Groups, please refer to the Group page for the group facilitator’s contact information.
West End Services for Abuse and Trauma (WESAT)
To access our WESAT services, including trauma assessments and trauma treatment, please contact the Intake Coordinator at (416) 240-1111, ext. 2238.
Our Walk In Clinic is open Monday - Friday. Please see below for the exact hours. Appointments are not required and there is no fee. The ECC Walk-In Clinic is located at 200 Ronson Drive (4th floor), major intersection Dixon & Martin Grove Rd. You should plan for a one and half (1.5) hour appointment. Service is provided on a first come, first serve basis. All efforts are made to accommodate everyone, however high demand may require families to return another day.
Monday: 2pm-6pm, please arrive by 4:30 pm, last appointment is at 5 pm
Tuesday: 11am-4pm, please arrive by 2:30 pm, last appointment is at 3 pm
Wednesday: 12 pm - 8 pm, please by 6:30 pm
Thursday: 2 pm - 6 pm, please arrive by 4:30 pm, last appointment is at 5 pm
Friday: 10 am - 2 pm, please arrive by 12:30 pm, last appointment is at 1 pm
For more information about our walk-in clinic, click here.
Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. It affects the way we think, feel and behave. A mental health problem can affect our ability to deal with life events.
Read MoreResearch suggests that children with autism are able to form attachments. However the way they express attachment can be unusual and it may seem as if they are disconnected.
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