Make a Referral

Access and System Navigation (ASN) offers one point of access for children/youth/families and professionals who require information or services offered from Core Service Providers in Hamilton.

ASN provides information and assists in determining which supports and services best meet the needs of the child / youth and their families.

There are no longer individual referral forms for specific programs. We use one universal online and secure referral form for ALL programs.

Once referral forms are received by ASN, a System Navigator assists and supports clients and service providers through the referral process.

PLEASE NOTE:

All services for children and youth that have developmental, autism, FASD or complex needs, require a referral through Contact Hamilton. You can access these services by:

• Phone: 905-570-8888

• Email: info@contacthamilton.ca

• Fax: 905-522-5998

Alternatives for Youth: Secondary school-on-site treatment, family education, skills development, and youth outreach.

Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara: Brief therapy, therapy, skill development, and parenting support for francophone families.

City of Hamilton Child & Adolescent Services: Walk-in, single session individual therapy, and short-term therapy.

COAST Crisis Outreach and Support Team: Crisis services and mobile rapid response.

Good Shepherd Youth Services: Brennan House complex mental health treatment residential facility for youth aged 15-18 years.

Lynwood Charlton Centre: Intensive out-of-home treatment, GPS in-home treatment, specialized counselling programs, school programs, and community groups and events.

RJCHC Child and Youth Mental Health Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital: Outpatient day treatment, assessments, and in-patient services.

Anyone can refer a child/youth to ASN for services and support if they have the appropriate consent to do so.

You can self-refer or someone on your behalf (with consent) may refer you to ASN if:

• You are age 12 years or older, you can request counselling services without the consent of a guardian (if you wish).

• You are referring a youth aged 16 years of age or older, consent is required from that youth.

• You are referring a child or youth under the age of 16 years, consent is required from the youth OR from their legal guardian(s).

CONFIRMATION AND BOOKING

Once we receive your referral, one of our ASN Intake team will respond to you via email/phone to:

• Confirm we have received and accepted your referral

• Book a convenient time for an Intake appointment with one of our System Navigators

• Provide resources you can use while you are waiting

Please note:

Our Access Line is answered Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. While we do our best to review referrals with 1 business day, you may need to wait up to 5 business days if we are experiencing high volumes.

INTAKE APPOINTMENT

Anyone over the age of 12, with or without a guardian can attend the Intake appointment. The purpose of the Intake is to gather information about your unique situation so that we can refer you to the appropriate services and connect you to the right resources.

During your Intake we will discuss what services and supports are available. Based on your specific needs and the options available, we will then identify what level of care is required and which service best meets your immediate needs.

With your approval and consent - we will make the agreed upon referral on your behalf. A copy of the recommendations and referrals you agree to will be sent to you. 

AFTER THE INTAKE

You will be contacted by the Service Provider -which you have been referred to - about the status of your referral.

If you have submitted a referral and are waiting for services, please do not hesitate to contact our Intake Office at 905-389-1161.