Crisis Respite Program Waterloo Region

Contact: 519-579-0751

The Crisis Respite Program offers short-term stays, at no cost, in a residential setting to individuals 18 years of age and older who are experiencing a mental health and/or psychosocial crisis.

Our six-bedroom house is located in Kitchener and the program offers 24/7 staffing support. Stays at Crisis Respite are voluntary and each individual agrees to follow program expectations.

Short-Term Crisis Respite Stays

Short-term crisis beds provide 24-hour support to individuals who need assistance to manage their crisis. The length of stay for Crisis Respite is determined based on individual need and is re-evaluated regularly during an individual’s stay.

The average length of stay is approximately five (5) days. Admission to the program occurs on the same day as the initial telephone screening is completed, with the exception of a planned respite stay. The Crisis Respite program does not maintain a waitlist for beds.

Individuals may access Crisis Respite for various reasons: to receive emotional support in times of crisis, as an alternative to a hospital stay, or as a transitional step after a hospital stay. The core services provided at Crisis Respite include:

  • Crisis de-escalation and support
  • Safety planning
  • Developing / updating crisis plans
  • Support for symptoms of mental illness
  • Supportive counselling
  • Medication support
  • Referrals and linkages to appropriate community support
  • Partnerships with other service providers, families, and support networks
  • Three-day check-in to review goal progress and to set the discharge date

Planned Crisis Respite Stays

This service is currently not available.

Referral Process

Referrals are accepted from anyone. For more information or to complete a telephone screening, please call Crisis Respite directly at (519) 579-0751