Integrated Crisis Centre (ICC)

How it works:

The primary method of intake for the Integrated Crisis Centre is self-admission. Walk-in access to the ICC will be available during hours of operation (Monday-Friday 2p.m. to 8p.m) at 67 King Street, Kitchener, or people may be guided there if they have used CMHA WW’s coordinated crisis service, Here 24/7.

As we progress, our goal is to assist with emergency room diversion by having pathways for Paramedic Services to bring individuals to the ICC, alleviating overwhelmed hospitals while providing the most appropriate care for people in crisis.

Our intention is that the ICC is as low barrier as possible. We will ask for basic information, including name, age, and a health card, but we will not refuse service to individuals in need.

Is this service right for me?

The Integrated Crisis Centre addresses mental health and/or substance-use crises, which can include: a serious, immediate problem, a situational crisis, psychosis, emotional distress, an emotional response to trauma, agitation (or inability to sleep resulting from agitation), severe depression or anxiety, symptoms of moderate withdrawal, or suicidal thoughts.

The ICC is not a primary care facility; meaning, the Centre is not meant to address issues related to serious physical health. If someone requires medical attention, including medical withdrawal, the hospital is most appropriate.

You must be 18 years or older to access support from the Integrated Crisis Centre.

What to expect from our service:

The Integrated Crisis Centre provides warm, welcoming, walk-in support for individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance-use health crisis, who do not require hospital or emergency services (911).

The services offered include:

Walk-In Support: Individuals can visit the centre without an appointment, receiving immediate assistance from our caring staff.

Crisis Intervention: Trained peer support workers and service navigators provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, emotional support and brief follow-up.

Referrals: We connect individuals to appropriate community resources, including respite beds, mental health services, substance use health support, and other community referrals.

Accessing our service:

To access support from the Integrated Crisis Centre, you can walk-in during the hours of operation. People may also be guided to the ICC if they have used CMHA WW’s coordinated crisis service, Here 24/7.

The ICC is located at 67 King Street, Kitchener and the hours are Monday-Friday 2p.m. to 8p.m.

Is the Program Confidential?

Ontario’s health privacy legislation, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), establishes a set of rules regarding your personal health information (PHI). These rules: require consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information, with necessary but limited exceptions require that custodians treat all personal health information as confidential and keep it secure, provide individuals with a right of access to their personal health information, as well as the right to correct errors. give individuals the right to withhold or withdraw consent to the collection, use or disclosure of personal health information or to expressly instruct custodians not to use or disclose their personal health information for health care purposes establish clear rules for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information for fundraising and marketing purposes set guidelines for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information for research purposes ensure accountability by granting individuals the right to complain to the Independent Privacy Commissioner (IPC) about the practices of custodians and establish remedies for breaches of the legislation.