Child and Adolescent Services
Child and Adolescent Services (CAS) at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital is an outpatient mental health program serving individuals residing in the catchment of eastern York Region and north Durham area.
Access to any of the following services or programs requires a referral made by a physician and faxed to the clinic using our referral form. Download the mental health referral form.
Our multidisciplinary team consists of mental health care providers who offer assessment and treatment for children ages five to 18 with moderate to severe mental health concerns associated with the following:
Care providers
Our multidisciplinary team is highly trained to work with children, youth, and their families who suffer from mental health illnesses. Our team consists of:
Assessment
Treatment options
Individual therapy:
Our clinicians provide evidence-based therapy approaches to manage symptoms. The following approaches are offered such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness, play therapy and eye movement desensitization, and reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
Group therapy:
Worry Busters @ Markham Stouffville Hospital:
Children between the ages of nine and 13 years old who struggle with anxiety can participate in a 13-session evidence-based program using a CBT model, as well as incorporating yoga and creative art therapy. Parents are an integral part of the program and attend three out of the 13 sessions to learn specific strategies and gain education, resources, and support.
Youth Mental Health Groups:
Youth can begin the group program with a four-week educational group:
Parent webinars
Parents and caregivers of clients registered at the clinic can attend a monthly webinar to learn about distressing emotions and mental illness in youth such as anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. In addition, webinars will include helpful tips to develop strategies in response to their youth’s mental health concerns.
Registration is required ahead of time.
ATLAS (day treatment program)
The Adolescent Mental Health Day Hospital Program (ATLAS) is an intensive treatment program for teens suffering from severe anxiety and/or depression where attendance to or performance at school has been significantly undermined by symptoms.
ATLAS provides a multi-modal treatment milieu, together with a positive academic experience, to reduce symptoms and to equip teens with skills and strategies to more successfully manage symptoms and live the lives they want.
Teachers from York Region District School Board teach and offer students a unique high school credit.
Parents are offered weekly support and education.
Accessing services
Access to any of the above services or programs requires a referral made by a physician and faxed to the clinic using our referral form. Download the mental health referral form.
In the event that a child or adolescent is experiencing suicidal intention or has a plan to harm themselves or someone else, please go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 911.