Children and young people who need help with their mental health can now go to specialized walk-in clinics in Simcoe County.
New Path Youth and Family Services launched the walk-in clinics this week at its locations in Barrie, Orillia, Bradford, Alliston and Collingwood.
The concept arose out of demand for child and youth mental health services and growing wait lists in the region.
"Last year we had 1,500 requests for service so in the old way of doing things, people would have to call a central intake number, do a phone interview and then they would sit on a wait list for service," said Michelle Vennard, New Path Youth and Family Services director of service.
"By offering our walk in clinics, when a young person decides they need to speak to somebody, then they can look on our website, find out where the nearest walk-in clinic is for them and then they can walk in and see a counsellor that day."
The walk-in clinics provide free, single-session mental health counselling for children and youth up to age 18 and their families.
Patients leave with a written summary of what was discussed including possible strategies.
If additional supports and services are needed, New Path can offer a full spectrum of children’s mental health services.
“Walk-in clinics are effective, leading edge services that will help ensure all children, youth, and their families have timely access to the mental health supports they need,” says Glen Newby, New Path Youth and Family Services CEO. “New Path is the Lead Agency for Moving on Mental Health and we are continuing to re-define the child and youth mental health system in Simcoe County, making sure the most effective mental health services are available at the right time and in the right place for kids and families.”
The clinics in Barrie will be open twice a week at New Path located at 165 Ferris Ln. on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For further information about times and locations of the other walk-in clinics visit New Path.
