Our History

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch is a non-profit charitable association funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Mental Health Branch and ongoing fundraising events.

In 1960, a group of Barrie citizens concerned about the lack of services and support for individuals with mental health difficulties established Barrie Mental Health, which successfully lobbied the government to provide our community with its first psychiatrist. The new agency also provided community education, advocacy, the Christmas Gift Campaign and volunteers to the Oak Ridge facility in Penetanguishene. CMHA Barrie-Simcoe continued to grow offering a full range of flexible, client-centred supports and services including case management, employment opportunities, a social-recreational clubhouse and housing services.

CMHA is a leader in providing direct services, advocacy and education for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and for individuals looking for support with addiction issues, their families and the general public. Now CMHA Simcoe County, the Branch has come a long way over the years, but the fight for adequate services and understanding for persons with mental illness continues to be at the forefront of everything we do.