The Mental Health Act 101: What Families Need to Know to Navigate the Mental Health System

The Mental Health Act, and the mental health system itself, can be a cumbersome and daunting thing for families of loved ones with a mental illness to navigate.

Having some basic knowledge of the Act and the system can help families advocate for and secure health care resources for their family members, which in turn will promote positive outcomes and a faster recovery.

Sherri Cannon, manager of patient care services in The Royal's Geriatric Psychiatry Program, discusses the challenges faced by those first entering the mental health system and provides a basic working knowledge of the Mental Health Act.

Topics discussed include forms and Mental Health Act legislation, getting your loved one to the hospital, what to do if your loved one won't accept help (i.e., Community Treatment Order), among others.