Understanding the Mental Health Care System
Adjusting to Mental Health Services at U of T
University life can be a big transition for students. Students may be leaving home for the first time and navigating life independently for the first time. Those with pre-existing mental health concerns may experience greater challenges with additional demands of academic life. Getting help for your mental health in university can feel very different and scary for some who are now doing it on their own.
Because the paediatric and adult healthcare systems are very different, the transition from one to the other is not always smooth and easy. Many young people and families can find this change difficult, especially if there are pre-existing mental health challenges. Students can feel lost and isolated in their mental health journey.
Encourage your loved one to join clubs and extracurriculars, to be active in campus social activities, and to seek out help for any academic or health challenges.
U of T is committed to a culture of inclusivity and belonging. It is the shared responsibility of students, faculty, librarians, and staff to engage in promoting equity and inclusion to allow all students reach their full potential. There are supports at the University and in the community that offer specialized services to equity deserving groups. Encourage your loved one to engage with faculty, residence staff, advisors, on what options are available to them.
Differences from Paediatric to Adult Healthcare Systems in Ontario
Mental Health services at U of T are considered ‘adult healthcare’ and follow the same rules. Parents & supporters are not automatically included in students’ care at U of T, even if you have been part of their care in other settings. This may be the first time your loved one is seeking out help on their own and so there are some important things to consider.
Key Legal and System Changes
In the Ontario healthcare system, you are considered an adult once you turn 18.
There are a number of important legal and system changes that relate to this transition:
Decision Making
Students are expected to manage their own healthcare, make their own decisions. They can still have family members support them (attend appointments, help with treatment decisions) but they cannot decide for them next steps in care.
Privacy
A student’s medical information is protected
by the Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA) and is private. Information cannot be shared without a students expressed consent – this includes family members or anyone at the university.
Records
There is no automatic process of transitioning child healthcare records to an adult provider. A student must request their old records and ask them to be sent to their new clinic.
Helpful Tips on What to Expect
You will not be contacted by your loved one’s providers unless there is explicit consent from them to involve you in their care.
Emergency Contacts
Encourage your loved one to mark you down as their emergency contact as this will help you stay informed in case of an emergency. Emergency contacts can be listed through the health clinic, university registration, and with residence if the student lives on campus. Without this specific consent, you cannot be contacted or notifying you will be delayed until they provide consent in the moment.
Skill development
Anticipate that your loved one will need to learn several skills for themselves, such as re-ordering medication prescriptions, informing their doctor of unwanted side effects, making appointments and following up with questions for their healthcare providers. Talk with your loved one early and often about these important aspects of their healthcare and how to successfully advocate for themselves. There are many checklists and resources online that can walk you through some tips on how to prepare your loved one for independence in the healthcare system.
Remember That You Are Not Alone
Reach out to these organizations for help or support. Click the logo to learn more at each organization’s website.
