Two new buildings facing Queen Street West are critical for those most in need: people who are acutely ill as well as those experiencing the most complex forms of mental illness, especially patients with schizophrenia. These new facilities will also support our academic mission to advance mental health, and promote positive changes in social attitudes.

The Crisis and Critical Care Building will include the 24/7 Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan Emergency Department, inpatient units and other programming. The Partial Hospital program will provide comprehensive care for people who do not need inpatient treatment, and CAMH will expand its reach to remote communities across Ontario through the TeleMental Health Services program.

The building will also feature the Cope Family Patient Recovery Atrium.

“George and I are such strong believers in the need for new facilities at CAMH as the first step toward both recovery and a new, more dignified and respectful approach to caring for people in need,” says Tami Cope.

This redevelopment is a metaphor for the transformation of our understanding and treatment of mental illness.”

The Complex Care and Recovery Building will feature in- and outpatient services for people with complex mental illness, and will be home to CAMH’s Simulation Centre, Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, and state-of-the-art auditorium.

“This redevelopment — from the new light-filled buildings, to the extension of city streets throughout the campus, to the beautiful green spaces — is a metaphor for the transformation of our understanding and treatment of mental illness,” says Dr. Catherine Zahn, CAMH President & CEO. “We are tearing down walls both literally and figuratively.”

The redevelopment has resonated with donors. Richard Pilosof received care from CAMH for just a few hours, but the experience left an impression on him that will last a lifetime.

“My experience was very minor in the big picture, but it moved me because I felt vulnerable and definitely out of my element,” says Richard, who turned to CAMH’s emergency department for help with anxiety in December 2010.

“While there, I saw a number of people who were dealing with much more significant issues, and I realized the importance of raising awareness about mental illness — to let people know that CAMH exists and that it needs support.”

After conversations with friends and long-time CAMH supporters Valerie and Andy Pringle and Michael Wilson, Richard and Karen Pilosof made a generous gift to support the Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan Emergency Department as part of the next phase of CAMH’s redevelopment.

“There have been a lot of brave people who have come forward to talk about mental illness,” Richard says. “I realized I needed to thank the hospital for my care, and I was fortunate to be able to give back.”