Focus Health Information Sessions

Virtual meetings on mental health and addiction services offered in the regions of Ottawa East and Prescott-Russell

Archipel's Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) working group invites healthcare and community services staff to bi-monthly virtual information sessions.


The aim of the sessions is to improve access to care and coordination of services in mental health and addictions, as well as to enhance users' experience, health and quality of life. Through the sessions, stakeholders will learn more about available resources and practical tools to facilitate client referrals to appropriate services.



About the sessions

  • Presentations and discussions on important services, care and programs offered in the Ottawa East region and the United Counties of Prescott-Russell 
  • Monthly sessions  
  • Lunch-and-learn style during lunchtime
  • 1-hour session: 40 minutesfor the presentation and 20 minutes for questions
  • Sessions have are planned and promoted by waves. Session recording and presentations remain available for viewing at any time.


Target audience

Partner organizations, hospitals, community organizations, and primary care providers who offer MHA services, while remaining open and accessible to all Archipel partners

  • Primary care staff
  • Community organization staff
  • Navigators or case managers in MHA
  • Hospital staff: Emergency department, mental health unit
  • Anyone providing mental health care who refers clients to services

Objectives and expected outcomes

Overall goal: "The right service, at the right time, in the right place, for the right person" through the optimization of care coordination and support for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges in our region

  • Improved knowledge of service offerings to better guide clients
  • Information sharing among our OHT partners and other organizations in the Ottawa and Prescott-Russell regions
  • Optimization of the use of existing MHA and addiction services and care
  • Decongestion of emergency departments by informing clients and staff about community-based care
  • Better system navigation
  • Improved experience for both workers and clients


Wave 5 (September - Decembre 2026)

  • Spirit, Body, Mind: Indigenous Perspectives on Healing and Wellness - Part 1

    September 23, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (In English) 


    In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Archipel is collaborating with dedicated Indigenous healer and psychotherapist, Jenny Sawanohk to offer a three-part learning series on Indigenous Healing and Wellness. We invite you participate in all three parts and share with members of your organizations.

     

     

    Part 1: Spirit – Understanding Ourselves as Spiritual Beings


    This session will explore Indigenous understandings of spirituality, energy, and interconnectedness as foundational elements of healing and wellness. 


    Participants will learn about our relationship to spirit, community, the natural world, and the importance of humility and healing throughout our lives.


    Jenny will share teachings on ceremony, including examples such as the sweat lodge, and discuss our relationship with Mother Earth, fire, and the spiritual aspects of wellness.

     

    Topics may include:

    • Understanding ourselves as spiritual beings 
    • Interconnectedness and relationality
    • Ceremony and healing 
    • The role of humility and grief work
    • Relationships with Mother Earth, fire, and the land

    Registration for Part 1 - Spirit: Understanding Ourselves as Spiritual Beings


  • Spirit, Body, Mind: Indigenous Perspectives on Healing and Wellness - Part 2

    September 24, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (In English) 


    In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Archipel is collaborating with dedicated Indigenous healer and psychotherapist, Jenny Sawanohk to offer a three-part learning series on Indigenous Healing and Wellness. We invite you participate in all three parts and share with members of your organizations.

      

    Part 2 - Body: Trauma, Healing, and Indigenous Approaches to Wellness


    This session will explore the impacts of trauma on the body and Indigenous understandings of physical health and our physical relationship to the land. 


    Participants will learn about traditional approaches to identifying and addressing the root causes of illness and imbalance, and how healing practices support restoration and wellness. Teachings may include examples such as Sundance and the importance of water as a source of healing and life.

     

    Topics may include:

    • The impact of unprocessed trauma on the body
    • Indigenous understandings of health and physiology
    • Traditional healing and "ancient doctoring"
    • Healing the root causes of suffering
    • The significance of land-based ceremonial practices
    • Relationships with the Spirit of Water

    Registration for Part 2 - Body: Trauma, Healing, and Indigenous Approaches to Wellness

  • Spirit, Body, Mind: Indigenous Perspectives on Healing and Wellness - Part 3

    September 25, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (In English) 


    In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Archipel is collaborating with dedicated Indigenous healer and psychotherapist, Jenny Sawanohk to offer a three-part learning series on Indigenous Healing and Wellness. We invite you participate in all three parts and share with members of your organizations.

     

    Part 3 - Mind: Healing Thoughts, Identity, and Returning to Self


    This session will focus on mental and emotional wellness through Indigenous teachings about belief systems, thought patterns and how it impacts the way we feel. 


    Participants will explore the relationship between the mind, ego, heart and spirit, and learn about practices that support reflection, identity-based healing, and reconnection to self. Teachings may include sacred breathwork, drumming, singing, meditation, and the importance of remembering who we truly are and why we are here.

     

    Topics may include:

    • Mental and emotional wellness through Indigenous teachings 
    • Separating our thoughts from our identity 
    • Spirit versus ego in healing 
    • Sacred breathwork, drumming, and song 
    • Breaking cycles and rewiring patterns of thought 
    • Reflection, visioning, and reconnecting with self and the land 
    • Restoring balance to the Sacred Feminine, Mother Earth, and Sacred Masculine, Father Sky

    Registation for Part 3 - Mind: Healing Thoughts, Identity, and Returning to Self


  • Supporting Trans Clients: Cultural Competency for Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Questioning Clients – Part 2 & Q&A

    October 7, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (In English) 


    Presenter: Hazel Hunt (she/her), Mental Health Counsellor, Counseling Family Services

     

    Join us for Part 2 of Hazel Hunt's presentation on providing culturally competent care to transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning clients. 


    This follow-up session will build on the previous presentation (wave 4) and include an extended Q&A to address questions and topics we didn't have time to explore during Part 1. 


    Participants are encouraged to bring their questions for an interactive discussion that deepens learning and supports affirming clinical practice.


    Summary of Part 1:

    In this presentation, Hazel went through the concepts that are essential to providing competent care to transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning clients. She did a breakdown of the major struggles these clients face and explained how to understand and approach them. Link to the session recording.


    Registration for Part 2 - Cultural Competency for Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Questioning Clients –  & Q&A 


  • Regional primary care updates regarding trans health

    October 9, 2026, from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. (In English) 


    Session with Holly Brown (she/her/elle/sa/they/iel) Trans Health Program Lead 

     

    Join Holly Brown for a session on the latest updates in trans health care in primary care across the Champlain region. This presentation will support primary care teams in delivering inclusive, gender-affirming, and evidence-informed care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

     

    This session is intended for family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, and anyone working in primary care who wishes to expand their knowledge and strengthen their clinical practice in trans health.


    Registration for Regional Primary Care Updates regarding Trans Health

  • Mises à jour régionales sur la santé trans en soins primaires

    October 13, 2026, from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. (In French) 


    Session with Holly Brown (she/her/elle/sa/they/iel) Trans Health Program Lead 

     

    Join Holly Brown for a session on the latest updates in trans health care in primary care across the Champlain region. This presentation will support primary care teams in delivering inclusive, gender-affirming, and evidence-informed care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

     

    This session is intended for family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, and anyone working in primary care who wishes to expand their knowledge and strengthen their clinical practice in trans health.


    Registration for session in French Mises à jour régionales sur la santé trans en soins primaires

  • Comprendre l'insécurité alimentaire : mieux agir ensemble

    October 21, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (in French)


    Session led by Melissa Cardinal, R.D., Public Health Dietitian 


    Food insecurity is a reality affecting a growing number of people and families in our community. This session aims to raise awareness and provide a better understanding of this phenomenon, its causes and its impact on the health and well-being of the population.


    During this webinar, we will discuss:

    • What is food insecurity is and its contributing factors 
    • Local statistics and an overview of the situation in our region 
    • The impacts of food insecurity on physical, mental and social health 
    • Solutions available at individual, community and collective levels 
    • The role of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit in tackling food insecurity and the available services 
    • Practical steps that practitioners can take to support people experiencing food insecurity and refer them to appropriate resources

    This session is aimed at community workers, in the health and social services professionals, local partners and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of food insecurity and contribute to coordinated action within the community.


    Join us to gain a better understanding of the issues, discover the resources available and explore ways to promote better access to healthy food for all.


    Registration for the session in French - Comprendre l'insécurité alimentaire : mieux agir ensemble 



  • Engaging with Clients Partners: Designing With, Not Consulting After

    Novembre 4, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.


    All People All Pathways, Co-Leadership, and Meaningful Engagement: A 90 minute CAPSA Learning Session with Shawn Fisk


    The measure of engagement is not whether people with living and lived experience are in the room. It is whether they helped design the initiative, not only whether the room was built to hear them.


    This session looks at how organizations, committees, and teams build the conditions that turn contribution into action. It starts with recruitment. A health story is not a skill. Living and lived experience is a necessary foundation, not a sufficient qualification, and people brought in for the story are set up to struggle. 


    Community members contribute fully when the skill is named, the expertise is acknowledged in advance, and the group has agreed how it will decide before it decides.


    We close on the linkage problem. People with living and lived experience know they make a difference. The systems around them often cannot show it. That is a design failure, not a measurement failure.


    Participants will be able to:

    • Use precise engagement language and locate where their own committee or team sits
    • Apply CAPSA's Co-Leadership Model principles to committee and team practiceRecruit for the skill that living and lived experience can inform, and name the role it holds
    • Build a linkage trail connecting named authority to a decision and to what changed

    Link to register to Engaging with Client Partners: Designing With, Not Consulting After

  • ANCHOR Expansion

    December 2, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.


    Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) is a community-led, culturally sensitive and equity-centered service. It provides mental health and/or substance use (MHSU) crisis support and dispatches skilled crisis response workers. 


    ANCHOR assesses the client and offers services that are safe and tailored to individual needs. ANCHOR also provides well-being checks, referrals, connections to other services, resources and information.


    Currently in its pilot phase, ANCHOR launched on August 15, 2024 in Centretown. Since that time, it has expanded on November 13, 2025 to include Somerset West. A further expansion eastward took place on June 15, 2026 to include Byward Market, Lowertown, Sandy Hill, Lees Towers, Vanier, and Overbrook.  


    The current catchment area is St-Laurent Boulevard (East), Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-417 (South), Rideau Canal (West), and Beechwood Avenue (North). 

     

    ANCHOR services are available to Ottawa residents 16+, 24/7/365. Community members within the program's boundaries can call 2-1-1, instead of 9-1-1, if they or someone else is experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. 

     

    This presentation will provide an overview of ANCHOR including the guiding principles, criteria, call types, how to access the services, what to expect when you call, crisis response workers, post crisis, and results to date.


    For more information, visit ANCHOR


    Link to register to the ANCHOR session.

  • Ottawa West HART Hub

    January 13, 2027 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. 


    The HART (Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment) HUB offers wraparound care for community members facing systemic barriers – including those navigating challenges with housing stability, substance use, mental wellness and access to social services.


    Led by an interprofessional team of physicians, nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, housing support workers, case managers, and peer advocates, the Hub will provide:

    • Primary care & substance use treatment 
    • Mental health assessments & referrals
    • Housing & income stabilization support
    • Case management and system navigation
    • Support in accessing social assistance programs and services
    • Culturally safe care, including access to indigenous healing practice

    For more information, visit WOHH


    Link to register to the Ottawa West Hart Hub session.

  • Centre virtuel de triage et d’évaluation (CVTE)

    January 27, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (French session)


    Le Centre virtuel de triage et d’évaluation (CVTE) de Prescott et Russell est un service de santé qui vous aide à obtenir des soins lorsque :

    • Vous n’avez pas de médecin ou d’infirmier(ère) praticien(ne) (IP) de famille; ou
    • Votre état de santé requiert des soins plus rapidement que la date de rendez-vous offerte par votre médecin ou par votre IP de famille.

    Le CVTE vous oriente vers le service le plus approprié, selon votre situation, afin de recevoir des soins au bon endroit et au bon moment.


    Qui peut utiliser le CVTE ?


    Le service est offert :

    • À toute personne habitant dans les Comtés unis de Prescott et Russell;
    • Aux bébés, aux enfants et aux adultes ayant des inquiétudes de santé non urgentes; et
    • Aux personnes à qui un professionnel de la santé a recommandé de communiquer avec le CVTE.

    Des inquiétudes de santé appropriées pour le CVTE peuvent inclure :

    • Infections urinaires 
    • Mal de gorge récent 
    • Problèmes de peau ou éruptions cutanées 
    • Morsures de tique 
    • Maux d’estomac sans fièvre 
    • Maux de tête légers à modérés 
    • Légères difficultés respiratoires 
    • Autres inquiétudes de santé non urgentes

    Lien pour s'inscrire à la séance CVTE.


  • Dépistage Cancer pour clients

    February 3, 2027 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (French session)


    Focus Santé Archipel: Mieux comprendre le dépistage des cancers du sein, du poumon, colorectal et du col de l'utérus


    Session animée par Dre Annie Lévesque, Équipe de santé familiale communautaire de l'Est d'Ottawa 

     

    Prévenir le cancer commence par l’information.


    À l’occasion de la Journée mondiale contre le cancer, l’Équipe Santé Ontario Archipel, en collaboration avec le Programme régional de cancérologie de Champlain, est fière d’offrir trois séances d’information sur le dépistage du cancer dans la région d’Ottawa-Est et de Prescott-Russell. 


    Découvrez les programmes de dépistage des cancers du sein, du poumon, colorectal et du col de l'utérus. 


    Apprenez qui est admissible, quand se faire dépister et comment le dépistage peut contribuer à détecter un cancer à un stade précoce.


    Le dépistage permet de détecter certains cancers à un stade précoce, lorsque les traitements sont plus efficaces. Ces séances sont ouvertes à toute la population, y compris les personnes sans médecin de famille, les familles et les professionnels de la santé.


    Lien pour s'inscrire à la séance Dépistage Cancer pour clients.


  • Cancer screening for clients

    February 4, 2027 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.


    Cancer prevention starts with information.


    Session hosted by Dr. Anna Nathalie Wilkinson, The Ottawa Hospital


    In recognition of World Cancer Day, the Ontario Health Team – Archipel, in collaboration with the Champlain Regional Cancer Program, is proud to offer three information sessions on cancer screening in the East Ottawa and Prescott-Russell region.

     

    Learn about screening programs for breast, lung, colorectal, and cervical cancers. Find out who is eligible, when to get screened, and how screening can help detect cancer at an early stage.

     

    Cancer screening can detect certain cancers early, when treatment is most effective. 


    These sessions are open to everyone, including people without a family doctor, families, and healthcare professionals.


    Link to register to Cancer screening for clients

  • Cancer Screening Updates for Primary Care Providers

    February 5, 2027 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.


    Session hosted by Dr. Anna Nathalie Wilkinson, The Ottawa Hospital


    Launched in July 2023, the Champlain Screening Outreach Program provides access to organized provincial cancer screening programs for eligible individuals without a family physician living in Eastern Ontario. 


    The program supports screening for cervical, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers.


    In collaboration with the Champlain Regional Cancer Program, the Archipel Ontario Health Team is hosting three cancer screening information sessions in the Ottawa East and Prescott-Russell region. This session is the third in the series and is designed specifically for primary care providers. The other two sessions are offered client-facing.

     

    Who should attend?


    This session is intended for primary care providers who:

    • Want to stay current on provincial cancer screening guidelines and protocols.
    • Would like updates on eligibility criteria, referral pathways, and best practices for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer screening.
    • Are interested in learning about available regional resources to support cancer screening.
    • Want to ask questions and discuss screening challenges with regional experts.

    What’s on the agenda?


    During this session, participants will have the opportunity to:

    • Receive updates on current cancer screening recommendations and clinical protocols.
    • Learn about changes to provincial screening programs and referral processes. 
    • Explore resources available through the Champlain Regional Cancer Program and the Champlain Screening Outreach Program. 
    • Ask questions and engage in discussion with experts from the Champlain Regional Cancer Program and primary care leaders from the Archipel Ontario Health Team.

    Link to register to the session Cancer Screening Updates for Primary Care Providers.


  • Mieux vivre avec la MPOC

    February 17, 2027 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (in French)


    Séance animée par Julie-Anne Basque RRT, CRE, Thérapeute Respiratoire autorisée, Hôpital Montfort


    Découvrez des stratégies simples et concrètes pour mieux vivre avec la MPOC. 


    Cette séance, destinée aux personnes vivant avec la MPOC et à leurs proches aidants, vous offrira des outils pratiques pour mieux gérer les symptômes au quotidien, reconnaître les signes d’aggravation et savoir quand demander de l’aide. 


    Vous repartirez avec des conseils utiles pour gagner en confiance dans la gestion de votre santé.


    Lien pour s'inscrire à la séance Mieux vivre avec la MPOC.


  • Naviguer les soins palliatifs

    March 31, 2027 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (in French)


    Séance animée par Valerie Fiset PhD, RN Directrice, Programme de soins palliatifs de Champlain


    Les soins palliatifs visent à améliorer la qualité de vie des personnes vivant avec une maladie grave ainsi que celle de leurs proches. 


    Ce parcours peut être rempli de questions, d'émotions et de décisions difficiles, et il n'est pas toujours facile de savoir vers quelles ressources se tourner.


    Cette présentation permettra aux participants de mieux comprendre les soins palliatifs et les ressources offertes dans la région d'Ottawa Est ainsi que dans les Comtés unis de Prescott et Russell (CUPR).


    Au cours de cette session, les participants découvriront également le rôle et les services du Programme de soins palliatifs de Champlain afin de mieux orienter les personnes et les familles vers les ressources appropriées et de faciliter leur parcours de soins.


    Lien pour s'inscrire à la séance Naviguer les soins palliatifs.



Wave 4 (January - June 2026)

  • Learning session with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute

    January 30, 2026 Session


    Archipel OHT Primary Care Network is proud to present this learning session with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. 


    The session was led by Erika MacPhee, Vice-President, Clinical Operations, University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

     

    The key cardiovascular programs were reviewed and discussed.

    • Guideline Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) Clinic 
    • Acute Cardiac Triage Unit (ACTU) 
    • Mobile Screening Program 
    • Mobile Screening Program for Valvular Heart Disease  
    • Introduce the Prevention and Wellness Centre

    Link to the recording of the January 30, 2026 session.


    Visit the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.


  • Champlain Regional Cancer Program and Cancer Screening

    February 10, 2026 at noon (in English) 


    Launched in July 2023, the Champlain Screening Outreach Program allows eligible individuals without a family doctor living in Eastern Ontario to access cancer screening. They provide screening for the cancers that have organized provincial programs: cervical, breast, lung, and colon cancer.

     

    In collaboration with the Champlain Regional Cancer Program, the Archipel Ontario Health Team will host three information sessions on cancer screening in the Ottawa East and Prescott-Russell region. This is the 2nd session. The 2 others are in-person.

     

    These sessions are intended for people, families, and health care professionals who would like more information about cancer screening and

    • Are overdue for their screenings 
    • Live in the Ottawa East and Prescott-Russell region 
    • Want to better understand the screening options available in the region.

    Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to a representative from the Champlain Regional Cancer Program as well as a family physician from the Archipel OHT Primary Care Network.


    The session will be held on Teams.


    Link to register to the February 10, 2026 session.






  • Discussion on the training "How to Provide Anti-Racist Mental Health Care"

    Presentation by VTRAC (in English)

    February 17, 2026 at noon


    This presentation is made within the Black History Month. 


    This session will be led by Dr. Jude Mary Cénat, PhD, MSc, C.Psych., Associate Professor, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa


    The training “How to Provide Anti-Racist Mental Health Care” was developed by the V-TRaC Lab to address the real needs of Black individuals living in our communities. This training is also accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association.


    Thanks to generous funding from the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience, and Culture (V-TRaC) Laboratory at the University of Ottawa and the Archipel Ontario Health Team, more than 200 organizations in the Ottawa and Prescott–Russell regions will have access to free training on anti-racist mental health care, following a funding application submitted by the Archipel Ontario Health Team and Valor & Solutions.

     

    Main themes covered:

    • Clinical assessment 
    • Medication management 
    • Psychotherapy 
    • Interventions with children, adolescents, and families

    To follow up on this innovative training, Dr. Jude Cénat will facilitate an open discussion session for all participants to review the modules, explore recurring themes, and answer your questions.


    The session will be held on Teams.


    Link to register to the February 17, 2026 session.


    Visit VTRAC.




  • Programme de thérapie cognitivo-comportementale (TCC) gratuit pour les parents en Ontario

    Presentation by Public Health Ottawa (in French)


    Tuesday March 11, 2026 at noon


    Présentation dans le cadre de la Journée Internationale de la Femme 


    Cette séance sera animée par Geneviève Mosher, agente de projets en soins infirmiers

     

    Santé publique Ottawa offre un programme gratuit de thérapie cognitivo-comportementale (TCC) en groupe pour les parents qui attendent un enfant ou qui viennent d’accueillir un enfant (par naissance ou adoption.


    Ce programme s’adresse aux personnes qui se sentent déprimées, tristes, anxieuses, inquiètes, en colère ou dépassées.


    Pendant neuf semaines, les participants se rencontrent virtuellement en groupe avec une infirmière de santé publique afin d’apprendre des stratégies pratiques pour réduire les symptômes de dépression et d’anxiété en modifiant leurs pensées, leurs émotions et leurs comportements.


    Des séances en français et des séances destinées aux pères sont offertes dans toute la province de l’Ontario!


    Joignez-vous à nous pour en savoir plus sur ce programme et sur la façon dont les clients peuvent s’inscrire.


    La séance aura lieu par Teams. 


    Lien pour l'inscription à la séance du 11 mars 2026.




  • Stratégies gagnantes pour servir les Francophones

    Presentation by the Winning Strategies team (in French)


    Tuesday March 24 mars, 2026 at noon


    Dans le cadre de la Journée internationale de la Francophonie 


    Cette séance sera animée par Nathalie Rochefort, coordonnatrice de projet des Stratégies gagnantes, Sharlène Clarke, chargée de projet à l'Équipe Santé Ontario Archipel et Sarah Kiobola, agente de planification et d'engagement communautaire au Réseau des services de santé en français de l'Est de l'Ontario.

     

    Le projet Stratégies gagnantes pour servir les Francophones vise à améliorer l’offre active de services en français en outillant les fournisseurs de soins de santé et de services sociaux et communautaires. 


    Par le biais de six stratégies faciles à mettre en œuvre, les organisations ciblées peuvent améliorer la sécurité du patient ainsi que la qualité et l’efficience des services, au bénéfice de leur clientèle francophone. 


    Nathalie, Sarah et Sharlène feront un survol du projet, des six stratégies ainsi que des outils gratuits de mise en oeuvre, inlcuant le guide d'utilisateur et les capsules vidéos. Elles présenteront les étapes pour se lancer dans ce projet et répondront aux questions des participants.

     

    La séance aura lieu par Teams. 


    Lien pour l'inscription à la séance du 24 mars 2026.


    Visiter le site des Stratégies gagnantes.  





  • Discussion sur la formation "Comment fournir des soins de santé mentale antiracistes"

    Presentation by VTRAC (in French)

    March 25, 2026 at noon


    This presentation is made within the Black History Month. 


    This session will be led by Dr. Jude Mary Cénat, PhD, MSc, C.Psych., Associate Professor, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa


    The training “How to Provide Anti-Racist Mental Health Care” was developed by the V-TRaC Lab to address the real needs of Black individuals living in our communities. This training is also accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association.


    Thanks to generous funding from the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience, and Culture (V-TRaC) Laboratory at the University of Ottawa and the Archipel Ontario Health Team, more than 200 organizations in the Ottawa and Prescott–Russell regions will have access to free training on anti-racist mental health care, following a funding application submitted by the Archipel Ontario Health Team and Valor & Solutions.

     

    Main themes covered:

    • Clinical assessment 
    • Medication management 
    • Psychotherapy 
    • Interventions with children, adolescents, and families

    To follow up on this innovative training, Dr. Jude Cénat will facilitate an open discussion session for all participants to review the modules, explore recurring themes, and answer your questions.


    The session will be held on Teams.


    Link to register to the March 25, 2026 session.


    Visit VTRAC.




  • Bilan de l'année de l'Équipe Santé Ontario Archipel

    Tuesday April 21, 2026 at noon (in French)


    This session will present a summary of the initiatives undertaken by  Archipel Ontario Health Team over the past year. 


    The team members will present the key achievements and projects carried out as well as the challenges and lessons learned. 


    Main topics:

    • Primary care and the new Primary Care Network   
    • Digital health 
    • Mental health  
    • Community engagement and the Patient, Client and Family Advisory Committee   
    • 2026 outlook

    The session will be held by Teams. 


    Registration for the April 21, 2026 session.  


  • Supporting Trans Clients: Cultural Competency for Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender-Questioning clients

    Presentation par Counselling Family Services


    Tuesday May 26, 2026 at noon (in English)


    This session will be led by Hazel Hunt (she/her), Mental Health Counsellor, Counseling and Family Services.


    Hazel will go through the essential concepts for providing competent care to transgender, non-binary, and gender-questioning clients. 


    She will breakdown the major struggles these clients face and explain how to understand and approach them.


    The session will be held on Teams.


    Link to the May 2026 information session recording.


    Visit the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

    Visiter le site de Counselling Family Services


  • Triple P pour Bébé

    Presentation by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (in French)


    Tuesday June 23, 2026 at noon


    Cette session était animée par Julie Graham, éducatrice en santé publique, praticienne Triple P (Programme de parentalité positive).

     

    Triple P pour bébé est une série universelle de transition à la parentalité pour les parents/soignants qui attendent ou ont des enfants jusqu'à l'âge d'un an. 


    Le programme Triple P pour bébé veut aider les parents à favoriser le développement social, émotionnel et comportemental de leur bébé.

     

    La série favorisera les compétences et la confiance des parents face à l’éducation de leur bébé en ciblant les facteurs de risque communs qui accompagnent la transition à la parentalité. Plus précisément, les cours couvrent des techniques parentales positives qui aident les nouveaux parents à renforcer leur confiance et leurs compétences dans la gestion du comportement de leur nourrisson, ainsi que des techniques d'adaptation pour faire face au stress parental. 


    Les cours expliquent également comment les nouveaux parents peuvent soutenir leur partenaire pendant cette période enrichissante mais difficile.


    The session was held on Teams. Link to the session video recording.


    Visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.



Wave 3 (June - August 2025)


  • Ateliers de l'Élan

    Présentation du 10 juin 2025 (en français) par Montfort Renaissance



    Ce programme vise à encourager le rétablissement et la participation communautaire des personnes francophones aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale. 


    En collaboration avec les participants de l’Élan, les conseillers et les conseillères élaborent un calendrier mensuel d’activités qui reflètent leurs besoins et leurs intérêts. 


    Chaque calendrier comprend des activités dans ces quatre domaines :

    • Activités artistiques 
    • Activités de culture physique et de santé mentale 
    • Activités sociales, récréatives et collaboratives 
    • Activités de développement personnel 

    Voir l'enregistrement du 10 juin 2025.


    Visiter la page des Ateliers de l'Élan.

  • TAO - TEL Aide

    Présentation du 17 juin 2025 en français


    TAO Tel-Aide offre un service d’écoute et de référence en français, 24/7, gratuit, anonyme, confidentiel, empathique et sans jugement par une équipe de bénévoles formés pour contribuer au bien-être mental des francophones adultes.


    Ligne d’écoute


    Outaouais : 819-775-3223


    Ottawa : 613-741-6433


    Sans frais : 1-800-567-9699


    Voir l'enregistrement du 17 juin 2025.


    Visiter le site de TAO Tel-Aide.

  • Stratégies gagnantes pour servir les Francophones

    Présentation du 3 juillet 2025 en français 


    Six stratégie gagnantes pour améliorer l'offre active de soins et services de santé en français


    Le projet Stratégies gagnantes pour servir les Francophones vise à aider les organismes prestataires de services à mettre en place une série d’actions favorisant l’offre active de services en français. 


    Le projet comprend des ressources et de l'accompagnement gratuit.


    Voir l'enregistrement du 3 juillet 2025.


    Visiter le site des Stratégies gagnantes pour servir les Francophones.



  • Engaging with peer support workers

    Peer support engagement by Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa 


    July 15, 2025 MHA information session


    The session will cover:


    • What is Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa (PSO) ? 
    • Best practices for engaging with peer workers 
    • Important resources 
    • Question period

    PSO provides free phone, in-person and video counselling. More than 100 counsellors from more than 20 community-based mental health and substance use organizations make free counselling appointments available to book through this website. 


    PSO is client-led and focused on equity. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.


    Counselling Connect services are provided by counsellors of diverse backgrounds and experience including Indigenous communities; African, Caribbean and Black communities; other racialized communities; and LGBT2SQ+ communities. In English, French or Arabic.


    For more information, visit Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa.

  • Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic

    New Ottawa Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic opening in the summer of 2025 


    July 29, 2025 MHA information session


    The Ottawa Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (Ottawa NPLC) is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. It was officially incorporated on April 24, 2024.


    The clinic is under construction and will be opening its doors late Summer 2025.


    The clinic does NOT charge for services provided. We use a team-based approach to address the physical, emotional, mental and social aspects of patients’ health. This means that our Nurse Practitioners can refer patients to specialists and other healthcare professionals, including those within our clinic.


    For more information, visit Ottawa NPLC.








  • Hôpital de jour intégratif

    Présentation du 5 août 2025 par l’Hôpital Montfort (en français)


    Ce service offre un traitement intensif et s’adresse à des personnes qui vivent avec un problème de santé mentale sévère et persistant ou un problème modéré qui altère leur fonctionnement. 


    Le traitement suit une approche basée sur la thérapie cognitivo-comportementale (TCC) et la thérapie dialectique comportementale (TDC), qui aident la personne à mieux comprendre ses symptômes, à les gérer et à mieux fonctionner à la maison, au travail et dans sa communauté.


    Les composantes du programme sont : l’évaluation, les thérapies de groupes, les rencontres individuelles et une rencontre avec le psychiatre.


    Voir l’enregistrement du 5 août 2025.





  • Groupe Psychose Montfort

    Présentation du 12 août 2025 par l’Hôpital Montfort (en français)


    La clinique de santé mentale de Montfort accepte les demandes d’inscription pour un nouveau groupe : Rétablissement par l’activité pour la psychose (RAP). 


    Le groupe est basé sur le modèle de l’occupation humaine et est conçu pour améliorer le bien-être grâce à la valeur de l’activité. 


    Ce programme offre aux participants la possibilité de réfléchir à leur participation occupationnelle et à son impact sur leur santé mentale, ainsi que de discuter et de pratiquer des choix de vie sains qui répondent à leurs besoins. 


    En mettant l’accent sur la participation au groupe, le programme encourage l’engagement dans diverses occupations, y compris les soins personnels, les activités productives (ex. : tâches domestiques, vocations) et les loisirs (ex. : activités créatives et physiques).


    Voir l’enregistrement du 12 août 2025.


  • Counselling Connect

    Free counselling sessions and support groups for residents of Ottawa and surrounding area 


    August 26, 2025 MHA information session


    When life is challenging, we’re here for you.


    Free phone, in-person and video counselling.


    More than 100 counsellors from more than 20 community-based mental health and substance use organizations make free counselling appointments available to book through this website. 


    We are client-led and focused on equity. This service is for everyone: children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Counselling Connect services are provided by counsellors of diverse backgrounds and experience including Indigenous communities; African, Caribbean and Black communities; other racialized communities; and LGBT2SQ+ communities. In English, French or Arabic.


    For more information, visit Counselling Connect.


Would you like to join the Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Working Group?

To learn how you can contribute to advancing projects for the benefit of patients in our community, please visit the page Committees and groups.

Email our team