Wait times for publicly funded addiction and problem gambling treatment agencies in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND: This study describes the definitions of wait times and intake processes used by drug and problem gambling treatment agencies in Ontario, Canada, as well as the various strategies employed to ameliorate client backlog. METHODS: An online survey was developed and distributed to 203 publicly-funded, provincial substance use and problem gambling treatment agencies from June to August, 2011. All aspects of the intake process were covered in the survey. RESULTS: Based on 139 responses, six different wait time periods were identified. Additional analyses were completed by type of service offered. Suggestions for effective interventions to shorten wait times and recommendations for future research are provided. CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight a need for standardized definitions of wait times across substance use and problem gambling treatment services.