Mental Health Day Treatment Programs

Mental Health Day Treatment (MHDT) Programs are available at both the Ajax/Pickering and Oshawa sites of Lakeridge Health. Programming may vary depending on the location, age, or needs of the client.

Oshawa Site (LHO) 

The Oshawa MHDT Program provides intensive, in-person group-based therapy for adults (25 years and older) and transitional aged youth (18-25) who are experiencing mental health challenges that impact their ability to function in their daily life. This program is most suitable for clients who have a primary diagnosis of a Mood Disorder and or present with anxiety or other mental health concerns.  

MHDT is a structured, time-limited program that is facilitated by a multidisciplinary team who assist clients with exploring and managing their mental health and associated behaviours. Areas of focus may include the following: anxiety, depression, stress management, effective communication, self-esteem, emotion regulation, resilience, therapeutic recreation, and healthy lifestyles.   

For adults over 25 years, MHDT offers treatment groups in stages with the total length of the program dependent on individual needs (typically up to 12 weeks). 

1. GRASP (Get Ready and Start Participating) provides assessment, stabilization, psychoeducation and basic skills acquisition to participants. Groups sessions occur twice per week for a 1-to-1.5-hour duration. All participants are required to begin involvement with MHDT at Grasp, transitioning to the next stage in programming (CORE) if assessed to be appropriate. 

2. CORE provides intensive programming focused on evidence-based therapy and best practices.  Treatment modalities typically offered are Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Recreation Therapy, and Psychoeducation. Groups are offered Monday to Friday with a requirement of daily in-person attendance. 

For adults aged 18-25, MHDT offers the following groups: 

1. Transitional Age Youth Program (TAYP): Provides specific group programming and services to address the unique needs of transitional aged youth. Groups operate Monday to Friday and are 8 weeks in duration. Programming includes, although is not limited to, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Recreation Therapy, and Psychoeducation.

2. Social Activation Group (SAG): SAG is a Recreational Therapy group for individuals who want to improve their confidence in social environments and have positive interactions with their peers. Groups are in-person and consist of a rotation of fun activities and events to support interpersonal skill development and social engagement. Groups are offered once per week; participants may attend for up to three months.