Sixteen Ontario community mental health centres are now taking part in 11 pilot projects to automate and standardize a Community Mental Health Common Assessment (CMHCA) tool.

The tool has a variety of purposes. It will allow consumer/survivors to voice their needs and preferences as full participants in their recovery process.

It will allow key information to be gathered electronically and securely.

It will help to facilitate strong clinical practice by minimizing the inconsistencies of using different tools across the province.

Once the pilot has finished, the agencies who have volunteered will test, develop and evaluate the tool. Three of these are from Toronto: Reconnect Mental Health Services, Regeneration House Housing and Support Services and Sound Times Support Services of Metropolitan Toronto.

It is expected that they will be actively using the tool by summer 2008.

By Jennifer Zosky – Reconnect Mental Health Services