Getting the help you need: step-by-step to results
Organize your thoughts and decide on what information you are looking for before you start making phone calls.

Your search may be time consuming, so you may want to follow these basic steps:

STEP 1 - Decide what information you are looking for:

• Referral to an appropriate psychiatrist/counselor
• Medication information
• Directions to self-help groups
• Supported housing
• Program or agency information
• Recreation

STEP 2 - Contact people who can support you in your search for information and making phone calls:

• Family members/friends
• Caregivers

STEP 3 - Keep a notebook to record useful information:

• Care card and social insurance numbers
• Information received/contacts made
• Does the program have an intake process and/or waiting list?
• Does program or agency have an orientation?
• Is there information you can have mailed out to you?

STEP 4 - People to contact on your search for information:

• Family doctor
• Mental health organizations/non-profit societies
• Family/friend
• Public health nurse
• Mental health worker
• Pharmacist (medication information/interactions/side effects)

A Helpful Hint: You have the right to information and the right to access the services that you need. Don’t give up too soon!