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Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program - COVID-19 Information

Here you can find information about COVID-19 that is specific to the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program. For all general information about COVID-19 from Sunnybrook, please visit sunnybrook.ca/COVID19

Important note about visitors

In order to ensure the safety of our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunnybrook is limiting the number of visitors in the hospital.

» View our current visitor guidelines


This is a rapidly evolving situation, and updates to this information might occur daily. Please check back often.

- Last updated June 18, 2021

Are my weekly appointments / check-ups / group therapy sessions still happening?

Virtual care is being offered to help continue care for most patients. Where possible, appointments will be held by video or over the phone. Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases your doctor may ask you to visit a hospital or other health-care facility if necessary, for a physical examination.

Group treatment for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is currently being offered through a web-based model. For those who are not able to participate in this kind of treatment, alternative options will be discussed with each individual.

Please be advised that due to COVID, the Thompson Centre’s residential and day treatment programs are currently being offered through a virtual model. Individuals who have submitted referrals will be contacted to discuss treatment options and eligibility.

For more information about virtual care, please visit the Department of Psychiatry page.

I am an attendant and provide support to a person with a mental health condition or physical disability. Can I go with them to their appointment?

Can I still reach out to the Family Navigation Project for support?

The Family Navigation Project (FNP) continues to be available to support youth and families needing navigation. Please note: during the COVID-19 pandemic, many service providers across the Greater Toronto Area were required to shift to virtual appointments and have reported greater demand for services resulting in increased wait times.

The FNP Navigation team is taking an active role in staying updated on service provider changes and wait times to facilitate smooth connections to services for youth and families as some service providers have started to offer in-person options as they work to reduce waitlists. Please be patient as FNP team members continue to support families during this time.

Please contact FNP for assistance.

Is the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM Clinic) at Sunnybrook open to patients?

The Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic at Sunnybrook provides in-person and web-based access to short-term medical intervention, counselling, and peer support for substance use concerns.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit the RAAM Clinic at Sunnybrook webpage.

My friend / family member is an in-patient at Sunnybrook. Can I still visit?

I am a participant in a clinical trial. Is the trial continuing?

If you or a loved one is participating in a clinical trial, please contact study staff for more details about your specific trial.

I have an appointment in audiology services. Is it cancelled?

In order to reduce the number of people in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraging our health-care workers to have virtual visits with their patients, and to cancel any non-urgent visits. Your follow-up appointment might be postponed, or your physician’s office may reach out to you to set up a virtual appointment or by phone, if possible. Referred patients continue to be accepted and will be contacted directly by audiology services.

Is my cochlear implant surgery considered elective or urgent? What will happen to my surgery?

Patients will be contacted in advance to let them know about the need to postpone their procedure. All surgeries that may be safely done at a later time will be postponed. This will likely affect some cochlear implant surgeries. Sunnybrook surgeons have been diligently reviewing each patient case to ensure this is being done with the utmost care. We understand this is frustrating and difficult. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we respond to this global pandemic and work to keep our patients, staff and community safe.

Feeling ill and concerned about COVID-19?

The Ontario Government recommends anybody with symptoms of COVID-19, or anybody who thinks they may have been exposed to the virus, visit an assessment centre to get tested.

» View more information, including a list of COVID-19 assessment centres in Ontario

If you have difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms and need immediate medical help, please call 911.


Mental health resources

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or in severe emotional distress, please call 911 or visit your local emergency department. If you feel like you are in crisis or need somebody to talk to, community resources are here to help:

  • Crisis Services Canada
    24-hour, toll-free 1-833-456-4566
    Text: 45645 (4PM - midnight ET)
  • Kids Help Phone
    24-hour, 1-800-668-6868
  • Integrated Community Health Crisis Response Program
    24-hour crisis services in Etobicoke and North York
    416-498-0043
  • Scarborough Mobile Crisis Centre
    24-hour crisis services in East York and Scarborough
    416-495-2891
  • LGBTQ Youthline (Ontario wide)
    Peer support phone line for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, 2-spirited, queer and questioning youth
    Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30PM
    1-800-268-9688
    Text line: 647-694-4275
  • Toronto Distress Centres
    24-hour, 416 408-4357
  • Gerstein Centre Crisis Line
    24-hour, 416 929-5200
  • Toronto Withdrawal Management System (detox)
    24-hour, 416 864-5040 or Toll-free: 1 866 366-9513
  • ConnexOntario (Addiction, Mental Health, and Problem Gambling Treatment Services)
    24-hour, 1-866-531-2600

View all information about COVID-19