1door.ca: A Community-Based Digital Access Point for Mental Health and Addictions Services in Simcoe County

Background: Simcoe County, Ontario, is a geographically vast and largely rural region, where access to mental health and addictions services has long been hindered by distance, fragmentation, and lack of coordination. Residents often face uncertainty about where to seek help, compounded by limited transportation options and inconsistent service pathways. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges intensified, with rising mental health crises and increased demand for timely support.

 

In response, a coalition of community health partners recognized the urgent need for a unified, accessible solution to connect residents with appropriate care. This led to the creation of 1door.ca, a centralized online appointment booking platform designed to simplify access and improve outcomes through community-based care. The initiative was led by Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in partnership with the Central Ontario Specialized Health Network, with an initial focus on single-session counselling and a vision for coordinated access across Simcoe County and Muskoka.

 

Approach: The development of 1door.ca was a collaborative effort between two community-based service providers and a regional mental health and addictions hospital. Together, they co-designed a digital self-referral tool that empowers residents to book appointments directly with local services. The initiative was deeply informed by Persons with Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE), whose insights shaped both the platform’s functionality and the broader engagement strategy. PWLLE participated in focus groups and advisory committees, ensuring the system reflected real-world needs and preferences.

 

This inclusive approach fostered trust, relevance, and responsiveness in the platform’s design and implementation. The platform has since expanded to include ten regional mental health service providers, with ongoing efforts to integrate additional emergency departments and appointment types to further enhance access and choice.

 

 

 

Results: Since its launch, 1door.ca has grown to include 12 partner organizations, offering streamlined access to a wide range of mental health and addictions services. In its first year, the platform facilitated 10,254 appointments, followed by 10,817 in year two. As of October 2025, the current year-to-date total stands at 5,682 appointments. A key innovation has been the integration of a hospital emergency department (ED) referral pathway, enabling rapid access to psychiatric consultation and crisis diversion services for both adults and youth. Since its launch in September 2025, the ED pathway has already seen 15 of 25 available appointments booked—an uptake that exceeds expectations and highlights the demand for localized, virtual, and urgent care options.

 

Implications: 1door.ca exemplifies how community-based care can be transformed through digital innovation and intentional collaboration. In a region previously characterized by fragmented services and limited coordination, the platform has created a cohesive access point that meets population health needs in real time. The growing number of partner organizations and referral pathways reflects the system’s adaptability and scalability. Importantly, the involvement of PWLLE has ensured that the initiative remains grounded in lived experience, fostering equity and empowerment. As Simcoe County continues to expand this model, 1door.ca stands as a testament to what is possible when communities come together to build integrated care solutions from the ground up.