Mental health care is evolving—and Humber River Health is leading that evolution in Northwest Toronto. As one of the largest mental health & addictions programs in the Greater Toronto Area, we serve a diverse and growing population with complex needs. Yet, even with all the tools available today, many individuals still don’t respond to traditional first- or second-line treatments. For these patients, innovation isn’t optional—it’s essential.

That’s why we’re proud to share a major milestone in our mission to redefine community-based mental health care.

Jack & Pat Kay have generously committed $3 million to support Humber River Health’s Mental Health & Addictions Program. Their gift, one of the most significant in the program’s history, will empower us to develop and implement advanced treatment options that go beyond the conventional—treatments that hold real promise for patients who need more than standard approaches.

Over the next four years, this donation will support the launch of new interventions like ketamine-assisted treatment and advanced neurostimulation therapies like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). These approaches, which have been largely limited to private-sector settings, are now poised to become part of an accessible and inclusive model of care—one that meets patients where they are and offers new hope for healing.

“Having donors step forward to support programs like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) makes it accessible to the people of our community in a way that it wasn’t before,” says Dr. Steven Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry at Humber River Health.

“rTMS is currently out of reach for many patients. It’s either available at private clinics, where patients pay out of pocket, or through limited research programs with strict eligibility criteria,” says Dr. Steven Selchen, Chief of Psychiatry at Humber River Health. “Having donors step forward to support this kind of program makes it accessible to the people of our community in a way that it wasn’t before.”

The Kays’ vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to personalize mental health treatment. At Humber River Health, we recognize that no two patients are the same—and our care should reflect that. By expanding our toolkit with evidence-based, cutting-edge therapies, we can address the unique needs of our community with the dignity and innovation they deserve.

This transformational gift is more than a donation—it’s a catalyst. It will help us chart a path toward more responsive, effective, and compassionate care, ensuring that Humber River Health remains at the forefront of mental health innovation.

As we build the future of community mental health, we are deeply grateful for supporters like Jack & Pat Kay, whose generosity helps us push boundaries and deliver care that truly changes lives.

Mental Health: Equitable Access to Services

Providing vital Mental Health Support for our community, Humber River Health’s Mental Health and Addictions program plays a pivotal role in addressing multifaceted mental health needs and stands as one of the largest in the GTA. Learn more at HealthcareLives.ca