Mental health and addictions services 'integrate' in Huron-Perth
There’s a new name and vision for mental health in Huron and Perth counties, with little to no changes expected for clients.
“Ideally they won’t notice any change at all, but what we know from our ability to provide services is, things will be more integrated and better organized,” explained the Ontario CEO for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Camille Quenneville.
Two of the largest providers of mental health and addiction services in Huron and Perth counties — Choices for Change and Resilience Huron Perth — are joining forces to become Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services, a chapter of the CMHA.
“We see the same clients. We have similar programs. Peer support, court support, case management, housing, so it just really made sense for us to bring it all together, and have it really, truly integrated,” said Catherine Hardman, the former executive director of Choices for Change and CEO of the newly created CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services.
Hardman, who will lead the newly merged organization which served a combined 2,600 clients last year, said streamlining the two groups makes sense now as the complexity of the cases they manage increases.
“You used to see people who just drank, or were depressed. The complexity we see now is so difficult. People are using multiple drugs at one time, on top of having really significant mental health concerns,” she said.
The newly created CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services will have 90 employees and will retain its five offices — two in Stratford, two in Goderich, and one in Seaforth.
“We don’t ever approach these integrations as a money saving opportunity. There’s still the same number of clients. It’s really about how do we organize ourselves better to support them,” said Quenneville.
The new addictions and mental health counselling organization will be headquartered out of Stratford. Hardman believes the CMHA’s national name recognition will make it easier for those in need to find the help they need.
“People know when they hear 'Canadian Mental Health Association' they understand that it’s reputable, and that they’re going to get good service. It’s where they can go to get what they need,” said Hardman.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here are the ways the budget impacts you: From grocery bills to small business credit card fees
The federal government unveiled its spring budget Tuesday, with a clean economy as the centrepiece, and detailing targeted measures to help Canadians deal with still-high inflation.

These Canadian housing markets have home prices below the national average
Home prices have fallen below the national average in 14-out-of-20 regional housing markets, according to a report by Zoocasa. Saint John, N.B., took the top place for the most affordable region, with an average home price of $268,400.
Meet the Ontario stats prof who claims he can’t stop beating Roll Up To Win
A statistics professor at the University of Waterloo discusses how he continues to beat the Roll Up To Win contest at Tim Hortons.
Nashville shooting highlights security at private schools
Around the U.S., private schools generally do not face as many requirements as public schools for developing security plans. The Nashville shooting that killed three children and three school employees is highlighting that issue.
Contracting COVID-19 while pregnant could lead to a higher risk of obesity for the child: study
A small study is presenting evidence suggesting a strange possible outcome of a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy: higher risk of obesity for the child.
With plans for a new grocery rebate, how would you spend this money? Let us know
Along with improving access to health care and investing in a clean economy, the 2023 federal budget also includes plans for a one-time 'grocery rebate.' If you're hoping to apply for this rebate, CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you.
Walmart and Costco in Canada not making food inflation worse, experts say
Experts say the Canadian presence of American retail giants such as Walmart and Costco isn't likely to blame for rising grocery prices. That's despite Canadian grocery chain executives having pushed for MPs to question those retailers as part of their study on food inflation.
WATCH | U.S. and South Korea send thousands of troops and 23-ton vehicles to practice beach assault
U.S. Marine forces have been flexing their muscles during assault drills with South Korea in a massive display of joint fire power.
Hamilton family raising awareness about Strep A after sudden death of toddler
A Hamilton, Ont., family is hoping to raise awareness about Strep A after the tragic death of their two-year-old.