The absence of timely care has devastating effects.

Here's what Starling is doing to help.

At Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood), we are tackling our struggling healthcare system head-on with a comprehensive, community-driven approach. We have teamed up with hospitals and physicians to create innovative solutions that deliver immediate mental health support to children and families, while alleviating pressure on our strained healthcare system.

Our Medical Clinic Program integrates mental health professionals directly into family health teams. When a child visits their doctor, they can be immediately referred to a Starling mental health professional, bypassing long waits and ensuring timely, effective care. This approach not only frees up physician time but also guarantees that children receive the support they need right when they need it.

Our Emergency Department Diversion Team works within local hospitals to support families, redirecting youth in need of mental health support away from crowded emergency departments and toward more appropriate community supports. By intervening during these critical moments, we not only preserve vital hospital resources to provide timely, specialized care for those in urgent medical need, but also ensure that youth receive immediate attention and the highest quality of support to address their mental health needs.

Our Children’s Mental Health Centre location provides short-term live-in services, offering a seamless continuum of care when youth are discharged from the hospital. Here, young people receive ongoing treatment, monitoring, and support, until they are fully ready to return home.

Donate to Children's Mental Health

The impact of is felt right here in Waterloo Region.

By the Numbers

With the rising number of children and youth visiting the emergency department for mental health concerns, we cannot sustain and grow these vital programs without your help. 

By donating today, you will be contributing to the well-being and future success of countless young lives. Together, we can walk alongside children, youth, and their families, ensuring they have access to the right care at the right time.

 

Who we are: Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that provides mental health, employment, and housing services in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. For over 50 years, we have grown to care for more than 18,000 people annually within our community. Learn more at www.starlingcs.ca