The Royal is taking bold steps to redefine how people in eastern Ontario access mental illness and addiction treatment. Two new initiatives — The Royal’s upcoming Urgent Care Clinic and the newly launched Day Detox Program — are at the heart of this transformation, offering timely, compassionate, and practical solutions for those in crisis or seeking recovery.
Urgent Care for Mental Health Crises
Slated to welcome patients in spring 2026, The Royal will open an Urgent Care Clinic in Ottawa, providing a vital alternative to busy emergency departments for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This clinic is designed to deliver the right care at the right time, reducing pressure on local hospitals and ensuring patients receive specialized support in a safe, welcoming environment.
Developed in collaboration with patients, families, and community partners, the clinic reflects lived experience and evidence-based best practices.
“At The Royal, we see every day how important it is for people to get mental health care when and where they need it most,” said Cara Vaccarino, President and CEO, The Royal. “This new Urgent Care Clinic is about improving access, building a more responsive system, and delivering care with compassion and dignity. It’s a reflection of our shared commitment to do better for our patients, families, and community.”
Breaking Down Barriers with Day Detox
Nearly 21 per cent of Canadians will experience an addiction, and for 18 per cent, that addiction will involve
alcohol, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The Royal’s new Day Detox Program, Ottawa’s first of its kind, offers a safe, stigma-free way to manage withdrawal from substances, like alcohol and opioids, without the need for overnight stays. Delivered through The Royal’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, this flexible model removes barriers for those balancing work, family, or financial commitments.
For those who want to stop but are physically dependent, withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable and often leads to relapse. And in some cases, it can be dangerous—or fatal—depending on the substance and usage. The Royal’s Day Detox Program offers a safer alternative for patients with moderate withdrawal symptoms.
Getting help begins with an assessment through The Royal’s RAAM clinic, where clinicians review substance use, set goals, and connect individuals to treatments that fit their needs. Through a combined approach of in-hospital medical detox during the day and non-medical options for when patients return home in the evening, Day Detox enables patients to start recovery while maintaining daily responsibilities. Visits range from one to six hours over several days, ensuring patients leave with confidence and resources for continued recovery.
The program is now welcoming patients — a vital step toward reducing barriers and saving lives.
“There are so many people who receive treatment, go into recovery, return to the world, and relapse,” said Mark Taggart, former inpatient of The Royal’s Assessment and Stabilization Unit. “That’s why programs like the new Day Detox are so important — they make care more accessible when and how people need it most.”
A New Identity for a New Era
The Royal’s bold new brand identity, unveiled this November, supports these initiatives. The refreshed brand marks a turning point—a commitment to show up differently, collaborate more deeply, and contribute meaningfully to a system that needs everyone. Through this collective effort, access can be expanded, stigma reduced, longstanding gaps addressed, and a stronger system built for everyone.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of the Day Detox Program and the upcoming Urgent Care Clinic, The Royal is setting a new standard for mental illness and addiction care and helping more lives be reclaimed.