The Royal

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Ottawa, ON
The Royal

Hospital specializing in mental illness and addiction treatment, care and research. Lives reclaimed. Potential restored. Not monitored for crisis support.

If you are in distress, call 9-8-8 for 24/7 support. The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group is made up of:

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre:
A 284-bed state-of-the-art mental health facility located in Ottawa, Ontario. The Brockville Mental Health Centre:
A specialized 183-bed mental health facility located in Brockville, Ontario. The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research:
Proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa, the IMHR is the home of leading-edge multidisciplinary research programs that investigate the biological and psychological factors contributing to mental illness and innovative ways to treat mental illness. The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health:
The fundraising organization that supports mental health research, capital projects and equipment purchases on behalf of The Royal.

02/19/2026

Our Black History Month Film Screening & Panel sparked vital conversations on inequities in health care and the Ottawa Declaration on Black Health.

Grateful to our extraordinary panelists whose insight, honesty, lived and living experience shed light on inequities in health care and the transformative work of the Ottawa Declaration on Black Health. Their voices challenged us, inspired us, and reminded us that meaningful change requires all of us.

A film. A conversation. A call to action. Let’s carry this momentum forward—advocating, amplifying, and acting to advance equity in our community.

02/18/2026

Young people are spending more time online than ever before — yet many digital platforms still lack the safety guardrails needed to truly support their mental health and well‑being.

A new five‑year research project at The Royal, led by Dr. Tanya Halsall in collaboration with youth investigator Oleksandr Makeikin, aims to change that.

Supported by a $1.5 million Canadian Institutes of Health Research Healthy Youth Team grant, this initiative will generate the youth‑centered evidence to help shape policies that protect children’s rights and hold tech companies accountable for safer, healthier online spaces.

By examining the systems, business practices, and inequities that contribute to online harm, the research team will co‑create solutions with young people to meaningfully improve digital environments and support mental health.

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.theroyal.ca/news/the-royal-secures-1-5m-to-address-online-harms-impacting-youth-mental-health/

02/13/2026

Move with purpose and impact this spring with the Ottawa Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women, in support of The Royal. Help more women in our community reclaim who they were meant to be.

Use promo code MOVINGFORMH26 by Feb. 16 at 11:59 p.m. for a discounted registration fee.

Sign up today: https://ow.ly/CsR850YfeMG

02/12/2026

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Bakeology at The Royal created themed cookie boxes, carefully baked, packaged, and prepared by participants in our Forensic Program.

These limited‑edition treats offered a sweet way for staff, patients, families and visitors to enjoy the day while supporting an important therapeutic initiative.

Bakeology provides patients in our Forensic Program with hands‑on training in a supportive environment that mirrors a real‑world bakery or kitchen. Participants learn baking, packaging, teamwork, and essential workplace skills that help build confidence and prepare them for future employment. Their delicious cookies are regularly available through the Winter Garden Café at our Carling campus.

02/11/2026

In times of profound tragedy like the events in Tumbler Ridge, it’s completely understandable to feel shaken, overwhelmed, or unsure how to cope. People across the country are carrying heavy emotions, and many young people are struggling with the impact of this news. Our thoughts are with everyone directly affected, and with all those trying to make sense of such a heartbreaking loss.

Let's honour those impacted by being present for one another and advocating for safety, compassion and healing in the days ahead.

If you’re struggling right now, we’re here to support you. Swipe through for strategies from experts at The Royal to help you and your loved ones through this painful time.

For more crisis supports, visit https://www.theroyal.ca/crisis-lines/

02/06/2026

Scientists at The Royal collect multitudes of data, from surveys to brain imaging, blood samples to brain electrical activity. But what does it all mean? Turning this data into insights requires the right tools and the right support. The Royal's Research IT team helps our scientists, their study teams and students, turn those data points into discovery.

This week, The Royal’s Research IT team hosted a 3‑day, hands‑on workshop introducing researchers and trainees to our Research IT infrastructure, including command line programming, code version control, and an overview of our AI computing capabilities.

These trainings – and the infrastructure that supports them – are essential for working with large, complex datasets and advancing successful research programs at The Royal.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this workshop a success.

02/03/2026

Pet therapy brings comfort, calm, and connection to our hospital community — for both our patients receiving treatment and the dedicated staff who support them each day.

We’re deeply grateful to Theo and his handler, Mark, from the St. John Ambulance Saint-Jean Canada Therapy Dog Program for the joy and grounding they bring to our patients and staff. Their visits are already making a meaningful difference. 🐾

01/29/2026

Today, researchers, clinicians, health‑care leaders, and partners from across our mental health community came together to celebrate Dr. Lena Palaniyappan, recipient of the 2025 Royal‑Mach‑Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to transforming how we perceive, understand and predict psychosis.

We’re grateful to Dr. Palaniyappan for sharing insights and anecdotes from his groundbreaking research, which focuses on preventing psychosis in at‑risk young people and deepening our understanding of how these serious illnesses begin and affect individuals.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and virtually — your presence and engagement helped make this a meaningful gathering for our community.

Here’s to continued partnership, discovery, and momentum as we work together to improve mental illness and addiction treatment across Canada and beyond.

Learn more about Dr. Palaniyappan’s work: https://www.theroyal.ca/news/dr-lena-palaniyappan-wins-prestigious-prize-for-work-to-identify-prevent-and-treat-psychosis/

Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada

01/28/2026

What if your favourite way to move could also help more people reclaim their lives from mental illness and addiction?
This year, turn your steps and stretches into support by hosting a fundraiser for The Royal.
Choose the Mindful Movement option on our DIY fundraising site and start the new year in a meaningful way.
Get started today: https://theroyal.crowdchange.ca/

01/21/2026

Mental health exists on a spectrum—and we all have a role to play in supporting it.

While professional care is critical for those experiencing mental illness or addiction, everyone can benefit from small, daily practices that help support their overall well-being.

Swipe through to find suggestions grounded in research and clinical expertise at The Royal.

01/19/2026

The Royal & Ottawa Police Launch Mobile Mental Health Support

This spring, The Royal and Ottawa Police Service - Service de police d'Ottawa will introduce a Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) to deliver immediate, specialized help for those in mental illness or substance use crises.

Pairing a clinician from The Royal’s upcoming Urgent Care Clinic with a trained OPS officer, the team will provide on-scene assessment, de-escalation, and direct connections to care—closing critical gaps and ensuring timely access.

Together, we’re transforming mental health care in our region. Learn more: https://www.theroyal.ca/news/the-royal-and-ottawa-police-partner-to-deliver-new-mobile-mental-health-support/

01/15/2026

We extend our gratitude to Christine Taylor, David Dudley, and their family for their generous donation made in honour of their son Riley, who would have celebrated his 30th birthday on December 21st, 2025.

Their gift launches the Research for Riley, Research for Recovery Fund - creating a lasting legacy in support of research and care at The Royal. As the founding contribution, it will help advance new research, and strengthen treatment options within The Royal's Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program - helping more people living with mental illness and addiction get the help they need, when they need it most.

With the support of compassionate leaders like Christine, David, and their family - more people can reclaim their lives, and get back to who they were always meant to be.

Dave's Drum Shop | Christine Taylor | Shyla Taylor | Donavon O'leary

Address

1145 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K1Z7K4

Website

http://www.theroyal.ca/

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