INTAKE SERVICES

Desciption of Service
To obtain mental health services at Children's Centre - Thunder Bay, referrals are made to an Intake Worker. Relevant referral information is gathered for the purpose of determining the most appropriate program in discussion with the referral source. The youth and parents will be requested to provide and complete a standardized phone interview for the purpose of assisting the Centre in determining the most appropriate mental health intervention. Parents and youth over the age of 12 can contact the Intake Worker by calling (807) 343-5000

Geographic Area For Referrals
All Children's Centre - Thunder Bay's mental health services are provided to clients who live within the City of Thunder and surrounding area.  Referrals are accepted for residential treatment for youth who live in the Northwestern Ontario region depending on availability of beds, severity of problems, urgency of situation and local services that are unable to meet the youth's treatment needs.

Consultation Service
Depending upon the nature of the referral, a consultation service (up to three sessions) may be offered to families with regard to their concerns.

Crisis Consultation
Referrals received by the Intake Worker that are of a crisis nature (i.e. life threatening) will be assigned to Intake directly or to a worker if there is one available. In these situations, the Intake Worker/ Worker will assist the youth, parent or referral source with accessing services and ensuring a safety plan within 24 hours. A psychological or psychiatric assessment may be requested. The time frame for this is dependent on the availability of the professionals, and the urgency level that is determined at Intake.

Referral Source
Referrals are received from parents and adolescents over 12 years of age. All referrals are processed through an Intake Worker. Inappropriate referrals shall be redirected to other community service providers.