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Are you a first responder facing mental health challenges? Homewood Health Centre can help. Find out more
Are you a first responder facing mental health challenges? Homewood Health Centre can help. Find out more
Treatment teams are comprised of clinical experts and may include psychiatrists and other physicians, psychotherapists, recreation therapists, music therapists, horticultural therapists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, chaplains, and others.
Each program at Homewood Health has a specific length of stay. Learn more about our treatment programs here. For more information about Homewood programs or to discuss options click here.
Patients work with their care team to develop care plans adapted to their needs. In the specialized elective programs at the Homewood Health Centre, a care plan may combine group psychotherapy, education and skill-building sessions and recreational activities. One-to-one sessions with team members may also be part of the care plan.
Patients will meet with their clinical team members regularly to review their progress and to plan the next steps in achieving their goals. As a physician-led model, psychiatrists and/or addiction medicine physicians will oversee the patient’s progress, periodically meeting with the patient and consulting primary care physicians as needed, should there be any physical health concerns.
Most importantly, each patient’s recovery will depend on their level of engagement and participation in the program.
While care plans are an important part of treatment, it is important to recognize that each patient’s recovery will depend on their level of engagement and participation in the program.
Depending upon the program, the day’s schedule will vary. Generally, a typical day begins with a group walk in the morning, after which patients are involved in group therapy and behavioural activation. Patients may have one-on-one sessions with team members. Evenings are typically free to spend time reflecting on the program, engaging in skills development, socializing and practicing leisure activities. Yoga classes, art therapy, social activities and community-based peer meetings like 12-step or SMART recovery are also offered.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that in many situations, patients respond to treatment better in a group environment. The group setting provides the opportunity to observe role models. It builds hope by working with other people at different stages of recovery, allows patients to see people who have already overcome challenges they are currently dealing with, and shares different ideas and perspectives. Based on each unique program schedule, there may also be individual sessions that create an effective balance of group work with individual therapy.
Group therapy is vital with people from public safety or health care environments. Clinical research has shown that public safety professionals and health care workers can relate to one another’s experiences and, through established trust and community, can accelerate healing from the psychological effects of traumatic events. Group sessions allow individuals to explore and address the unique impacts of their work settings and experiences on their mental health and addiction issues.
During the early phase of program orientation, patients are encouraged to identify community services they are connected with or for which a referral is required.
Individuals are given time to focus specifically on community re-entry and discharge-related goals. Building connections and booking meetings and appointments that support recovery through various community supports is important.
Homewood Health also offers a range of optional outpatient programs and step-down programs that can support recovery. Please speak to our Intake Team to learn more about these programs and pricing.
Coming to the Homewood Health Centre is often the beginning of the recovery journey. Homewood offers different recovery management and outpatient programs that provide professional support and guidance to help individuals sustain their recovery.
These programs focus on skill consolidation, relapse prevention, overall wellness, and the involvement of one’s family and support system. For more information on Homewood’s recovery management services, please talk to our Intake Team to learn more about these program and pricing.
The amount an individual needs to pay can vary based on several factors including home province, insurance coverage and type of room.
In many cases, residents of Ontario who have a valid OHIP card and insurance benefits can access Homewood’s specialized elective programs at no cost. Please go to our Financial Information page for further information and to connect with our Intake Team, who will be pleased to work with you to help you understand all the options available, and contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage, where applicable.
Patient safety and successful completion of your treatment program is our priority. Patients are required to remain on Homewood Health Centre property. Special exceptions, however, may be approved by program leadership for urgent medical appointments, therapeutic leaves to achieve an identified treatment goal or on compassionate grounds.
You are encouraged to take advantage of the 50 acres and many amenities available to you throughout your stay, such as walks on the grounds, tennis court, basketball net, baseball diamond, horseshoes, meditation gardens, floral gardens, reading nooks, gazebo, recreation centre, library, arts and crafts, music, and horticulture.
The length of the wait depends on the program and can vary from a few days to several weeks. The wait time can also be dependent on funding sources and insurance coverage. Please contact our Intake Team, who can provide more information and will work with you to move through this process as quickly as possible.
Our mental health and addiction programs are designed for those 18 years and over. However, our Eating Disorder Program accepts patients aged 16 years and over. Please contact our Intake Team for further information.
Yes, cell phones are allowed in all of our programs, during the evenings and on weekends. You cannot use your cell phone during treatment times. In our Addiction Medicine Program, you cannot access your phone for the first three days. Your phone will be returned to you on day four.
Staying in contact with family is important. Our visitor policy is outlined in our Admission Booklet. As policies can change due to health restrictions, please contact our Intake Team for the most up-to-date information.
This may be possible; please get in touch with our Intake Team for further information.
Most of our rooms are semi-private, and you will have a roommate during your stay. You can request a private room at any time during your stay. You would be responsible for the additional cost if your insurance benefits do not cover private accommodation. We cannot guarantee that a private room will become available during your stay.
If you have a concern, please feel free to speak to a clinical team member at any time or with our Patient Relations department.
Many patients come from provinces and territories across Canada. Most patients from outside Ontario fly into Toronto, about one hour from Guelph, by car.
Yes, we do accept out-of-country referrals.
We have a complete nutritional services department with a chef that can accommodate most dietary requirements. We can provide gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian options. There are plenty of snack options available throughout the day. We have a full dining room, cafe, and vending machines onsite. Please tell your Intake Specialist and your clinical team if you have special dietary needs.
Making real change is a complex process. Ambivalence and not being always entirely motivated in treatment is quite common and understandable – individuals are in a new environment, their former coping strategies are interrupted, and their emotions are likely more powerful.
Thank them for telling you and validate their feelings. Please encourage them to contact their clinical team to discuss any concerns and how they are feeling. Encourage the person to wait at least several days before deciding to leave. Impulsive, quick decisions often lead to challenges. The urge to leave usually decreases after the first week and over time as people become grounded in the program and the new network of people. Encourage them to take it one day at a time and remember their original reasons for attending the program.
Visiting hours vary between programs:
Homewood Health Centre is a fully accredited, physician-led, medically-based inpatient treatment facility offering several specialized programs and extensive services to treat a wide range of mental health issues including trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression as well as co-occurring mental health and addiction issues.
Located in a relaxing 50 acre setting in Guelph, Ontario, Homewood Health Centre is one of Canada’s foremost mental health treatment facilities and we serve as a provincial and national resource for patients, families and their communities.
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