About this resource
Designed for family physicians managing mental health concerns in children and youth (ages 4–18), this guide provides validated screening tools, structured assessment frameworks and current Ontario referral information.
Use this when…
- A parent or child presents with behavioural, emotional or developmental concerns
- You want to screen for anxiety, depression or ADHD using age-validated tools
- You need to make a referral to Ontario’s children’s mental health system
Key tools included
- PSC-17 (Pediatric Symptom Checklist) — general screening for ages 4–16
- SCARED (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders)
- Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale
- PHQ-A (adolescent depression screen)
Ontario referral pathways
- Contact your local children’s mental health agency via ontario.cmha.ca
- For crisis: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, free, confidential)
Suggested citation
OCFP Children's Mental Health Program. Children's Mental Health: Assessment and Referral Guide for Family Physicians. OCFP; 2026. Reviewed June 1, 2026.Retrieved from: ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/resources/childrens-mental-health-guide/