New integrated crisis centre set to open this summer in Kitchener
![threshold supports The building at 298 Lawrence Avenue in Kitchener. (Submitted/Thresholds Homes and Supports)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/5/15/threshold-supports-1-6888193-1715792939349.jpg)
A new Integrated Crisis Centre (ICC) will open its doors this summer in Kitchener, acting as an alternative destination to hospitals for people with mental health or substance-use crises.
Thresholds Homes and Supports and Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHAWW) are working together to make it happen.
Officials said this would be Waterloo Region’s first integrated crisis centre.
“The ICC will ensure clients have a welcoming environment, designed specifically for mental health, addictions and crisis challenges, with access to crisis stabilization and services, including peer support that will improve their overall support experience and health outcomes,” said Helen Fishburn, CEO of the CMWAWW, in a joint media release from both organizations.
Before this initiative can become a reality, the organizations said there has been about a year of collaborative consultation between Region of Waterloo Public Health, Thresholds Homes and Supports, CMHAWW, Paramedic Services and other stakeholders.
The ICC aims to address systemic gaps in mental health care, offer immediate access to trauma-informed care and act as a pilot project for future funding.
According to Thresholds Homes and Supports, more than 20 per cent of emergency room visits are mental health and/or substance-use related. The organization said emergency rooms are not the best place to treat those experiencing a mental health or a substance-use crisis.
“By providing continuity of care and alleviating pressure on overwhelmed hospitals, the centre will benefit not only individuals in crisis but also the larger community,” the news release said.
The new facility will be located at 298 Lawrence Avenue and should be open to the public by August.
It will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Officials hope to have it open 24/7 in the future, if funding is available to do so.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.