CMHA Oxford is part of the integrated, county-wide, 24-hour mental health service plan system. The team consists of professional staff trained in a variety of disciplines including social work, nursing, and occupational therapy. The program is recovery focused and voluntary for adults 16 or older with a serious mental health concern who reside in or receive service in Oxford County.
The services provided by CMHA Oxford include: Crisis and Outreach Services, Brief Case Management & Recovery, Supportive Housing, Court Diversion/Court Support, Concurrent Support Services, Dual Diagnosis Services, Peer Support and Seniors Outreach and Recovery Service.
Brief Case Management & Recovery
Brief Case Management is a goal-oriented, client directed service, designed to assist individuals experiencing persistent mental health difficulties to reach a state of wellness and stability. In collaboration with a case manager, individuals develop their personal recovery plan and work on identified goals over a period of three to six months. Interventions are focused on stabilizing symptoms of mental illness and promoting growth and resilience on a client’s recovery journey.
Brief Case Management is open to residents of Oxford County who are 16 years of age and older. Referrals are accepted from the Walk-in Counselling program, Crisis and Outreach Program, in-patient treatment programs, family doctors, and community agencies. Self-referrals are also welcome.
Click here to access the Service & Recovery Resource handbook for individuals receiving service.
Recovery Program
The Recovery Program is a stepped down support service for individuals who have previously received more intensive support and have reached a state of wellness and mental health stability. The program offers periodic mental health support. Individuals meet with their case manager three to four times per year or on an as needed basis and may supplement this by attending therapeutic groups and/or peer support.
Supportive Housing
Homelessness Initiative Program
CMHA provides rent subsidies and housing support to individuals who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness. Subsidized housing is available throughout Oxford County.
The goal of the housing program is to provide safe, affordable, permanent housing options. The level of housing support is flexible, based on our tenants’ needs and provided by our Housing Case Managers or in conjunction with other existing service providers.
The CMHA Housing Staff team work closely with our partners at Oxford County Human Services, Indwell and private landlords throughout Oxford County.
Addiction Supportive Housing (ASH) Program
In partnership with Addiction Services of Thames Valley (ADSTV), CMHA provides four ASH units. The program is targeted to address the supportive housing needs of persons with problematic substance use. The ASH program provides safe and affordable housing for up to one year while clients participate in treatment provided by ADSTV. Online referrals to ASH can be made by contacting http://adstv.on.ca/.
Concurrent Disorders
This service provides community support for individuals who experience a co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issue. This includes individual and group counselling, assessment, treatment planning, referral and follow-up and family consultation. The Concurrent Disorders program works in partnership with the Oxford Addiction Treatment Strategy and is focused on strengthening community supports.
Contact the team directly at concurrentdisorders@cmhaoxford.on.ca
Court Support, Court Diversion and Community Treatment Court
Court Support is available to individuals (16+ years) with a mental health issue who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Staff members assess, assist, and advocate for Mental Health Diversion. They develop service care plans, and provide consultation and support throughout the court process.
Mental Health Court Diversion
People living with a serious mental illness, brain injury or a developmental disability may access alternatives to criminal prosecution.
- Crown Attorney determines whether mental health diversion is appropriate or if the person should be prosecuted for the charge(s)
- Court Support worker develops a treatment plan to divert the individual out of the criminal justice system and back into the mental health system
- Supports are available to reduce the possibility of recidivism
Community Treatment Court (CTC)
CTC is a specialized court with emphasis on treatment and recovery. To receive support, individuals must be willing to plead guilty to their existing charges.
- Holds the accused accountable for the actions while providing effective treatment and/or support in the least restrictive fashion
- The emphasis will be on providing people suffering from mental illness with a venue to address the issues that brought them into conflict with the law
- Protects both the rights of the public and the accused while at the same time maintains the integrity of the criminal justice system
Looking for more information on mental health & the justice system?
Download our Mental Health, The Justice System, and You book here.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT):
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy groups teach the skills of mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help program participants gain more control over their emotions and deal with others more effectively. The groups are focused on teaching rather than group sharing. Individuals can benefit from this group if they have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress, borderline personality disorder, and/or experience suicidal or self-harm feelings, excessive emotional highs or lows, and relationship difficulties.
Each of the three program modules include groups that run one half-day/week for 12 weeks, three times per year. Each module includes a component of mindfulness skills. Group members must be prepared to commit to a 12 week, intensive group therapy, homework and a weekly appointment with their one to one DBT coach during each session. DBT participants are required to attend a pre-group interview where a commitment to the program is reviewed and service contracts are signed prior to participation in the program.
Dual Diagnosis Support Services
This service provides community support for persons with a serious and persistent mental illness as well as an intellectual disability.
Seniors Outreach and Recovery Services (SOAR)
Seniors Outreach and Recovery (SOAR) is a specialized service that assists community members aged 65+ with mental health concerns. Treatment plans are based on the goals of our clients.
Benefits of the program include:
- Mental health support around individual growth and recovery
- Assistance with life skills
- Advice and assistance with mental and physical health
- Mobile service in the Oxford County community
- Help with accessing resources and linking with other community agencies
- Support for families and loved ones