Please note that services available through the Service Navigation team have changed in recent months.
The Service Navigation Hub assists individuals in understanding available programs and resources that meet their needs, or the needs of their loved ones. The Service Navigation Hub is an information and referral service for mental health and addiction resources, including CMHA programs.
To contact Service Navigation, you may:
- Call the HUB direct line at 204-775-6442
- Email hub@cmhawpg.mb.ca
- In-person at 930 Portage Avenue during CMHA hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
You may also access upcoming CMHA events by clicking here.
211 Manitoba is the front door to community-based government, health and social services designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, across all different aspects of life. It is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 150 languages, including 4 Indigenous languages.
If you, or someone you know are experiencing a crisis and require immediate support, please contact the any of the following resources, or call 911 for Emergency services:
- Crisis Response Centre (open 24/7/365)
- Call (204) 940-1781
- Visit in-person at 817 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB
- Klinic Crisis Line (available 24/7/365)
- Call (204) 786-8686
- Talk Suicide Canada (available 24/7/365 by phone)
- Call Toll Free 1-833-456-4566
- The Link (formerly Macdonald Youth Services) offers a range of free crisis supports to help stabilize youth 21 & under who are experiencing trauma, suicidal thoughts, & difficulty coping.
- Call (204) 949-4777 or Toll free 1-888-383-2776 (available 24/7)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get a family physician?
Family Doctor Finder can make it easier for you and your family to find a team of healthcare professionals (including family doctors and/or nurse practitioners) as part of home clinic that provides you with a base for your healthcare needs.
Contact Family Doctor Finder online at Family Doctor Finder | Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca), or by phone 204-786-7111 (in Winnipeg) or Toll-free at 1-866-690-8260; TTY/TDD call 774-8618 or Manitoba Relay Services toll-free 1-800-855-0511.
What if my friend/family member will not go to see a doctor?
If your friend/family member will not go see a doctor, and you really believe they need a psychiatric assessment, you can go to the Law Courts and speak to a magistrate/Justice of the Peace (J.P.). You will have to write a statement explaining why you feel medical assessment is necessary (Form 1).
If the J.P. decides that your friend/family member needs a medical exam as they are likely to deteriorate mentally or physically or harm him/herself or others because of a mental condition, the J.P. will make an order for an involuntary medical examination (Form 2).
This order means that a peace officer can take your friend/family member somewhere to be held and examined against his/her will. You will have to take the order from the law court to the police or RCMP in the area where the person lives. Police will ask about how to locate the person named in the order. Police will then execute the order which is in place for 7 days. The order will expire after 7 days.
When your friend/family member has been brought in for an involuntary medical examination he/she must be examined within 24 hours. You will need to share your concerns for your loved one with the emergency room doctor. Once your friend/family member is examined by a doctor, the doctor can fill out an order for involuntary psychiatric assessment if they feel it is necessary.
What if the situation is more urgent and I don’t have time to go through the court?
You can call the Crisis Response Centre at 204-940-1781.If it is an emergency, call 911.
Involuntary patient- what happens next?
You will be admitted to the facility as an involuntary patient if the psychiatrist believes you are:
- likely to harm yourself or others,
- mentally or physically deteriorating because of a mental disorder if you do not get treatment in a facility,
- refusing admission
- not able to consent to being admitted.
The psychiatrist will fill out an Involuntary Admission Certificate (Form 6) and send it to the medical director of the facility. The certificate will indicate that the psychiatrist examined you, the examination date, the psychiatrist’s diagnosis, and his/her reasons for involuntary admission. The medical director will review the certificate and make sure it was completed properly.
What are my rights as an involuntary patient?
If you are being made to stay at a psychiatric facility and you do not think you need to be there, you can make an application to the Mental Health Review Board. The application will say that you want your status as an involuntary patient to be changed. Ask the nursing desk for a Form 18 of the Mental Health Act to start this process. The Mental Health Review Board will follow up with you.
What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry?
Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health professionals that can assess and diagnose mental illness. They can offer various talk therapies to help people with problems in thinking, feeling and behaviour as well to help people overcome or manage these problems.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors that go on to specialize in mental health and mental disorders. In Manitoba, to see a psychiatrist you would require a referral from a general practitioner or family doctor. Psychiatrists often use medication to help their clients manage their mental disorders and there are some disorders for which medications are very necessary. Manitoba Health provides coverage for these visits.
A psychologist holds a master’s and/or doctoral degree in psychology that involves from 6 to 10 years of university study of how people think, feel, and behave. Psychologists who hold doctoral degrees can use the title ‘Dr.’ They cannot prescribe medications unless they have specialized training. They are not covered by Manitoba Health. Psychology services are typically fee-for-service. Costs vary from one provider to another.