‘You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out’: Quinte Health renames mental health service

You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for help, and Quinte Health officials say they want the name of its mental health service to make that clear.

Previously known as the Crisis Intervention Centre, the service, located in the WCA Wing at Belleville General Hospital, is now known as Mental Health and Crisis Services (MHCS).

Despite the new name, Quinte Health says there are no changes to the team or services offered.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to improve how people experience and access our services,” Catherine Walker, Quinte Health’s manager of communications and community relations told Quinteist.

“The new name is really about making sure it accurately reflects the services available today. Mental Health and Crisis Services gives people a clearer sense of the breadth of support available, including that you don’t need to be in crisis to reach out.”

MHCS provides free, confidential mental health support to people aged 16 and older, with no referral required. People can access support by phone or through walk-in services. The new name is intended to better reflect the range of people who can turn to the service, including those who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or emotionally distressed, as well as those experiencing a mental health crisis.

“The word “crisis” could lead people to believe they needed to be experiencing a significant mental health crisis before contacting the service,” Walker explained. “In reality, people reach out for many reasons; they may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, going through a difficult life event, concerned about their mental health or simply unsure where to turn.”

Peter Schroth, crisis Counsellor and team leader and MHCS and 988, echoed this sentiment, noting that language matters, particularly when someone is deciding whether to reach out for help.

“We want people to know that our team is here whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with your mental health, worried about someone you care about, or experiencing a crisis. You don’t need to know exactly what kind of help you need before contacting us. Reaching out can be the first step.”

Walker shared that Quinte Health consulted with people with lived experience, community partners, health-care providers and members of our team as part of the process, which helped inform the new name.

Feedback indicated the service needed a name that was clearer, more welcoming and better reflected the breadth of mental health support available.

“The services aren’t changing as a result of the new name,” Walker emphasized. “Rather, the name better represents the support the team is already providing and hopefully makes it a little clearer and easier for people to recognize when the service might be right for them.”

MHCS provides mental health assessments, crisis response and stabilization, short-term counselling and support, safety planning and connections to community resources and other services. Support is also available for family members and caregivers.

People may seek help through the service for a range of reasons, including anxiety, depression or emotional distress; mental health concerns or symptoms of mental illness; loss, relationship breakdowns or significant life changes; or concerns about a family member or friend.

Walk-in services are available on the fourth floor of the WCA Wing at Belleville General Hospital from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Scheduled outreach appointments are also available at Trenton Memorial Hospital and Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Phone and virtual appointments are available for people in Centre and North Hastings.

Crisis support by phone is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are routed to the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline overnight, between 11 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.

MHCS can be reached at 613-969-7400 ext. 2753 or toll-free at 1-888-757-7766.

People experiencing suicidal thoughts or a suicide crisis can also call or text 988 anywhere in Canada, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Quinte Health is one of the service providers participating in the national 988 network. Local callers may be referred to MHCS when appropriate for assessment, support and connections to ongoing services.