Fred Victor is the lead agency in this agency referral network for people with both substance use issues and other mental illness and complex needs in the City of Toronto. Concurrent Disorders Support Services (CDSS) offers a high-degree of support to its clients by helping them fast-track and navigate the system.
How to Apply
- Complete the application online at cdss-fredvictor.org
- Fax the consent form – available here – to (416) 364-8526. You will be contacted within three business days to discuss service needs.
For more information, email cdss@fredvictor.org or call (416) 364-8228 ext. 3365.
Eligibility
Eligibility for CDSS is by referral from a medical practitioner or community-based agency that is working with an individual. Although CDSS encourages referrals through clients’ pre-existing service providers, CDSS also works with people who are new to the system.
The CDSS partnership serves clients who are concurrent:
- Has, or are suspected of having a substance use disorder
- Has, or are suspected of having at least one other psychiatric disorder
And who are experiencing at least three of the following further complexities:
- Homeless (or precariously housed)
- Actively psychotic
- Polysubstance use (3 or more, excluding nicotine)
- Dual diagnosis OR ABI OR dementia OR apparent cognitive impairment
- Between ages of 16-24 years OR 65+ years
- Limited daily functioning (self-care, meals, money management, housekeeping, mobility, transportation, medication management)
- Transitioning from a more supportive environment (ex. hospital, residential treatment, jail) or out of child welfare
- Women who are pregnant or parenting young children
- Recent suicide attempt OR recent self-harm OR history of trauma OR involved in the criminal justice system
The client must also be inadequately served by their current support services.
Once accepted into the program, individuals are referred to a partner for a range of services, including case management, addiction medicine, psychiatric consultation, addiction stabilization, mental health counselling, housing access help and much more.
CDSS is not an emergency service. Hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Some CDSS partner services provide services onsite at 145 Queen St, E.
The Reaching Out to Women program provides counselling to women with concurrent issues and trauma.
Addiction Assessment Psychotherapy Referral in Community of Toronto provides addiction medicine and psychotherapy services to people with substance use issues.
St. Michael’s Hospital Community and Day Withdrawal Management Programs provide services to people who are interested in modifying their substance use.