Line mental health services consist of assessment, treatment, follow-up or referral activities provided by a professional usually integrated into a multidisciplinary mental health team.

Front-line services are intended for people aged 18 and over:

• with symptoms suggesting the presence of a mental disorder
• having an unstable mental disorder
• with moderate or severe symptoms that have stabilized, but require the specific expertise of the mental health team

Symptoms leading to moderate dysfunction in different areas of people's lives (e.g. anxiety, depression, relationship problems, etc.).

How do I access the services?

The person who wishes to request services must first contact the social reception of the CLSC in his or her territory or contact the Info-Social service (811) to determine a first evaluation meeting. Depending on the nature of the need expressed, the person will be referred to adult mental health services.

In addition, a community partner (family physician, community agency worker, school network, etc.) can refer a user directly to mental health services.

It is suggested that a person who fears they may have a mental health problem or who presents certain symptoms should first consult their family doctor. If necessary, the doctor will refer the person to the Mental Health Access Centre. The Mental Health Access Desk assesses needs, provides short-term support or refers the person to the range of mental health services that best meet their needs.

The front-line mental health teams, CLSC component, are basically made up of psychologists, social workers and nurses. These professionals work in collaboration with general practitioners, particularly those in family medicine groups (FMGs), and community organizations in their territory.

Where and when do the services take place?

Services are offered in the CLSC of each territory during business hours.

What can I expect?

Duration of service will depend on clinical need and severity of symptoms. Different service modalities are offered and follow-up can range from a brief intervention of a few days (2 or 3 sessions) to several months.

Interventions can be individual or group (example: group for anxiety disorders, self-care group for depression, group for people with personality disorders, etc.).