Thriving Minds helps families and caregivers support the young people in their lives struggling with mental health and substance use
Thriving Minds is your one-stop shop for navigating mental health and/or substance use services for the young people in your life.
As a caregiver of someone who is struggling, you need support too. See the list of resources below to learn about care options and support for you and your family.
We know how overwhelming the system can feel, so we’re here to provide clear information and resources to help you find the right care.
Whether you’re exploring options or waiting for services, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We aim to provide the information you need for discussions with your health-care providers to determine the best course of action for your child/young person.
Support Programs for Parents and Caregivers
Guides and Learning Hub
Substance Use Education Programs
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Adult Neurodevelopment Services (ANS) Outpatient Service (for ages 16+)
Description
Caregiver resource group. A five week virtual group offers caregivers the opportunity to learn more about disability resources and caregiver supports in the community. Caregivers will receive group consultative supports and guidance with resource navigation. This group provides caregivers with a safe and inclusive space to discuss topics such as burnout, self-care, and coping strategies.
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Caregivers of individuals 16 years and older with a diagnosis of developmental disability.
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Learn More
To learn more, please call the Adult Neurodevelopmental Services program: 416-535-8501 ext. 37800
Delivered by
RBC Patient and Family Learning Space
The RBC Patient and Family Learning Space (PFLS) is a resource hub for patients, families, and the community to access reliable information on mental health, substance use, and recovery. It offers non-clinical consultations with educational resources and system navigation support. Through free online and in-person workshops and webinars, the PFLS aims to improve mental health literacy and access to psychosocial programming. See website to view PFLS monthly calendar and sign up for their newsletter.
Links
Click here to learn more about the RBC Patient and Family Learning Space
Duration
Varies
Delivery Method
In-person
Online
Population
CAMH patients, families and the general public
Department
Patient Family Learning Space
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Family Resource Centre (non-clinical)
Description
The Family Resource Centre offers a safe, welcoming space where family and friends of CAMH patients can find support and information. A wide range of educational materials on mental illnesses, alcohol and substance use, as well as information on CAMH and community supports are available. Knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions and assist with system navigation, helping families and friends find the supports they need. Materials are also available to access online.
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Families and friends of CAMH patients and members of the community.
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Learn More
To learn more, please call the Family Resource Centre: 416-535-8501 ext. 32028 or email pfe@camh.ca
Delivered by
AMANI – Family Support Group
Description
Caregivers Support Group. A program for family members and caregivers of Black youth facing mental health or substance use health challenges, providing education and peer connection.
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Black youth aged 12-25 and their families
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Learn More
To learn more, please call Access CAMH: 416-535-8501 (press 2) or 1-800-463-6273
Delivered by
Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorders Service (YACDS) – Caregiver Support
Description
Education night for family and friends of youth offered virtually (topics include risky behaviour, self-care, motivation and change; information on mental health problems and addiction)
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Family and friends of youth concerned with their mental health or substance use. Do not have to be a CAMH client.
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Learn More
To learn more, please call YACDS: 416-535-8501 ext. 34439 or ext. 33163
Delivered by
Psychosis Recovery and Treatment Family Support and Learning
Description
An in person 8-week group geared towards developing coping strategies, communication, navigating crisis and the legal system.
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Caregivers of people who have been involved with the mental health system with a primary psychotic disorder (diagnosis does not need to be known by the caregiver).
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Learn More
To learn more, please call Access CAMH: 416-535-8501 (press 2) or 1-800-463-6273
Delivered by
Child & Youth Mental Health Services – Caregiver Support
Description
The Better Behaviours Service runs parent groups for parents of children aged 6 – 12 years of age: Incredible Years for parents of kids aged 6-8 years; and Coping Power Parent or parents of kids aged 9 – 12 years
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
None
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Learn More
To learn more, please call Access CAMH: 416-535-8501 (press 2)
Delivered by
Caregiver Program – Substance Use
Description
Caregiver support offered with a therapist on a frequency to meet caregivers where they are at. Psychoeducation and caregiver work provided from a trauma informed attachment lens. The primary goal being to increase connection, understanding and communication. Parent Group offered for family members who are supporting a youth who is struggling with difficulties related to substance use. The program offers education, support and skill development on topics such as coping, grieving and dealing with emotions.
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Parents and Caregivers (Does not have to have a child in SickKids Substance Use Program) – can contact Sue Duncan (susan.duncan@sickkids.ca) at SickKids to register
Department
SickKids
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Interdisciplinary Mind and Body Together Workshop
Description
One-time psychoeducational workshop about somatization
For patients with suspected/confirmed SSRD diagnosis and their families, who are currently followed in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and/or Neurology Departments
Mandatory prerequisite to participating in the Mind and Body Together Group and/or Rehab services
Duration
Workshop offered monthly
Eligibility
Parents and Caregivers (Child must be receiving treatment in an Outpatient Psychiatry program at SickKids; assessments and referral required into program)
Department
SickKids
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Mind Body Together Group
Description
The “Mind Body Together” (MBT) program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is a six-week group therapy designed for children and adolescents diagnosed with somatization disorder, also known as somatic symptom and related disorders.
- For patients 13-17 years old with an SSRD diagnosis, caregivers of youth with an SSRD diagnosis
- Group focuses on education related to mind and body connection
Duration
6-week psychoeducational group – first step in therapeutic intervention
Eligibility
Parents and Caregivers (Child must be receiving treatment in an Outpatient Psychiatry program at SickKids; assessments and referral required into program)
Department
SickKids
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Emotion Focused Family Therapy Workshop
Description
These sessions provide caregivers with knowledge and skills to support their children’s mental health.
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Parents and Caregivers (Child must be receiving treatment in an Outpatient Psychiatry program at SickKids; assessments and referral required into program)
Department
SickKids
Cost
Free
Delivered by
CBT Group
Description
For 8 to 12 year-old children and their caregivers, we offer group CBT sessions (10 sessions) where caregiver and child sessions run separately, at the same time; or alternatively for those who may require individual sessions, we offer individual therapy where the clinician meets with the child on a weekly basis followed by spending a few minutes with the parents or caregivers
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Parents and Caregivers (Child must be receiving treatment in an Outpatient Psychiatry program at SickKids; assessments and referral required into program)
Department
SickKids
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Taming Sneaky Fears Caregiver Group
Description
For parents with a school-aged child with anxiety
Duration
Varies
Eligibility
Parents and Caregivers (Child must be receiving treatment in an Outpatient Psychiatry program at SickKids; assessments and referral required into program)
Department
SickKids
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Caregiver Support Group
This is an open, drop-in, unstructured, peer support group. This group meets virtually and supports caregivers in building capacity to cope during challenging times, develop skills to support their child while waiting for service commencement and connect with other caregivers.
Eligibility
Caregivers who are or have children on the waitlist for services at GH-CCMH. Accessed through Mental Health Access Program Team.
Capacity
N/A
Waitlist
N/A
Duration
Bi-weekly
Delivery Method
Online – Zoom
Team
- 2 Social Workers
- 1 Intake Worker
Delivered by
CARIBOU by CAMH (Caregiver)
The CARIBOU Pathway provides an evidence-based approach to treating depression in youth and uses a measurement-based care framework for assessing and monitoring their progress. As an integrated care pathway (ICP) for outpatient youth ages 13-18 (with potential for use up to age 24) with depression, a structured treatment plan for the youth maps the treatment process from start to finish. The treatment is also collaborative, so youth are involved in decision-making, as are other people who support them, such as family members and their care team. The pathway includes seven core components.
Links
Modules
Caregiver Resources
Information for Parents/Caregivers of Adolescents with Depression or Anxiety
Duration
Varies
Delivery Method
Online
Population
Youth, Families, Caregiver
Department
Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression
Cost
Free
Learn More
If you have further questions about the pathway or its materials, please contact Cundill.Centre@camh.ca
Delivered by
Collaborative Learning College (CLC)
Nonclinical education and training program that offers courses which are led by and for people with lived/living experience of mental health and substance use challenges. It is a place where individuals are supported to achieve self-identified goals through a model that emphasizes self-determination, lived experience leadership, meaningful engagement and collaboration.
Links
Click here to learn more about the Collaborative Learning College
Modules
Mental Health and Wellness, Employment and Career Development, Arts and Recreation, Life Skills Development
Duration
Varies
Delivery Method
Zoom
Population
Youth, Families, Caregivers
Department
Collaborative Learning College (CLC)
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Empowering Families Affected by Psychosis
Links
Click here to learn more about the Empowering Families Affected by Psychosis Training
Modules
1) Understanding psychosis
2) Impact of psychosis on families
3) Supporting your family member’s recovery
4) Communicating effectively with your relative, problem solving and setting limits
5) Staying safe and managing crises
6) Empowering yourself through support and self care
Duration
6 hours
Delivery Method
Online
Population
Youth, Families
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Parent Mental Health Learning Hub
This hub includes resources for parents on how to support your child’s mental health and general well-being through physical activity, sleep and nutrition. It also provides information on the signs, symptoms and treatments of different mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, behavioural disorders, anorexia nervosa and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Links
Click here to learn more about the AboutKidsHealth Parent Mental Health Learning Hub
Modules
- Wellbeing
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicide and self-harm
- Eating disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Behavioural disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Brain disorders and mental health
- Parenting a child with chronic condition
- Substance use
- Understanding functional symptom and somatization
Duration
Varies
Delivery Method
Online
Population
Parents and Caregivers
Department
AboutKidsHealth
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Opioid Overdose Response Virtual Reality Training
A virtual reality simulation developed by CAMH that teaches members of the public how to administer Naloxone to save the life of someone suffering from an opioid overdose is now available to the public.
Links
Click here to learn more about the Opioid Overdose Response Virtual Reality Training
Modules
Duration
Varies
Delivery Method
Online
Population
Children, Youth, Families, Caregivers
Department
CAMH SimCentre
Cost
Free
Delivered by
RBC Patient and Family Learning Space
The RBC Patient and Family Learning Space (PFLS) is a resource hub for patients, families, and the community to access reliable information on mental health, substance use, and recovery. It offers non-clinical consultations with educational resources and system navigation support. Through free online and in-person workshops and webinars, the PFLS aims to improve mental health literacy and access to psychosocial programming. See website to view PFLS monthly calendar and sign up for their newsletter.
Links
Click here to learn more about the RBC Patient and Family Learning Space
Duration
Varies
Delivery Method
In-person
Online
Population
CAMH patients, families and the general public
Department
Patient Family Learning Space
Cost
Free
Delivered by
Empowering Families Affected by Substance Use Problems
Links
Click here to learn more about the Empowering Families Affected by Substance Use Problems Training
Modules
1) Understanding Substance Use Problems and Addictions
2) Impact of Substance Use Problems on Families
3) Supporting your Family Member’s Recovery
4) Communicating Effectively with your Relative and Setting Limits
5) Staying Safe and Managing Crises
6) Empowering Yourself through Support and Self-Care
Duration
4 hours
Delivery Method
Online
Population
Youth, Families
Department
CAMH
Cost
Free
Delivered by
