Mental Health

The Mental Health team specializes in the care of adult and geriatric patients experiencing a variety of mental illnesses, with a focus on the Recovery Model of treatment, which emphasizes that although people may not be able to have full control over their symptoms, they can regain full control over their lives.

Adult Mental Health Inpatient

Adult Mental Health Inpatients is comprised of a total of 48 beds across two inpatient units. The units provides treatment to adults who require hospitalization and treatment of a psychiatric condition. The treatment team consists of Psychiatrists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Recreational Therapists. Patients and families are highly involved in treatment plans and decisions. Assessment, treatment and interventions may include (but are not limited to) one-to-one Psychiatrist and Nurse counselling, group therapy, medication management and follow up care.

Geriatric Mental Health Inpatient

The Geriatric Mental Health Inpatient Unit is a 27 bed unit that specializes in the care of individuals generally 65 years and above who require hospitalization and treatment of a psychiatric condition. The treatment team consists of Geriatric Psychiatrists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Recreational Therapists. Patients and families are highly involved in treatment plans and decisions. Assessment, treatment and interventions may include (but not limited to) one-to-one Psychiatrist and Nurse counselling, group therapy, medication management and follow up care.

Outpatient Mental Health Services

Outpatient Mental Health Services provides outpatient follow up for individuals who have recently been discharged from an inpatient mental unit at Victoria Hospital. Outpatient services include (but are not limited to) Long Acting Neuroleptic Clinic, psychotherapy, counselling, medication management, and support to integrate with community based resources.

How to Access Mental Health Services

Though inpatient admission is not always necessary, it is imperative to seek help so that mental health professionals can assess and provide you or your loved one with support, interventions and resources.

Individuals who would like to access Mental Health Services are encouraged to speak with their Primary Health Care Provider about a referral for Mental Health services.

If you are in crisis, or you are concerned about the well-being of a friend or family member, the Crisis Response Centre (CRC) provides walk-in, outreach, and scheduled crisis services. It is located at 817 Bannatyne, Winnipeg, Manitoba. You can also call Mobile Crisis Services 24/7 at 204-940-1781. Mobile Crisis Services provides crisis intervention and can make home visits when necessary.

You may also present to an Emergency or Urgent Care, of any hospital where you will be assessed by a Nurse, a physician, and/or a psychiatrist. They will determine if you need admission and may provide you with community resources.

If you have a family member or friend who is unwilling to participate in an assessment from any of these sources, and you are concerned about their wellbeing, you may complete a Form #1 under the Mental Health Act (Application for an Order for Involuntary Medical Examination). To do this you must go before a Justice for the Province of Manitoba (ie. Justice of the Peace or Magistrate at the Provincial Court located at 408 York Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba) under oath with the completed form. (Blank forms are available at the Law Courts building). If the judge agrees he will issue an order to have the person brought in to an emergency for psychiatric assessment.

If you are concerned that you or a family member are at risk of harming yourself or someone else you should contact 911 immediately.