Background

We recognize that navigating mental health and addictions services can often feel overwhelming. Manitoba Mental Health and Addictions Connect (MB MHA Connect) was created to reduce barriers by offering a streamlined, standardized intake process that connects Manitobans to the health services they need.

Led by Shared Health Mental Health & Addictions, in partnership with Regional Health Authorities, community organizations, and people with lived and living experience, MB MHA Connect is a provincial intake and referral service designed to simplify access to community-based mental health and addictions supports across Manitoba.

Formerly known as Access, Intake, Assessment and Coordination (AIAC), the model provides a single point of entry for individuals, caregivers, and service providers seeking help.

Our vision is to ensure every Manitoban regardless of age, location, or need has equitable access to timely, appropriate, and community-based mental health and addictions services through an intake system that is effective, efficient, integrated, and innovative, one that:

• Supports positive outcomes for individuals seeking mental health, addictions, and substance use services
• Simplifies access to care across Manitoba
• Streamlines referrals throughout the health system via one provincial phone and fax numbers for community-based mental health and addictions

What We Do

• Provide a provincial intake service via phone, fax, and web portal (coming soon)
• Use standardized provincial forms and assessment tools
• Match individuals to services delivered by Shared Health, Regional Health Authorities, and government-funded community agencies
• Communicate referral outcomes to providers through standardized letters
• Support youth, adults, caregivers, and professionals with clear pathways to care

MB MHA Connect provides intake and referral coordination for a range of youth-focused mental health and addictions services across Manitoba. The following programs are currently considered in scope and can be accessed through the MB MHA Connect referral process:

• Health Sciences Centre’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Programs
• Child and Youth Treatment Services
• Child & Adolescent Community Mental Health programs
• Community Addictions Workers
• Compass – Youth Rehabilitation and Recovery Inpatient Treatment Service
• Youth Addictions Stabilization Unit (YASU)

MB MHA Connect offers a single, coordinated intake process for individuals seeking community-based mental health and addictions services across Manitoba. Referrals can be submitted by providers, caregivers, or individuals.

Who Can Refer

Referral are accepted from:

• Primary health care providers (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners)*
• School-based resources (e.g., guidance counselors, social workers)*
• Community agencies*
• Parents, guardians, and caregivers
• Individuals seeking support for themselves

* A referral must have consent from the individual/guardian(s)

Accessing the Referral Form

The referral form is available in the Resources section of this Provider Portal.

To download the form:

• Navigate to the Resources tab on the portal homepage
• Select Referral Forms
• Click Download: MB MHA Connect Referral Form (PDF)

Steps to Submit a Referral

• Complete the referral form in full and include other relevant documentation.**
• Fax form to provincial fax number

** Incomplete referral forms will be returned to the referral source

What Happens After MB MHA Connect Receives a Referral

Once a referral is submitted, intake staff will complete an intake with the individual and/or guardian(s) to determine the most appropriate service for connection.

You can reach us at the following numbers:

• Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-710-3999
• Toll-Free Fax: 1-888-601-0704
• TTY Toll-Free: 1-888-901-0073

All recent memos, forms, templates and files pertaining to MB MHA Connect can be found below:

• Child and Youth Community Services Referral Form (English PDF)
• Fact Sheet (English PDF) (French PDF)
• All In-Scope Services (English PDF)

Poster

Download poster in English.

Download poster in French.