Does it cost anything for Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre (CCMHC) services?
There is no charge for our services. We are non-profit and funded primarily by the Ministry of Health. We work with children under the age of twelve and their families.
Are you a registered charity?
Yes; our charitable registration number is 134012285 RR0001.
What exactly does the Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre do?
We have been providing mental health services to children under the age of 12 since 1995. We specialize in behavioral problems and mental health concerns such as aggression, impulsivity, poor social skills, anxiety, sadness, depression, fear, and suicidal thoughts. Research tells us that when a child’s behavior is challenging, it’s often because they lack the thinking skills to help them manage frustration tolerance and problem solving – much the same way that children with learning disabilities struggle in areas like reading or math. Crossroads staff are trained to identify which skills are lacking and uses the Collaborative Problem Solving ® approach to teach them these skills. This is done in increments the child can handle.
We believe that children do well if they can. When they can’t, we need to understand what is getting in the way of their success (this means crucial thinking skills are not fully developed [lagging]). We identify the lagging skill and retrain the child so that they can do well and assist the family to do the same. We offer a wide range of services and will work with you to determine which one best fits your family’s needs.
Our services are responsive to your cultural, racial and ethnic interests. Your diversity is valued and acknowledged, and Crossroads will be responsive to those needs in planning and delivering services. Crossroads is a Positive Space where 2SLGBTQI+ children and their families are able to access culturally inclusive services with dignity and respect. Our staff work free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
We believe in always being the best we can be. Our practices are informed by research and evidence. We work hard to ensure that our services utilize best practices and produce good outcomes. We do extensive program evaluation – this data is posted on our website.
The issue with my child has really just started. How long does it take to receive help from Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre?
We have worked very hard to reduce our wait times and are very pleased to report it is now only a few months in most programs. If you feel you need help right away we suggest you visit our Child & Family Clinic or you can access a single counselling session with us at counsellingconnect.org.
How do I access your Child & Family Clinic?
Just contact us for an appointment: info@crossroadschildren.ca or call us at 613-723-1623 ext. 232. If you’d like to meet with us in-person, our address is 1755 Courtwood Crescent.
When you visit the clinic we are required by law to inquire about custody arrangements. In the event of joint custody, both parents must agree to a child being seen at the clinic. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions: 613-723-1623 ext. 232.
What do I need to do to get services for my family?
The first step is to contact us for an intake appointment. You can reach us by phone at 613-723-1623 extension 232, by email at info@crossroadschildren.ca, or through a single session on counsellingconnect.org.
What is an Intake Appointment?
An intake appointment is an information gathering meeting with us. This is often a phone meeting where we can:
- Get basic information and more details regarding the reason you are concerned about your child
- Explain the variety of services and interventions most suitable to your needs so you can make an informed decision on the type of service that makes sense for you and your family.
What is a Treatment Appointment?
A treatment appointment refers to the partnership between you (and your child) and Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre. This is where we match your situation to the Crossroads worker with the most suitable skills and experience in that area. This person will become your Key Worker, and together you will develop a schedule for visits.
What programs do you offer?
We provide many home-based services (we work with you and your child right in your home environment). When working with children under the age of six we use the Circle of Security approach in the home. School is a huge part of a child’s life and we go into several and work with them there. We also run a Day Treatment Program for kids who are not managing well in a regular school setting. We provide Wraparound, TAPP-C (The Arson Prevention Program for Children) to reduce the risk of fire setting behavior, and Police Referral services for children who have been (or are at risk of being) in trouble with the law. We offer clinical services provided by our Child & Family Therapists to provide counseling for children and caregivers, both individually and together, and family therapy. We also run a Child & Family Clinic. An appointment is required, info@crossroadschildren.ca or 613-723-1623 ext. 232.
I have two children under the age of 12 that could use your services. How does that work?
Only one child per family may be identified as a client. The second child (or more) will always be considered by Crossroads when working with the one identified client. We believe it is important to work collaboratively with the whole family. We will work with you to determine which child is best to refer.
My child has Autism. Can Crossroads help us?
We work with children diagnosed with Autism when there are also mental health issues. Our models of therapy are best suited for Level 1 diagnosis in order to participate in mental health treatment. Isabelle MacNider, our Clinical Supervisor, co-chairs the Ottawa Community of Practice which provides opportunities to share information, improve skills, and actively work on advancing evidence-based practices to meet the mental health needs of children with Autism. Please contact us at 613-723-1623 ext. 232 for more information.
How is my family’s personal information handled?
Privacy of personal information is of the utmost importance at Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre. We are committed to collecting, using and disclosing personal information responsibly and only to the extent necessary for the services we provide. We comply with all privacy legislation (PHIPA). This means that you guide us in how and when we disclose information. Any exceptions to this will be explained to you in detail before services are offered.
What if my child or family is already involved with another service provider?
Crossroads believes in providing the service that best meets YOUR needs. That means that if there is another service provider involved, at your request we will work very closely with that person or service to ensure that we are all working together for your child and family.
What if it turns out Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre is not the best service for my child and family?
Crossroads works collaboratively with many community partners and we will work with you to find other services that are better suited to your family. Ottawa has a parent navigation service called the Parents’ Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (PLEO) that is staffed by parents who have navigated the mental health system to get help for their own child(ren). Many parents and caregivers find talking to them helpful. You can reach them at 613-321-3211, info@pleo.on.ca and www.pleo.on.ca.
What can I (as a parent/caregiver) do for Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre?
Participate fully in groups and counselling. And please don’t hesitate to ask questions when you have them. We are here to help you.
Advocating for children with mental health needs is critical and adding your voice would mean a lot. Please let your worker know if we can contact you when a parent’s voice is needed.
Driving directions and bus routes to your location?
We are easily accessible from the Queensway. From the west end of Ottawa: Exit at Maitland, turn left on Maitland and at the first light turn left onto Woodward Avenue. The next right is Courtwood Crescent and we’re at 1755.
From the east end: Exit at Maitland and turn right onto Maitland. At the 2nd light turn left onto Woodward. The next right is Courtwood Crescent and we’re at 1755.
For bus routes from your home to Crossroads, please contact OC Transpo at 613-741-4390.
