BEHAVIOURAL & CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES
Navigating the landscape of intensive support or crisis intervention can feel overwhelming. When life gets tough and you need help right away - but not necessarily a police response - there are compassionate, expert-led options across Ontario built just for adults. These mobile teams and crisis lines offer real, caring support when you're navigating challenging behaviours or urgent mental health needs:
Offers 24/7 tele‑support through a crisis line and, if needed, mobile team visits. Great for ongoing stress or escalating concerns.
https://halton.cmha.ca/our-programs-and-services/ hsjcc.on.ca+15CMHA Halton+15psych.on.ca+15
A multidisciplinary team (mental health professionals + trained police officers) that responds through phone and mobile visits to adults facing mental health or addiction-related crises. Includes a crisis line and mobile outreach.
https://www.stjoes.ca/health-services/mental-health-addiction-services/mental-health-services/coast St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
A non‑police mobile crisis team offering on-site de‑escalation, crisis support, and follow‑up care when mental health struggles hit.
https://www.centretownchc.org/anchor Wikipedia+5St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton+5CMHA Halton+5CMHA Halton+3Coast Reporter+3hsjcc.on.ca+3Wikipedia+7CMHA Simcoe County+7The Ottawa Hospital+7
A city-wide, non-police mental health response unit integrated with 911 and 211 to support adults with crisis calls and wellness check-ins - no police involved.
https://www.toronto.ca/toronto-community-crisis-service/ Wikipedia+2City of Toronto+2
A few direct contact options for Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) / associated partners:
Gerstein Crisis Centre (anchor partner): (416) 929-5200 (24/7 crisis line) – Gerstein Crisis Centre+2Gerstein Crisis Centre+2
Gerstein general/inquiries email: admin@gersteincentre.org – Gerstein Crisis Centre
For CMHA Toronto (another partner): phone (416) 289-6285 ext. 240 and email info@cmhato.org
A unique partnership where mental health professionals ride with paramedics to respond to crisis calls across Ottawa, offering support, assessment, and next-step referrals.
https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/en/healthy-tomorrows/mental-health-professionals-and-paramedics-team-up-to-help-people-in-crisis/ Wikipedia+7The Ottawa Hospital
Delivers specialized 24/7 supported living and clinical programs for adults with autism who require continuous, high-level support.
https://www.kerrysplace.org CHEO+4Community Networks+4QAM Training+4
Focuses on enhancing community healthcare for older adults with complex responsive behaviours. Includes training, tools, and resources for managing behavioural challenges.
https://behaviouralsupportsontario.ca Wikipedia+14Behavioural Supports Ontario+14Community Networks+14
Offers the Consensus Guidelines for care, support, and treatment of people with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviours. Includes toolkits, training tips, and practical resources.
https://www.community-networks.ca/care-support-and-treatment Community Networks+1
A public mental health hospital providing specialized assessment, treatment, and recovery support for individuals with serious and complex mental health needs. Located in Whitby and accepting OHIP.
Provides specialized assessments and short-term treatment tailored for adults in Ontario with intellectual disabilities or autism facing mental health challenges or behaviour that interferes with daily living. Includes psychiatry, behavioural therapy, OT, and more. Physician referral required.
Offers individualized behavioural intervention plans, training, and follow-up support across Hamilton–Niagara. Helps both individuals and their caregivers manage responsive behaviours through structured strategies.
https://bethesdaservices.com/en/adult/behaviour-support-services
A research-supported, systematic approach for assessing and supporting adults whose behaviours challenge - a valuable model for crisis response planning.
Reference: HELP - Health, Environment, Lived experience, Psychiatric approach to challenging behaviours
This free, confidential, and multilingual helpline and online service connects people across the province with essential social, health, and community supports. Available 24/7 by phone, text, chat, email, or website lookup, 211 matches you with help that fits your needs - whether it’s counselling, housing, food banks, mental health resources, or more - with real human navigators guiding the way.
Call 211
NVCI equips caregivers, professionals, and support staff with proven, person-centred de-escalation skills to safely manage challenging or crisis situations. Rooted in the Crisis Prevention Institute’s evidence-based framework, the training covers verbal and nonverbal techniques, risk assessment, and trauma-informed approaches to help foster calm, respectful outcomes. Whether you serve in education, healthcare, or community support – it’s about building confidence, preserving dignity, and keeping everyone safer.
https://www.crisisprevention.com/our-programs/nonviolent-crisis-intervention/
Canopy Support Services creates a welcoming, inclusive space for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Serving Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, and Haliburton, they offer individualized supports like adult case management, behavior consultation, autism services, urgent response, and transitional youth programming - tailored to help clients gain confidence, navigate life, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
https://www.canopysupport.ca/home
Community Networks of Specialized Care (CNSC) navigates the gaps so adults with developmental disabilities and complex needs don’t have to go it alone. Through cross-sector collaboration, CNSC coordinates intricate support plans—linking health, justice, education, and social services—for individuals who require high levels of care. Referrals through Developmental Services Ontario connect you to your regional CNSC network for personalized support that matches real-world challenges to real-life solutions.