Mental Health Program

Living with a congenital heart condition can be emotionally challenging. You may experience stress, anxiety, or low mood – especially while managing physical symptoms, uncertainty, or the long-term effects of heart-related procedures. This is common, and support is available.

Team Members

NP Barrett Laffan

Below are trusted resources to help you understand your emotional health, develop effective coping strategies, and access professional care if needed.

1. Understanding Your Mental Health

2. Building Further Skills to Cope and Feel Better

Explore tools and programs that can help you manage your mental health symptoms and build resilience over time.

Self-Guided Tools and Modules

These resources offer free, evidence-based worksheets and modules for anxiety, depression, and stress:

3. Therapy and Support Services

Support from a mental health professional may be helpful if symptoms persist or interfere with your daily life.

OHIP-Funded Therapy

TeleCBT – Offers OHIP-funded cognitive behavioural therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, short-term therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It is effective for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress.
A physician referral is required. Speak to your ACHD care team or family doctor to explore whether this service is appropriate for you and to request a referral.

The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program– offers free, publicly-funded CBT. You can self-refer to this program through either the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) or through the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

Other Therapy Options

4. Help with substance use

There are a number of local organizations that can help you with substance use, and Rapid Access Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinics are one such resource that is easy to access. Click here for information about RAAM clinic locations.

For help with smoking specifically, this is a free online resource to help you stop smoking that will also provide you with 4 weeks of nicotine replacement sent directly to your home.

5. What to Do in a Crisis

If you are in immediate distress, you are not alone, and support is available 24/7:

  • Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for free, confidential help or visit https://connexontario.ca/
  • Visit your nearest emergency department
  • If someone is at risk of serious harm, call 9-1-1
  • If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline)

6. We’re Here for You

If you are a patient of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Clinic at UHN and you would like non-urgent help with emotional distress or mental health concerns, please speak with your ACHD care team. They can help connect you with appropriate mental health resources and guide you through the referral process if needed.

Disclaimer

The resources listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or endorsement. While they are commonly used and evidence-informed, Toronto ACHD is not affiliated with these external programs and does not assume responsibility for the services provided. Availability, costs, and coverage may vary.