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Admissions & Referrals

The road to recovery starts here 

Welcome to Wayside’s Admissions & Referrals Page 

Prospective Clients

Referral Agents

Questions about the referral process? 

Admissions Criteria

We make every effort to accommodate all incoming referrals; however, certain admission criteria are crucial to our program vision and provincial mandate. All potential clients must be: 

  • Male-identifying, over the age of 18 and living with a substance use disorder 
  • Committed to abstinence as their ultimate treatment goal 
  • Willing to foster an environment that is respectful, recovery-oriented and free from discrimination and abuse
  • In a physical and mental condition that permits full participation in a structured, intensive treatment program. This determination is made by reviewing medical documentation and interviewing both the potential client and their relevant community supports.
  • Living in Ontario at the time of referral and in possession of a valid OHIP number  

The Referral Process

Our referral process is designed to determine if our services and philosophy align with the specific needs and goals of each applicant. Here is a step-by-step guide to the referral process: 

Connect with a referring agent 

  • We require all referrals to be made through a community agency. 
  • Eligible agencies vary by location: for example, in Hamilton, applicants can apply through Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Services. Other eligible agencies can be located through ConnexOntario

Referring agent submits referral package  

  • A complete referral contains:
    • Standardized Referral Services Form 
    • Medical Evaluation Form 
    • All relevant consents for the release of client information
  • These documents should be faxed to (905) 528-7057 or emailed to admissions@waysidehouse.ca. 

Wayside House reviews documents 

  • Once the above documents are received, we will review them for completeness and contact the referring agent for clarification as needed 
  • As part of the review process, we may request additional documentation including:
    • A list of current prescriptions taken by the client 
    • Legal documentation detailing prohibitions, summons and/or conditions 
    • Relevant psychiatric and treatment history documentation 

Assessment interview is scheduled 

  • After approving all documents, Wayside House will contact the applicant directly to schedule an assessment interview with one of our Addiction Case Managers
  • This interview covers a number of topics including treatment history, history of substance use, readiness for treatment and treatment goals 

Timelines and Expectations

Wait times depend on referral volume and current occupancy. Feel free to contact us directly for more up-to-date waitlist information. 

Support During Referral

Our intake team is always available to guide clients and referring agents through the admissions process. In addition, specific support is available to accepted applicants through our Peer Support team. 

Confidentiality & Consent

We do not accept referrals without the applicant’s explicit written consent. Like all Wayside House programs, our waitlist is private and we will never provide client information to anyone without their consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Wait times depend on referral volume and current occupancy. On average, clients wait between 50 and 80 days to enter our program from the time we receive a complete application. Feel free to contact us directly for more up-to-date waitlist information.

  • As mandated by Ontario Health, all referrals to live-in treatment must be made by a qualified community service agency.

  • While prospective clients must apply through a referring agent, Wayside House only accepts referrals on a voluntary basis. If you are a loved one of a potential applicant, you may acquire information on their behalf but the GAIN must be completed by the applicant and their referral source personally.

Still have questions?

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Certifications & Funding

Wayside House of Hamilton is funded by the Ministry of Health and the generous support of our community partners. We are a proud member of Addictions & Mental Health Ontario, an integrated system of 150 service providers across the province. We have been accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation since 2016, a designation that signifies our commitment to compassionate, quality service.