Youth Division

The Sunnybrook Division of Youth Psychiatry is composed of outpatient, inpatient, and Day Treatment programs.

Outpatient

Our Outpatient Program focuses on 'complex cases of mood and anxiety' — that is, mood- and/or anxiety-related difficulties beyond a pediatrician’s or family doctor’s ability to treat. We accept referrals for new outpatient assessments for youth between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age (inclusive) who live in the City of Toronto (i.e., have a home postal code beginning with the letter ‘M’). If needed, we will continue to work with teens already being seen in our Division up until their early 20’s. We also accept requests for second opinions from specialists anywhere in Ontario. Youth Outpatient Referral Forms are available here.

Our Outpatient Program does not usually accept patients with problems that are primarily:

• Eating disorders;
• Severe developmental disorders;
• Substance abuse/dependence;
• Severe disruptive behaviour disorders; or,
• Forensic cases.

Inpatient

Our Inpatient Program focuses on assessment and short-term stabilization; admissions are typically 2-3 weeks) because of emergencies such as suicidality, acute psychosis, mania, or worsening psychiatric conditions.

Elective inpatient admissions are for voluntary, non-urgent psychiatric care. Elective admissions can occur only if there is bed availability, since first priority goes to admissions through the Emergency Department. Reasons for an elective admission could include diagnostic clarification, starting or adjusting medications in complex situations, behavioural activation, or starting neuromodulation (rTMS or ECT). (Respite care for patients or families is not an appropriate reason for elective admission.) Inquiries regarding an elective admission should be directed to the inpatient Intake Coordinator by calling 416-480-6100 ext. 62504

Day Treatment

Our Day Treatment Program ("Fresh Start") is a school-based program focusing on transitioning students with mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorders back to school.

Learn more about services in the Youth Division:

• Inpatient Program
• Fresh Start Day Treatment Program
• Research in the Youth Division
• Youth Urgent Assessment Clinic