CMHA Peel Dufferin alters services to protect public health and safety amid COVID-19 pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin made some changes to programs and services.

The health and safety of our clients and staff remains our priority as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and find the best and safest way to provide services and programs.

In consultation with partners and considering guidance from Public Health and the Ministry of Health, CMHA Peel Dufferin is not offering drop-in services at any of our locations.  Limited in-person groups at Recovery West will require pre-registration.  Clients and community members can continue to call us.

• For crisis situations call 24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin at 905-278-9036 or 1-888-811-2222 (Caledon & Dufferin).
• For support, assessment and access to programs call Intake at 905-451-2123 or 1-877-451-2123.

Primary case workers can also be contacted by clients if this relationship is already in place and:

• You have a scheduled appointment.
• You are scheduled or due for an injection.
• You need help but are not in crisis.

We are doing everything possible at this time to keep safe options available to support individuals in need of care. We will continue to monitor all the developments of COVID-19 and will continue to inform our clients and the community of further changes to our programs and services on our website and social media.

• To limit the spread of COVID-19, all CMHA Peel Dufferin staff who are able to have been asked to work from home when not managing phone lines or supporting clients. Staff are working remotely but are still working regular business hours.  If you need assistance, please call our phone lines as listed above.
• Staff are authorized to conduct meetings remotely via teleconference. We have resumed face to face meetings in adherence with the Ministry of Health guidance and are taking all safety precautions.
• All internal events, trainings and workshops have been postponed, limiting large gatherings.
• All CMHA Peel Dufferin staff have been advised of best hand washing, hygiene practices and use of personal protection equipment.

Reducing anxiety related to COVID-19

CMHA recognizes that at this time of uncertainty, symptoms of anxiety and depression may be exacerbated. These five basic tips may help individuals experiencing heightened mental health concerns to remain calm and balanced as this public health situation unfolds.

• Considering the level of attention and seriousness being paid to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s normal to feel anxious. Try not to avoid, ignore or suppress anxious thoughts. Instead, be aware of your anxiety and accept that you’re feeling anxious in this situation. Try to keep things in perspective; notice and challenge your thoughts that may be extreme or unhelpful.
• Self-care is critically important at this time, as worries can be made worse if we aren’t taking care of ourselves. Lean on social supports, try to get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise and engage in enjoyable activities. Do the things you would typically do to support your health and be sure to use caution and follow health and safety guidelines while doing them.
• Seek information from reliable news sources only. Limit checking in on the latest news to short, defined periods, and refrain from setting related push notifications on your device. Appropriate information consumption may be calming and can lessen the sense of danger.
• Take the recommended precautions as outlined by Health Canada and other credible health agencies. Remain focused on the factors within your control, such as washing hands, covering your mouth during coughs and sneezes, avoiding non-essential travel, etc.
• If you’re noticing that your symptoms of anxiety (in association with COVID-19 or otherwise) are causing you significant distress or are interfering with your ability to function normally, reach out for formal mental health supports from a recognized agency, such as CMHA. See our phone lines above.

For current public health updates and information regarding COVID-19, please visit:

• Peel Public Health COVID-19 page for Peel Region information
• Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 page for Province of Ontario information
• Health Canada COVID-19 outbreak page for nationwide information
• World Health Organization COVID-19 page for worldwide information