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Your Trusted Partner for Child & Youth Mental Health Services in Hamilton
Lynwood Charlton Centre has been a trusted leader in child and youth mental health services since 1863. Our evidence-based approach combines scientific research with clinical expertise to deliver personalized care tailored to each child's unique needs. Our multidisciplinary team includes child and youth workers, social workers, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners who collaborate to create comprehensive treatment plans. We prioritize ongoing assessment and progress monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes.Our commitment to family-centered care means we actively engage children, youth, and families in decision-making processes, recognizing their expertise in their own lives. Through community partnerships and innovative programs like Under the Willows, we address systemic gaps in mental health services. Our history of continuous evolutionfrom orphanage to modern mental health leaderreflects our dedication to advancing child and youth well-being through research, education, and advocacy.
Services
Live-in Treatment
Charlton Hall Program
Lynwood Hall Program
Forest Avenue Program
Flamborough Program
Community Based Programs
OASIS Program
SAAT Program
YouThrive Services
Thrive Guiding Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We implement evidence-based treatment approaches validated through research and practice
- Our multidisciplinary team includes certified child and youth mental health professionals
- We maintain active family engagement in all aspects of care planning
- We offer specialized programs for dual diagnosis and trauma-informed care
- Our 160-year history demonstrates sustained commitment to child mental health
Associations and certifications
- Canadian Centre for Accreditation
Services
Live-in Treatment
Our residential programs provide intensive mental health treatment for children and youth aged 6-18. These structured environments combine therapeutic interventions with daily living skills development. Each program offers individualized care plans with 24/7 professional support, educational programming, and family involvement to facilitate long-term recovery and community reintegration.
Charlton Hall Program
This 8-bed intensive out-of-home program serves youth aged 12-15 experiencing severe mental health challenges. The program focuses on assessment, stabilization, and transition planning through evidence-based therapies, school support, and family counseling. Our team develops personalized treatment plans that address behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties in a therapeutic environment.
Under the Willows
This unique summer program combines arts, gardening, and play therapy for children facing adversity. Through creative expression and nature-based activities, participants develop cooperation skills and self-esteem. The program serves 25 children annually through partnerships with local agencies, offering a safe space for emotional growth and creative exploration in a supportive environment.
OASIS Program
Our Outreach, Assessment and Specialized Intervention Services (OASIS) program provides culturally sensitive mental health care for immigrant and refugee children. Specialized trauma-informed therapies address the unique challenges faced by youth who have experienced displacement or resettlement stressors, with family-centered approaches to promote healing and adaptation.
YouThrive
This community-based initiative delivers culturally informed mental health services to BIPOC youth aged 4-25. The program addresses racism-related trauma through counseling, peer support, and cultural affirmation. Partnerships with Indigenous health centers enhance accessibility while addressing systemic barriers in mainstream mental health services.
People
Dr. Ruth Pickering
Founding Director
Dr. Pickering is a retired Child Psychiatrist and community leader who established Under the Willows program. With over three decades of experience working with traumatized children, she developed this innovative arts-garden-play therapy model to address systemic gaps in child mental health services through creative expression and nature-based interventions.
Dr. Nicole Karki
Clinical Lead
Dr. Karki oversees clinical research initiatives at Lynwood Charlton Centre. She evaluates research proposals to ensure ethical standards and scientific contribution while maintaining compliance with institutional policies. Her leadership ensures evidence-based practices inform treatment programming and clinical direction across all service areas.
Questions
How do I make a referral to Lynwood Charlton Centre?
Contact Access & System Navigation at (905) 389-1361 or visit lynwoodcharlton.ca for referral options.
What mental health services are available for children?
We offer residential treatment, community-based programs, trauma-informed care, and specialized interventions for dual diagnosis.
Are services available for immigrant families?
Yes, our OASIS program provides culturally sensitive mental health support for immigrant and refugee children and families.
Do you offer 24/7 mental health support?
Yes, through One Stop Talk's evening and weekend virtual services for urgent mental health concerns.
How does family involvement work in treatment?
We actively engage families in care planning through regular meetings and collaborative decision-making processes.
What community programs are available?
Under the Willows offers creative therapy, while YouThrive provides culturally specific mental health support for BIPOC youth.
