Calgary West Central Primary Care Network

Access Mental Health

Oct 26, 2021

Access Mental Health

Oct 26, 2021

Access Mental Health (AMH) is a free, non-urgent telephone-based service providing information, consultation, and referrals for individuals with addiction and/or mental health concerns that reside in the Calgary area.

It is a valuable support for connecting patients to help if needed.

AMH’s Mental Health Clinicians complete a clinical interview with callers to assess their needs and co-create a helpful path forward. Physicians are encouraged to phone in a referral and consult with the clinicians.

Services:

  • Clinical triaging of need (emergent, urgent, routine) and implementing appropriate action
  • Addiction and mental health needs assessment
  • Information and referral recommendations to relevant supports and resources (both AHS and non-AHS programs

 

Eligibility

Anyone with addiction and/or mental health needs in the Calgary area can call AMH for information and/or resource recommendations.

Referral Process

Physicians and clinicians can refer by phone (403.943.1500 or toll-free at 1.844.943.1500) or via fax (403.943.9044) using the AHS generic referral form.

Individuals can self refer by calling 403.943.1500 or 1.844.943.1500.

Referrals can be faxed anytime or called in Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Wait Time

In 2020, the average wait on the adult line was 2.5 minutes, and callers waited on average one minute to speak to a clinician about a child/adolescent referral.

During regular business hours, callers can also leave a voicemail message at any time asking to have their call returned by a clinician when one becomes available. They always have a phone tree option after calling AMH to be connected to the Distress Centre Calgary for immediate support (24/7).