About Us

CMHA Durham has a well-established history serving the Durham community for more than 45 years. It is part of a national association founded in 1918. It fulfils its mission by:

• Providing a range of responsive programs in an atmosphere of mutual sharing;
• Educating the wider community regarding mental health issues;
• Developing and operating community-based mental health programs;
• Working closely with other related services in the community;
• Participating in the development of other suitable programs in the community;

We have evolved into an effective multi-service agency offering a full range of services and supports, which you will find about about on this website. Services are provided through our Corporate Services, and the Resource Centre for Wellness & Learning, supported by the Education & Training Program and FIRST CONTACT PROGRAM Services: Brief Case Management Services; Solution-Focused Counselling and Single Session Team Consultations. Supportive Services include: Rehabilitation Programs, Supportive Housing & Case Management, Housing Outreach to the Homeless Project, Community Mental Health Nurse and Employment Services/Small Business Initiatives.

CMHA Durham is able to stretch its limited resources to respond to consumer needs due to its dedicated multi-disciplinary team of staff with considerable expertise in the mental health field. In placing a high value on its human resources, the agency strives to be a "learning agency" through ongoing staff development and training.

Staff members are encouraged to acquire and maintain quality credentials in the mental health field in order to ensure we continue to provide quality services to our community. Many staff have received certification from Humber College in Advanced Case Management. A partnership with the University of Toronto Department of Social Work has resulted in the training of many of our staff in Solution-Focused Counselling, with the goal to have all of our staff trained. Collaboration and training with the Internation Brief Therapy Institute and the Hincks Dellcrest Centre has been instrumental to the development of brief, solution-focused intervention programs at CMHA Durham.

CMHA Durham plays a supportive role to other mental health programs. It provides location space and administrative support to the Remembering Fatherhood Program (a research project of Lakeridge Health Corporation) and the Peer Support Program/Consumer Support Services (a consumer initiative).

CMHA Durham has successfully developed a variety of business enterprises and employment partnerships to help consumers develop viable employment skills and achieve greater financial independence. These initiatives are considered to be innovative and creative opportunities for consumers to achieve their vocational goals. Parternships with Human Resources Development Canada and Durham Region Employment Network are examples of the agency's commitment to collaborative vocational training and support.

Browse our website to find out about some of the other contributions, programs and services which CMHA Durham is providing.

Board of Directors

Throughout its over 45 year history, the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham Branch has benefited from the involvement of dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring individuals.

CMHA Durham is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with an interest in mental health issues. The Board is comprised of individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

In addition to their board responsibilities, members participate in one or more committees. These include the Executive Committee, Community Wellness/Learning Advisory Committee, and Fundraising Committee.

CMHA Durham appreciates the time, energy and dedication of our Board Members.