As the Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health in Hamilton, we support children and adolescents (0-18 and of all gender presentations), and their parents/caregivers who are experiencing complex mental health challenges.

This support would include:

• Intensive out-of-home programs run out of 4 sites in Hamilton, Ontario;

• At-home treatment programs;

• Specialized counselling services for Immigrant and Refugee children, youth and their families;

• Specialized counselling services for children and youth (up to age 18) who have been sexually victimized;

• Culturally-informed specialized mental health services for children, youth, and families who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Colour (BIPOC);

• School-based mental health programs for students;

• Professional mental health support and resources for community Educators.

Lynwood Charlton Centre specialized programs are accessed through referrals through Access and System Navigation (ASN)

Access and System Navigation (ASN) offers one point of access for children/youth/families and professionals who require information or services offered from Core Service Providers in Hamilton.

ASN provides information and assists in determining which supports and services best meet the needs of the child / youth and their families.

Learn More / Make a Referral

During your Intake we will discuss what services and supports are available. Based on your specific needs and the options available, we will then identify what level of care is required and which service best meets your immediate needs.

This assessment will include gathering information on your demographics, health and other background information.

The wait times vary depending on the service you need. Shorter-term services are generally faster to access. More intensive services typically have longer waiting times.

We use a multidisciplinary approach to our service delivery with each program led by a Program Manager and Team Leader(s).

In child and youth mental health, multidisciplinary care means:

• Holistic support: Combining clinical perspectives (like occupational therapy, social work, and nursing) to address all aspects of well-being—emotional, social, developmental, and physical.

• Seamless collaboration: Regular team consultations ensure care is coordinated, with no gaps or redundancies.

• Strength in diversity: Our team includes child and youth workers, developmental service workers, social workers, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners—each bringing unique expertise to the table.

This model ensures every child receives comprehensive care tailored to their complex needs, not just isolated treatments.

Length of service varies depending on what is being sought. Your LCC worker will discuss this with you at intake.

Your involvement at Lynwood Charlton Centre is private and confidential.

Your information will only be shared among staff and placement students who need to know in order to help with your situation. Private and confidential information is shared only with consent of the parent/ guardian or youth.

Exceptions are made in the case of suspected child abuse where reporting is mandatory, where the law requires disclosure through a court order, or when the client or another person is at serious risk of harm.

There are no fees for services at Lynwood Charlton Centre.

Our child and youth mental health services are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Health.