Family Outreach and Response

About The Program

The Family Outreach and Response (FOR) Program at CMHA Toronto provides recovery-oriented support to family and friends who have a loved one experiencing a mental health issue. FOR offers education and practical skills to help family and friends gain confidence in their ability to support their loved one and themselves, and to strengthen their relationship.

At FOR, we recognize:

The relationship between trauma and mental health issues
Barriers to accessing mental health services due to discrimination and marginalization

At FOR, we value:

Accessible and equitable service
Family empowerment
Hope for change and growth
A trauma-informed approach to mental health care

Specialized supports include:

Early Intervention Family Support: Support for family and friends of young adults experiencing early signs of psychosis.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Informed Family Support: Support for family and friends of a loved one with a label of borderline personality disorder or other emotion dysregulation issues.
Family Navigation Program: In partnership with St. Joseph’s Health Centre, our family navigators provide support and education to families of individuals who encounter mental health services at the hospital.

Service provider training

We also offer skills-based training for service providers that are available to any community or hospital-based program in Toronto and can be tailored to your organization’s needs.

Who's It For

Family and friends who have a loved one 16 years or older who is experiencing a mental health issue.

How IT Works

Family members complete the referral form below.
Once accepted into the program, the family member(s) will be paired with a case manager
The case manager and family member(s) will meet, identify next steps, and support with resources, counseling and training

Referral
FORM

By completing this form, you consent to this referral being sent through email. Please be aware that there is always a risk that electronic communications may be intercepted or altered, or that they will exist indefinitely. Email is easy to forge, may be accidentally forwarded, amended, intercepted, and may exist indefinitely. Personal health information may be subject to unauthorized collection, use and disclosure.

If you have any questions, please call 416-789-7957 or email info@cmhato.org.

Service Selection

Choose from the list below, a group or service that most aligns with your priorities. You can select up to three groups.

When we receive your referral you will be placed on the wait-list and contacted once a spot becomes available.

Following programs and groups are open for referrals for residents in Toronto: *

One-to-One Support
Connect individually with a compassionate Family Support Worker for personalized guidance, emotional support, and practical strategies tailored to your family's unique mental health journey. This can be virtual or in-person
Change Talk
A two-part course focused on understanding barriers to motivation and learning how to support loved ones in making meaningful, lasting change.
DBT-Informed for Families
An 8-week workshop for families and caregivers to learn DBT skills for managing intense emotions, improving communication, and fostering healthier relationships while supporting a loved one with mental health challenges.
Family Mental Health Recovery Course
An 8-week program guiding families through understanding recovery, improving communication, setting boundaries, and creating a supportive environment for long-term wellness.
Family Narrative Program
An 8-week program helping families reflect on their strengths, explore their recovery journey, and create a meaningful family recovery story in a supportive, creative environment.
Living Life to the Full (LLTTF)
An 8-week virtual program to help participants feel happier, build confidence, manage stress, and develop practical skills for navigating life’s challenges.
Mindful Self-Compassion Workshop
A 2-day introductory workshop that teaches self-compassion practices to foster personal healing, resilience, and the ability to support others with greater empathy.
Family Support Group
An in‑person weekly group at Routes offering ongoing connection for families and caregivers to offer support, build practical skills, and prioritize self-care while supporting lived ones.

What Number and

Contact Information

Name *

First

Last

Date of Birth

Phone Number *

Gender/Pronoun

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Family Member Information

Who are you supporting?

What age is your loved one? *

Your loved one must be over 16.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who does the Family Outreach and Response Program serve?

Family and friends who have a loved one that is 16 or over who is experiencing a mental health issue.

Who do you consider to be family?

We recognize “family” as any person who plays a significant role in an individual’s life.

What areas does the Family Outreach and Response Program serve?

Family and friends must be living in the city of Toronto to receive FOR services.

How do I access the program?

To access Family Outreach and Response services:

Fill out the referral form.
There may be a waitlist. When space opens up, an intake worker will reach out to you via phone and set up an orientation.

Do you offer training for service providers?

Yes, we offer skills-based training for service providers that are available to any community or hospital-based program and can be tailored to your organization’s needs. For course outlines and fees, please contact us for more information at info@cmhato.org.

Contact Us

416-789-7957

e-mail: info@cmhato.org

Charitable Registration Number:
89344 9884 RR0001

West Office
700 Lawrence Ave W,
Suite #480 Toronto,
ON M6A 3B4

East Office
1200 Markham Rd,
Suite #500 Scarborough,
ON M1H 3C3

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