Continuum of Care – Service Components

The Adult Inpatient Mental Health

As part of our Schedule 1 facility, we provide short-term, acute care to adults (18 years or older), and who are experiencing acute symptoms of serious mental illness.

The inpatient milieu is designed specifically for adults who, as the result of a psychiatric disorder, are acutely ill and unable to manage in the community. Care includes psychiatric assessment, stabilization, treatment and transition planning utilizing a bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach. 

Admission is on the recommendation of a psychiatrist or by their designate. Upon admission, we will review mutual expectations and our policies related to our commitment to health and safety, medication and medical needs, cell phone usage, visitors and treatment planning.

Hours of Operation

24-hours a day. 7-days a week. 365-days per year.

Available Facilities

The unit has a variety of facilities built-in which provide enrichment and programming for the patients throughout their stay:

  • Lounge – A comfortable space for relaxation and socialization between groups and programs.
  • Quiet Room – A space for socialization and recreation without a television.
  • Fitness -Use of the equipment is supervised for safety, and open to use by any of the patients.
  • Activity Room – Ample space and supplies for various recreation and wellness activities
  • Therapeutic outdoor Activities & Greenhouse (weather permitting) – A supervised green space, open for use for wellness activities, gardening and conversation.

Transitional Outpatient – Mental Health Services

Adult Mental Health - FAQs

At this time, the Acute Inpatient Psychiatry Unit is following all SAH COVID-19 visitor restrictions policies.

Visitor Restriction Policy 

If you would like to bring items for your loved one, please note that the unit has a specific restricted articles policy:

DO BRING:

  • Sleepwear (pyjamas, nightgown, robe, slippers)
  • Casual clothes –You are asked to dress in such a way as is socially acceptable. Space for clothing is limited. Please limit clothing to three changes.
  • Personal toiletry items (soap, toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, comb, shampoo, sanitary supplies)
  • Electric razors only (no disposable or bladed razors)
  • A small amount of money (coin) for payphones and vending machines. Do not keep any more than $10.00 on the unit.
  • Anything that requires an electrical plug-in, with the exception of CPAP machines for sleep apnea, will be kept at the nursing station. All electrical equipment must be Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved, grounded and have a 3-pronged plug.

OF NOTE:

  • Medication, including all over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and vitamins must be turned in to the nursing staff. They may be returned to you on discharge.
  • Cell phones are not allowed on the unit and will be locked at the nursing station.

DO NOT BRING:

  • Important papers, credit cards, valuables such as jewelry, decorations for the rooms and luggage.
  • Restricted articles such as sharps, mirrors, razors, razor blades, nail files, scissors, tools of any kind, knitting needles or glass objects. Matches and lighters must be left at the nursing station.
  • Personal blankets and pillows are not permitted due to infection control prevention guidelines.
  • Controlled or illicit substances, including marijuana.

Some articles may be kept at the nursing station for safekeeping.

The hospital cannot accept responsibility for the loss of any personal property.

Sometimes, if the psychiatrist has assessed a patient and has determined that their current state puts them at risk of harm to themselves or others, or that if the patient is released without treatment they would continue to decline, the psychiatrist may choose to initiate an involuntary hold or detention of the patient.

This is a change in legal status, which allows the patient to be detained within the psychiatric facility for the purpose of maintaining safety and treatment of mental illness.

Patients have rights under the Mental Health Act and are given information about their rights on admission and during their stay, as well as opportunities to contact rights advisors, and if requested, legal assistance to contest a change in status if they disagree with the physician’s findings.

More information about Patient Rights under the Mental Health Act can be obtained by calling the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office at (toll-free) 1-800-578-2343 or visit www.ontario.ca/page/psychiatric-patient-advocate-office

Family members are important partners in treatment. We realize that the Mental Health Act may seem restrictive to you, especially at times when you want to be involved in care.

To protect a patient’s confidentiality, information can only be released with the consent of the patient.

Staff members are available to discuss your concerns. Educational literature and videos on various mental illnesses and medications are available.

Please contact staff for more information.

Your doctor and treatment team will discuss plans for your discharge in advance, if possible, so the most appropriate plans can be made. Staff can help you with planning your discharge. A discharge plan may include follow-up appointments and referrals to the appropriate services, and a prescription sent to your pharmacy.

Please make sure you have all of your personal belongings and valuables when leaving the hospital.

Yes, this service is covered by OHIP.

The majority of patients remain on medication to help maintain wellness.

There is potential for recent and remote memory gaps, this is monitored before, during and after treatment. Many patients have improvements in memory as their depressive symptoms improve.

Yes, it is covered by OHIP.

Yes, this service is voluntary.

Yes, is covered by OHIP.

Additional Resources – Related Links, Community Partners etc.

Local Resources

Community Care Access Centre
Resources for living in the community
705-949-1650

Crisis Services (SAH)
Support for individuals in crisis, using a safe, trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally sensitive approach.
705-759-3398; (toll-free) 1-800-721-0077

Sault Area Hospital
Acute care hospital serving patients in Algoma district. 
705-759-3434

Sexual Assault Care Clinic & Partner Assault Clinic
A specially trained team, medical concerns 24/7 on-call through the Emergency Department at Sault Area Hospital, as well as counselling by appointment.
705-759-5143

Canadian Mental Health Association – Sault Ste Marie Branch 
Provides mental health and addictions support services within our community
705-759-0458

Algoma Public Health
Local public health agency providing services to the Algoma district
705-942-4646

Central Access and Information Service in Algoma
Provides information on mental health and addictions services available in the Algoma district and links people to the appropriate level of service.
Available by calling 705-759-5989 or in the District 1-855-366-1466
Email: information@cmhassm.com
In-person at: 386 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Sault Area Hospital DETOX Services
Operated 24/7 offers crisis help for those in withdrawal as well as for people facing mental health challenges.
Call: 705-942-1872

Regional or National Resources

Health811
24/7 confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. NOT FOR EMERGENCY

From a mobile phone or landline you can dial 8-1-1 to be connected, as well as (toll-free) 1-866-797-0000; (toll-free TTY) 1-866-797-0007

Click here for their website.

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
24/7 counselling and crisis intervention to all indigenous peoples across Canada
1-855-242-3310

Regional Warm Line
Pre-crisis peer support
1-866-856-9276

ConnexOntario
24/7 mental health and addictions system navigation and information
1-866-531-2600

BounceBack
Skill-building over the phone for adults and youth 15+. Manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Speak with a coach, view videos, and access support tools

Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline provides information about problem gambling services in Ontario.
1-888-230-3505

Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO)
This site will provide you and your loved ones with information about behaviour changes in older adults. Public Health resources, practical tips, wellness strategies, Family Care Partner resources and more.

Mental Health and Addictions in COVID-19

Coping with stress, Anxiety, and Substance Use During COVID-19
Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), in partnership with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), has created a fact sheet to support the mental health of people in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ontario Covid-19 Mental Health Network
A network of Ontario-based mental health professionals dedicated to supporting frontline COVID-19 health care workers.