Peel’s child and youth mental health agency builds connected care for a changing community

Over the past few decades, Peel Region has transformed rapidly into a bustling, diverse community where one in three residents is under the age of 25. As the region has grown, the complexities facing youth have deepened, leading to a significant increase in the demand for mental health support. For more than 40 years, EveryMind Mental Health Services has been steadfast in its commitment to Peel’s children, youth and families, evolving alongside the community to provide a comprehensive safety net for families during their most vulnerable moments. 

Today, as Peel’s lead agency for child and youth mental health, that deep-rooted history is driving a bold vision for the future. Anchored by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, EveryMind is focussed on providing “connected care” — creating integrated, community-based networks with local partners to deliver an inclusive and seamless journey for every client. “Our goal is to remove barriers so families can access support exactly when they need it,” said Ceri Harnden, chief executive officer of EveryMind.  

A wonderful example of this approach is wheretostart.ca, a centralized access-point for long-term, intensive mental health care for children, youth and families in Peel. Rather than navigating the complex healthcare system, families can begin by self-referring to wheretostart.ca. After an intake appointment, the child or family is connected directly to the right programs across Peel, including programs provided by the hospital networks and other community partners. By eliminating the guesswork and building this continuous chain of care, EveryMind is staying true to its vision of ensuring Peel’s children are resilient and thriving. 

The need for this connected approach is clear. As per Peel’s 2021 census, there are nearly 250,000 children under the age of 14 in Peel. Last year alone, EveryMind served 5,321 unique clients and provided 7,837 services across the region. Knowing that 70 per cent of mental health challenges emerge before age 18, the agency focuses heavily on providing a continuum of care for ages 0 to 18 and their caregivers. Because emergencies do not adhere to a schedule, EveryMind’s 24/7 Crisis Response Service is always available. There are a number of other services available to support children and families such as brief interventions like Tangerine Single Session Counselling, virtual therapy via One Stop Talk and specialized workshops such as SibShops, which provide crucial peer support for the siblings of youth with support needs. EveryMind’s services are primarily funded by the Ministry of Health, and are free and confidential. 

“We are constantly adapting to the changing needs of our community, ensuring our clinical care meets youth exactly where they are,” said Karen Anslow, director, Clinical Services. “Whether a family needs a quick connection or long-term guidance, we are here to walk alongside them.” By building this continuous chain of care, EveryMind is ensuring Peel remains a resilient community where every child has the opportunity to heal, grow and thrive. 

This article was provided by EveryMind for commercial purposes.