Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as a leading international research center in these fields. Established in 1998 through the merger of multiple institutions, CAMH combines clinical care, education, research, and health policy to address a wide range of mental health and addiction issues. Located in Toronto with additional satellite facilities across Ontario, CAMH specializes in the assessment and treatment of mood, anxiety, personality disorders, and various addictions.
The center operates a Law and Mental Health Programme, providing forensic psychiatry and psychology services while also serving as a significant research hub. CAMH is affiliated with the University of Toronto and collaborates with the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization. Its research focuses on molecular medicine, psychiatric genetics, and clinical and behavioral neuroscience, contributing to the global understanding of addiction and mental health.
Through its mission, CAMH emphasizes client-centered care, promoting awareness, prevention, and effective treatment while ensuring access to quality services. The center also provides valuable online resources and publications for both professionals and the public, reflecting its commitment to continuous learning and cultural sensitivity in addressing diverse needs within the community.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
ALSO KNOWN AS: Centre de toxicomanie et de santé mentale
DEFINITION: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. It is also an internationally renowned research center in addiction and mental health. The CAMH is affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a collaborating center of the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization.
DATE: Established 1998
Background
The CAMH was formed in 1998 following the merger of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, the Addiction Research Foundation, the Donwood Institute, and Queen Street Mental Health Centre. The CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy, and health promotion to transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.
The organization is focused on the assessment and treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders and addictions to alcohol, drugs, and pathological gambling. The CAMH also includes the Law and Mental Health Programme, which provides forensic psychiatry and forensic psychology services. This program serves as a major research center for these disciplines.
The CAMH's central facilities are located in Toronto, in addition to ten satellite facilities within the province of Ontario. The center is affiliated with the University of Toronto. It operates as a collaborating center for the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization for mental health and addiction issues.
The CAMH offers practical, research-based publications and online resources for professionals and the public. Journals, newsletters, documents, and websites provide updated information on substance use and addiction, mental health, concurrent disorders, trauma, policy research, clinical tools, and health promotion.
Research at the CAMH is an integral part of the organization and features three areas of scientific focus: molecular medicine, psychiatric genetics, and clinical and behavioral neuroscience. The research laboratories include a wet lab, an animal facility, two PET scanners, and a cyclotron located in the Brain Health Imaging Centre. Several scientists associated with the CAMH hold prestigious positions as Canadian research chairs, endowed university chairs, or professorships. Research is conducted in collaboration with national and international neural and social scientists to address global issues related to addiction and mental health.
Mission and Goals
The goal of the CAMH is to provide a national leadership network for better awareness, prevention, and care of substance abuse and mental health issues. The research generated and the publications produced promote the discovery, sharing, and application of new knowledge that helps to improve the lives of those affected by addiction and mental health problems.
The center's primary mission is to conduct research and develop adequate services. Its research findings and developments are widely disseminated in Canada and internationally. The CAMH also ensures that people in Ontario and the rest of Canada can access effective and appropriate services as required in a client-centered practice. In addition to operating numerous facilities, the center provides reliable, easily accessible online resources for the public regarding addiction and mental health.
The CAMH promotes continuous learning and evaluation, diversity, collaboration, and accountability. The mission of client-based care incorporates a holistic view of health. It recognizes each patient's unique social, physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. It works to integrate these preferences, needs, aspirations, and cultural beliefs into more effective prevention and treatment programs.
Bibliography
"CAMH – Toronto Discovery District." Toronto Discovery District, torontodiscoverydistrict.ca/camh. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
Giesbrecht, Norman, Andrée Demers, and Evert Lindquist. Sober Reflections: Commerce, Public Health, and the Evolution of Alcohol Policies in Canada, 1980–2000. Toronto: McGill-Queen’s UP, 2006.
Mick, Hayley. "Extreme Makeover to Transform City’s Premier Mental Health Centre and Queen West." Globe and Mail, 3 Oct. 2006.
Moran, James, and David Wright. Mental Health and Canadian Society: Historical Perspectives. Toronto: McGill-Queen’s UP, 2006.
"Programs & Services." CAMH, www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
Shilliday, Greg. "The Donwood Institute: Resort of Last Resort." Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 128, no. 10, 1983, pp. 1220–21.
Steep, Barbara. Talking About Mental Illness: A Guide for Developing an Awareness Program for Youth. Toronto: CAMH, 2001.
"Visiting CAMH." CAMH, www.camh.ca/en/your-care/visiting-camh. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.