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The Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program

The Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) Program is a collaboration between the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic at the Pamela and Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioural Support at Baycrest, and the Toronto Central Behavioural Support for Seniors Program (TC-BSSP).

What is VBM?

Using pharmacological and non-pharmacological expertise, VBM provides support in the management of challenging dementia related responsive behaviours, such as physical and verbal aggression, agitation, hallucinations and paranoia. This service is designed to be a short-term consultation service and is completely virtual, delivered using the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN).

Watch now: Dr. Morris Freedman, Head of Division of Neurology at Baycrest on VBM’s Unique Value to our Health Care System

Who Makes Up the VBM Interprofessional Team?

Providing a rapid response when needed, the VBM team works closely with care teams and specialized geriatric services in acute care hospitals, long-term care homes and with family members in the community. The VBM Program specialists include:

  • Behavioural neurologists
  • Neuro-psychiatrists
  • Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Mental health professionals
  • BSO team members

What Health Care Providers Should Know About VBM

VBM Infographic Core Offerings

Pre-Assessment for Clinicians

As you consider your current practice, reflect on the patients you support:

  • Are you confident in identifying individuals living with dementia who are experiencing severe neuropsychiatric symptoms such as aggression, agitation, hallucinations, or paranoia?
  • How comfortable do you feel in managing these complex behaviours, particularly during transitions between care settings?
  • Do you have access to specialized, rapid support when your existing strategies are no longer sufficient?
  • Are you confident in selecting and adjusting pharmacological treatments tailored to these patients' evolving needs?


If you find yourself seeking additional expertise or faster access to behavioural consultation, consider involving VBM in the assessment and management of your patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.

How to refer to VBM?

Before referring to the Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) program, please see our Referral Checklist to ensure your patient meets the following VBM Eligibility Criteria, click here.

A referral is necessary to access the VBM Program.

Referrals are processed through the Toronto Central Healthline Behaviour Support Coordination Office Hotline at Baycrest.

Healthcare practitioners can contact the BSO Hotline seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including weekends and holidays 416-785-2500, ext. 2005 or toll-free at 1-844-785-2500

Please fill in the below referral form and related documents and send to the BSO Coordinating Office: Fax Referral to 647-788-4883 or Email to behaviouralsupport@baycrest.org; 416-785-2500, ext. 2005 or toll-free at 1-844-785-2500

What to expect?

Your referral will be triaged and you will be contacted by the BSO Intake Clinical Navigator from the BSO Coordinating Office to complete any additional information, assess level of urgency and facilitate the referral and scheduling.

You will receive an email from the Baycrest Sam & Ida Ross Memory Clinic, with details of appointment time and length, some general information to prepare for the appointment, including a link to the Ontario Telehealth Network (OTN) to access the appointment. We encourage you to test the link beforehand to ensure a smooth OTN virtual experience.

For any questions, please contact our behaviour support hotline at: behaviouralsupport@baycrest.org OR 416-785-2500, ext. 2005 or toll-free at 1-844-785-2500

VBM Clinical E-Learning

Specifically designed for clinicians this e-learning course provides an introduction to the VBM program and its benefits. Click the link below to access this complimentary course.

VBM e-Learning for Healthcare Professionals

VBM Family and Caregiver E-Learning

This course is designed to offer an introduction to our VBM program for families and caregivers of individuals with unmanaged neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. Click the link below to access this complimentary course and learn more about VBM.

https://vbm.learnworlds.com/

For easy reference, please view our VBM Pamphlet for Families and Caregivers. Click here to download a pdf.

Additional Resources