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.

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.

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.

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).

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?

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?

Research Overview

In adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with Cannabis Use Disorder, how do those with polysubstance use disorders differ in social and clinical presentations compared to those with CUD only based on a nationally representative U.S. sample?

Learn more about InSPIRE 2025 through our post-conference report

From June 2-4, 2025, the Waypoint Research Institute hosted the 8th Annual Waypoint Research Institute Conference in Blue Mountain, Ontario. More than 140 attendees gathered for this event focused on Integrating Science, Practice, Innovation, Research and Experience (InSPIRE) in mental health and substance use health fields. Click here to read the report.

Research Nook Edition #9

In this edition of the Research Nook: MHAV-HEARTS project What's new at the WRI Recent Publications WRI in the News PCFC Corner Storytelling for Change event