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 and Long-Term Care. 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?
Crossroads provides mental health services to families and children under the age of 12. 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 specialize in behavioral problems and mental health concerns such as aggression, impulsivity, poor social skills, anxiety, sadness, depression, fear, and suicidal thoughts.
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 he or she 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 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Genderqueer, etc. (LGBTQ+) 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?
The wait times for our services varies and depends on the program. If you would like help right away we suggest you visit our Child & Family Clinic or you can access our services at counsellingconnect.org.
What do I need to do to access your Child & Family Clinic?
Just contact us for an appointment. The clinic is open on Wednesdays between 9am and noon and on Thursdays between noon and 8pm. We are located at 1755 Courtwood Crescent. To book an appointment please email info@crossroadschildren.ca or call us at 613-723-1623 ext. 232.
At your session you (and your child if you wish) will meet with a professional that will listen to your concerns and help find solutions. To save time you can download and complete all of the paperwork we need by visiting the Child & Family Clinic page of our website. You may find your visit at the clinic was enough help for you, or you may decide you want services.
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. Feel free 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.
What is an Intake Appointment?
An intake appointment is your first meeting with one of our mental health professionals. This is typically a phone meeting where the Crossroads worker can:
- Get more information about the mental health problem that has you concerned.
- 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 happens next?
Soon after your intake appointment, we will send you a letter. This letter will review what you have discussed with us and outline the choice you have reached in terms of type of service.
Note: Some find the intake appointment is all the help they need, or in some situations there are other resources in the community that are better suited to a family’s needs.
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 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. There is an online mental health resource directory that is very helpful at www.eMentalHealth.ca. Ottawa also has a parent navigation service called the Parents’ Lifeline of Eastern Ontario. It is staffed by parents who have needed help for their child(ren) and have navigated the mental health system. If you are looking for help understanding mental health services, or need support for yourself, please give them a call at 613-321-3211. Their email address is info@pleo.on.ca and the website can be found at www.pleo.on.ca.
What programs do you offer?
We provide many home-based services (we work with you and your child right in your home environment). We have a Day Treatment Program that runs in an Ottawa school for children who are not managing 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. Our School Based Program is offered in ten Ottawa schools and is for children who are typically verbally and/or physically aggressive and oppositional. We also 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 every Wednesday from 9am to noon, and every Thursday from noon-8pm. An appointment is required, info@crossroadschildren.ca or 613-723-1623 ext. 232.
I have two children 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. Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre believes that 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. 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. All 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, and if you wish, we will work very closely with that person or service to ensure that we are all working together for your child and family.
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.
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.
Provide feedback on our services. Honest and constructive feedback that will allow us to better serve children and families is always welcome. Following services you will be asked to complete a service evaluation questionnaire and we respectfully request that you take the time to complete this form.
Advocating for children with mental health needs is critical and your added voice would mean a lot. Please let us know if we can contact you when a parent’s voice is needed.
If you are interested in family engagement initiatives at Crossroads, please let us know. Email us at scybulski@crossroadschildren.ca.
