OTTAWA, April 14 /CNW/ - Accreditation Canada has released new national health care standards for community-based mental health services. The Community-Based Mental Health Services and Supports Standards cover a wide variety of services including mental health promotion and education, early intervention services, crisis intervention, counselling and therapy, peer and self-help programs, diversion and court support, and social rehabilitation and recreation.

"Mental health illnesses affect all Canadians, either directly or through someone close to us. The impact mental illness has on the day-to-day lives of individuals, families, and friends can be very significant," says Wendy Nicklin, President and CEO of Accreditation Canada. "Often, the support people need isn't found in a hospital, but rather at a clinic or a community centre. These new standards will help community mental health organizations provide safe, high-quality services to their clients."

Given the increased emphasis on the treatment of mental illness outside of an institution, it became apparent to Accreditation Canada that there was a need for a greater focus on community mental health services in its Qmentum accreditation program. An advisory committee made up of clients, surveyors, and sector experts lent their expertise to this initiative. Further guidance received through national consultation and pilot testing ensured the standards would meet the quality and safety needs of the health care professionals who would be putting them in place.

Accreditation Canada (www.accreditation.ca) is a not-for-profit, independent organization that provides health services organizations with a rigorous and comprehensive accreditation process. We foster ongoing quality improvement based on evidence-based standards and external peer review. Accredited by the International Society for Quality in Health Care, Accreditation Canada has helped organizations strive for excellence for more than 50 years.

For further information:
For media inquiries contact:
Liane Craig
Director, Strategic Communications
613-738-3800 ext. 301
communications@accreditation.ca