If You Require Emergency or Crisis Support
If your situation is urgent, life-threatening, or you are experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department
ConnexOntario provides information and support for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services in Ontario.
This service is free, confidential, and anonymous. ConnexOntario can help connect you to services in your area and may assist with identifying Mobile Crisis Response Teams, where available
Farmer Wellness Initiative - access to free, professional mental health counselling and support, 24 hours a day.
This service is free, confidential, and anonymous. ConnexOntario can help connect you to services in your area and may assist with identifying Mobile Crisis Response Teams, where available
Farmer Wellness Initiative - access to free, professional mental health counselling and support, 24 hours a day.
Toll-free number: 1-866-267-6255
How do I access behavioural support services?
There are several ways to connect with Behavioural Support Services for older adults across Ontario. Depending on your region and care setting, a healthcare provider may make the referral, and in many areas you, a family member, friend or other care partner, or a community service provider can start the process. Some regions refer through long term care or hospitals, or may not accept direct referrals.
Use these steps to access referral information in your region and learn more:
- Find your region - Use the maps below to see which region covers your location. If you're unsure, you can check by entering your city or postal code in the search box. You can also find your region by asking your healthchare provider.
- Review referral requirements - Each region may have a different process for making a referral. Make sure to read the services below carefully.
- Submit a referral - Contact the organization listed for your region, or ask your healthcare provider to make the referral on your behalf.
What to expect after a referral is accepted
Getting in touch
A member of the BSO team (or a similar local team) will contact you, your substitute decision-maker (if applicable), or your care partner. This first conversation is to listen, learn more about what’s going on, and explain how BSO can help. Consent must be given for any further BSO involvement.
Initial assessment
The BSO team will conduct an initial assessment to help determine your behavioural health needs. This may include discussing changes in behaviour and what might be contributing to these changes.
Support in action
Based on the findings of the initial assessment, the BSO team will implement a behavioural care plan, share practical ideas, tools, education, and coaching. When appropriate, they may also provide hands-on support. The goal is to help everyone respond in ways that are safe, respectful, and centred on the person.
Staying connected
The team will stay involved as needed, working alongside you and your care team to monitor how things are going and how strategies are working. Plans can be adjusted over time, and additional supports or services can be explored if helpful. In some regions, support may be offered for a set period of time, while in others it may continue based on your needs. If your needs change, BSO support can be revisited in the future.
Regional Services

Region:
Erie St. Clair (ESC)
Referral or general inquiries phone number:
Central intake offices:
Chatham-Kent (Alzheimer Society Chatham-Kent): 519-352-1043 ext 229
Sarnia-Lambton (Alzheimer Society Sarnia-Lambton): 519-332-4444 ext 226
Windsor-Essex (Alzheimer Society Chatham-Kent) - Essex: 519-355-4108 Windsor: 519-890-4845
Chatham-Kent (Alzheimer Society Chatham-Kent): 519-352-1043 ext 229
Sarnia-Lambton (Alzheimer Society Sarnia-Lambton): 519-332-4444 ext 226
Windsor-Essex (Alzheimer Society Chatham-Kent) - Essex: 519-355-4108 Windsor: 519-890-4845
Office address:
Alzheimer Society Chatham-Kent (Regional BSO Office/Lead Agency) 36 Memory Lane Chatham ON N7L 5M8
Office hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

Region:
South West (SW)
Special instructions and additional information:
In the South West, we have 5 sub-regional intake hubs (Elgin, Grey-Bruce, Huron-Perth, London- Middlesex, Oxford); each with their own referral forms, processes and services support criteria. Service hours, and support may vary across each of these sub-regions dependent on local resources. All information for each sub-region can be found under "services and programs" on the South West healthline website link here: Behavioural Supports Ontario - South West Operational Team

Region:
Waterloo Wellington (WW)
Referral or general inquiries phone number:
SGS Clinical Intake Clinical Intake Phone: 1-855-849-6228 Fax: 1-888-205-1491
Office address:
St Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph 100 Westmount Rd Guelph, ON N1H5H8
Office hours:
Mon–Fri 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding holidays
Regional referral form/links:

Region:
Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB)
Referral or general inquiries phone number:
BSO Connect 1-800-810-0000
Office hours:
Open daily 8:30am-8:30pm 7 days per week, including holidays