COAST - Program Goals
To assist individuals with a serious mental illness in acute distress or crisis to remain and be treated or supported in the environment of their choice.
To support caregivers, including family members, in managing acute psychiatric problems and crisis through education and problem solving approaches.
To link individuals during and following a crisis with the necessary community resources and support systems, including peer support in order to prevent further crises.
To offer these interventions and supports anywhere within the region.
To be a resource for other communities within the Central-West Health District interested in developing similar Programs.
The Hamilton Community
The COAST office is situated in downtown Hamilton in a small setting large enough to only house staff on duty. A triage worker remains in the office to take the crisis calls, while the outreach team is in the mobile unit each evening. The support team is on duty to do community follow-up.
This service is unique to the region and the surrounding area, complimenting the existing Emergency Psychiatric Services of St Joseph's Hospital. The outreach and support workers have strong links to other service providers and support agencies.
COAST is a program funded by the Ministry of Health, Community Investment Fund with the support of a variety of mental health and social service agencies.
We’re proud to be part of a unified Community team effort with:
