Referral Process

A referral from a Family Physician/MD or Nurse Practitioner is required for psychiatric consultation. Regulated Health Care Professionals may refer patients for counseling. Self-referrals are not accepted. Upon receiving a referral, the intake coordinator will triage and contact the referring source and/or patient to determine the best treatment options. All appointments are pre-arranged and scheduled.

The Outpatient Mental Health Referral Form is available here.

e-Referral (OCEAN)

The Mental Health Outpatient Department and Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Program at STEGH are pleased to accept eReferrals from our providers through the OCEAN eReferral platform.  To align with the direction of the province (patients before paper) to enhance patient access to care, reduce errors, and paper usage associated with faxed referrals, we strongly encourage our providers to utilize the OCEAN platform.

Send an e-Referral using the local health service directory OceanHealthMap.ca. MHOP is listed as St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Outpatient Mental Health Services. Elgin Geriatric Services (BSO) is listed as Elgin Geriatric Services. Once you click on the service you want, the option to create a new referral is at the bottom of the location and services description.

Elgin Geriatric Services has partnered with Partnering for Quality at Ontario Health West, and the referral form has been digitized for Electronic Medical Record (EMR) use (Telus, PS Suite, QHR Accuro, and fillable PDF). This form can be found at EMR Resource and typing “Elgin Geriatric Services” in the search field. If you have questions about how to locate the form or how to upload/download into your EMR, contact info@partneringforquality.ca.

Cancellations and No-Show Policy

Appointment Commitment: When you schedule an appointment, you are reserving time with a healthcare professional who is prepared to provide the care you need.  If you cannot attend, it is important to cancel or reschedule as soon as possible to allow another patient the opportunity to be seen.

•  Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment will be considered a no-show.
• Missing two consecutive appointments will result in discharge from the Outpatient Mental Health Program.
• Patients who miss an appointment must contact Outpatient Services within three (3) weeks to reschedule. Failure to do so will result in discharge.
• Missing four non-consecutive appointments will also result in discharge.
• Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies). Please contact us promptly at (519) 631-2030 ext. 2795 if your situation warrants an exception.
• Once discharged, a new referral is required for future Outpatient Services.