Who We Are & What We Do

Integra is a Children's Mental Health Centre leading in the treatment of vulnerable children and youth with learning disabilities. Our mission is to improve social, emotional and behavioural outcomes through a range of specialized therapeutic, family-centred services, community education and research.

Founded in 1967, Integra was incorporated in Ontario as a non-share capital corporation and is a registered charity. A fifteen member Board of Directors is responsible for its overall operation and direction. Integra is funded primarily by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services through the Toronto Regional Office, Children's Services Division.

Integra provides information, advocacy and therapeutic support for children and youth between the ages of 8-18 and their families. Our specialized individual, group and family therapy methods focus on self-esteem, social competence, communication, problem-solving skills and emotional functioning. Integra's therapeutic summer program, Camp Towhee, helps children experience new things, develop coping mechanisms and meet friends. For a complete listing of our services, please see our Programs section.

We deliver treatment in a manner that strengthens the family, in the belief that the family can be the most valuable resource for children and youth.

Our Philosophy
A significant number of children and youth with learning disabilities experience social, emotional and/or behavioral problems. The relationship between learning disabilities and problems in social and emotional development and adjustment is complex and must be considered from a variety of perspectives, historical as well as present. We believe that in order to best serve children and their families we must look at the specific factors affecting their psycho-social functioning. These include factors that are a function of cognitive, social and emotional development, those that are a function of important systems such as family, school, peer group and community, as well as the interactions of the various factors.

An understanding of the role of learning disabilities in these psycho-social problems is crucial. The complexity of factors confronting each client requires interventions specific to the needs of the child and his or her family. We believe in building on the strengths of the individual, the family and the key environments.

Integra is committed to service that is respectful to families and responsive to the diversity of Toronto's community.