Who we are

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.

As a public hospital, CAMH receives its operating funds from the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC LHIN) through a Hospital Service Accountability Agreement. Research grants and funds for special programs are received from the University of Toronto, Foundations and other granting and funding bodies.

CAMH works with the government to help shape the public policy and resource development process to ensure it promotes health and works towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction.

CAMH has been recognized internationally as a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.

What is a teaching hospital?

As a teaching hospital, CAMH provides education, training, internships and residencies for students. People training to work in the health care field, including psychiatrists, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and laboratory technologists, come to CAMH for practical experience.

What kind of care is provided at CAMH?

CAMH is committed to providing comprehensive, well-coordinated, accessible care for people who have problems with mental illness or addiction. A wide range of clinical programs, support and rehabilitation services are provided that meet the diverse needs of people who are at risk and are at different stages of their lives and illnesses.

Services include: assessment, brief early intervention, residential programs, continuing care and family support.

CAMH staff work with family doctors, home support services, community agencies and other health care providers to make sure that clients and their families can receive assistance in their own communities and homes if possible. Additionally, they address larger issues that arise from four major factors affecting health -- housing, employment, social support and income support.

What is CAMH's philosophy of care?

Our focus at CAMH is on client-centred care. We recognize that everyone is different and that each client has individual social, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological needs. Wherever possible, the care provided incorporates the preferences, needs, aspirations and cultural beliefs of each individual into the treatment plan.

CAMH supports diversity and strives to be sensitive to race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion and sexual orientation. Clients, their families and significant others are all active partners throughout the care process.

Safety is a CAMH priority.

What are CAMH's values?

Over the past year staff, physicians, clients, family members, unions, volunteers, the community and many other stakeholders within and outside CAMH have taken part in the Strategic Plan Renewal Process under the leadership of the Board of Trustees. An updated Strategic Plan has been created that will provide the framework for CAMH's programs and activities over the next three years.

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Content updated: October 19, 2009 3:27 PM