Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit for Family Physicians

About this resource

This toolkit consolidates validated screening tools, Ontario-specific referral pathways, and communication guides for addressing mental health and addiction in primary care.

Use this when…

• You want to efficiently screen patients for depression, anxiety or substance use
• You need current Ontario referral information for mental health services
• You are supporting a patient in a mental health crisis and need a clear pathway
• You want to improve your own professional wellbeing

Key takeaways

1. The PHQ-9, GAD-7 and AUDIT-C remain the recommended first-line screening tools for depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorder respectively.
2. Ontario’s mental health service landscape has changed significantly — ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 is the primary access point.
3. Integrating brief screening into routine visits reduces stigma and improves detection.
4. Physician burnout is a real risk — this toolkit includes resources for your own wellbeing.