Programs and Services

Accessing Services at the Douglas Institute

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The Douglas Institute provides specialized services for children, adolescents, and adults living with mental health problems, along with a psychiatric emergency department for adults. Services are offered in French and English, primarily to residents within the Institute’s catchment area. Like all public health and social services in Québec, mental health treatments and services provided by the Institute are covered by the Régime d’assurance maladie du Québec (Québec Health Insurance Plan). 

If you are not already receiving specialized mental health services, you must first make a request through the mental health access mechanism (mécanisme d’accès en santé mentale, MASM) at your local CLSC. The MASM’s role is to assess your needs, determine the required services, and direct you to the service that best suits your situation.

To make a request to the MASM, you can:   

  • Speak with your family doctor, a specialized nurse practitioner in mental health (SNP-MH), or another health care provider.  
  • Visit the psychosocial reception desk at your nearest CLSC (centre local de services communautaires).   

Some services at the Institute have specific mandates and only accept service users through referral from a healthcare worker. The following services operate through a specific referral process: 

  • The Eating Disorders Program 
  • Program for Dementia with Psychiatric Comorbidity 

In case of a psychiatric emergency 

For adults 18 years and over 
For children and young people aged 17 and under 
Go directly to the Douglas Institute Psychiatric Emergency

Go directly to the Douglas Institute Psychiatric Emergency

6875 Boul. LaSalle
Montréal (Verdun), QC H4H 1R3 

Opening hours 

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Go directly to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Emergency

Go directly to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Emergency

1001 Boul. Décarie Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1

1001 Boul. Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Experiencing a first episode psychosis

If you are experiencing your first psychotic episode and live in the catchment areas of the CLSC Verdun, Dorval, Lachine or LaSalle, you can contact the Douglas Institute’s First-Episode Psychosis Program (PEPP). Follow-up will be provided within 48 hours. 

Phone: 514 761-6131 ext. 3371  

If you live in another region of Québec, please contact the first-episode psychosis program closest to you. 

List of first-episode psychosis programs in Québec   

Having thoughts of suicide

If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, you can contact the following resources:  

  • TEXT or SMS: 53 53 53 
  • Phone: 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553) or 988 
  • Or call INFO social: 811 opt. 2