Healthy Living with Pain (HeLP)

Over the last 10 years, more people in Ontario have experienced problems and overdoses from opioid medicines. More people now know that using opioids for a long time or in high doses can be risky. The HeLP program provides personal support and treatment plans to help people manage long-term pain safely and effectively.

In 2016, the HeLP Program won a Bright Lights Award for its innovative approach to pain care from the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario. Accreditation Canada also named the HeLP Program a “leading practice,” highlighting our high standards and excellent care for people with long-term pain.

Please note that this program is available only to patients of physicians based at our Toronto location.

What to expect

The journey starts with a pain check performed by your family physician. This helps the team understand your unique challenges and build a care plan that fits your needs.

The HeLP team includes a Nurse Practitioner and a supervising physician who guide long-term pain care and safe opioid use. A pharmacist may also review medications and suggest ways to make them safer or work better. 

Working together, the team creates a personalized plan to manage your pain.

If needed, we may refer you to a specialized pain clinic for further care.

What to bring

• Health (OHIP) card or valid health-care coverage
• A list of your current medications
• A list of your current physicians  
• A list of questions you want to ask  
• A support person, if desired 

How to access our services

Sign up for the program by talking to a physician or nurse practitioner with the Mount Sinai Academic Family Health Team. A team member can refer you to the HeLP program if you have experienced chronic pain for more than three months, or if you use long-term opioid medicines for chronic pain.

Only registered patients can use this service. If you would like to register, visit or call the Mount Sinai Academic Family Health Team and learn how to become a patient.