Explore our projects and join us in shaping the future of mental health.
Our team is dedicated to advancing research that enhances treatment and support for those affected by mental illness, addiction and geriatric concerns, and looks to improve mental health and substance use services and policies.
Understanding coercive control in 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities
Research Overview
Understanding coercive control in 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities
Addressing disparities in forensic mental healthcare for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)
Research Overview
Addressing disparities in forensic mental healthcare for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)
Childhood adversity, antisociality, and suicidal behaviour among men in a high-secure forensic hospital
Research Overview
Childhood adversity, antisociality, and suicidal behaviour among men in a high-secure forensic hospital
October 2025 Research Nook
Research Nook Edition #10
In this edition of the Research Nook: Storytelling for Change Event; What's New at the WRI; Conferences & Events; PCFC Corner; Recent Publications; WRI in the News; and Geriatric Research in North Simcoe Muskoka
Enhancing substance use service delivery in rural and remote Ontario
Providing substance use services in rural areas can be challenging due to limited resources, geographic isolation, and health human resource shortfalls.
The Supporting Transformation through Research, Evidence, and Action in Mental health (STREAM) Lab at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care conducted a rapid review of academic literature and published reports on substance use services in rural and remote areas. Based on 28 documents, we highlight key findings and considerations that may be relevant to decision-makers supporting MHSU systems planning in Ontario.
Engaging people with lived experience in mental health and substance use decision-making
While people with lived/living experience and expertise (PWLE) of mental health and substance use (MHSU) have played a major role in shaping MHSU systems for decades, this role is increasingly recognized and formalized.
The Supporting Transformation through Research, Evidence, and Action in Mental health (STREAM) Lab at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Healthcare conducted a rapid review of academic literature and published reports, and interviewed experts (most of whom have lived experience) to explore approaches to PWLE engagement in MHSU decision-making. Based on 25 academic articles; over 30 toolkits, resources, and real-world examples; and 17 diverse expert perspectives, we highlight key findings and considerations that may be relevant to decisionmakers supporting MHSU systems planning in Ontario.
Reducing mental health and substance use-related emergency department and inpatient care utilization
Ontario emergency department (ED) and acute care settings face pressures relating to mental health and substance use (MHSU)-related care.
The Supporting Transformation through Research, Evidence, and Action in Mental health (STREAM) Lab at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care conducted a rapid review of academic literature on interventions to reduce MHSU-related ED visits, and hospital admissions and readmissions. Based on 16 systematic and scoping reviews, we highlight key findings and considerations that may be relevant to decision-makers supporting MHSU systems planning in Ontario.
Components of a comprehensive mental health and substance use crisis care system
In Ontario, individuals experiencing mental health and substance use (MHSU) crises do not have access to a consistent, comprehensive system of supports.
The Supporting Transformation through Research, Evidence, and Action in Mental health (STREAM) Lab at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care conducted a rapid review of academic literature and published reports to explore components of a comprehensive MHSU system. Based on 29 reviews, one evidence synthesis product, and eight multi-component approaches to crisis care we identified through the jurisdictional scan, we highlight key findings and considerations that may be relevant to decisionmakers supporting MHSU systems planning in Ontario.
Client experience measurement in Ontario mental health and substance use services
Client experience measurement (CEM) is essential to understanding the quality of mental health and substance use (MHSU) services.
The Supporting Transformation through Research, Evidence, and Action in Mental health (STREAM) Lab at the Waypoint Centre for Mental Healthcare conducted a survey and hosted two deliberative dialogue events to understand current CEM practices across MHSU services in Ontario. Based on survey responses and findings from the deliberative dialogue events, we highlight key findings and considerations that may be relevant to decision-makers supporting MHSU systems planning in Ontario.
The Behaviour Agent Success Program
A multi-component, interdisciplinary, and integrated care intervention rooted in dementia-friendly care, including the prevention and management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
Mental Health Anti-Violence Hub for Empowerment, Advocacy, Resilience, and Trauma Support (MHAV-HEARTS)
Research Overview
How can mental health services be designed to meet the needs of people affected by intimate partner violence through coordinated, culturally safe, and trauma-informed approaches across community and hospital mental healthcare settings?
A Mixed-Method Evaluation of the Georgianwood Virtual Concurrent Disorders Treatment Program
Research Overview
What patterns in mental health, substance use, and daily functioning are observed among participants in the Georgianwood virtual concurrent disorders program, and what insights do they have regarding their program experiences?