The expansion of a walk-in counselling clinic in Northumberland aims to reduce wait times for mental health supports in the area. The collaboration between Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH), Rebound Child and Youth Services (RCYS), and Community Health Centres of Northumberland (CHCN) has increased the availability of counselling services, providing immediate mental health resources to residents.
The partnership between NHH and RCYS has long offered walk-in counselling services, and the addition of CHCN has further expanded the capacity of the clinic. The goal is to expedite treatment options for individuals, including youth aged 7 to 18, who are seeking mental health resources. The expansion is also aimed at eliminating potential barriers to accessing these supports.
Susan Walsh, the President and CEO of NHH, believes that the expanded partnership will greatly benefit residents of Northumberland, particularly those in immediate need of mental health services. The collaboration allows the community to access these resources without having to leave their home communities.
Clients can book sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis. The walk-in clinic, located at 1011 Elgin St. W., Suite 200 in Cobourg, serves adults and youth on Tuesdays (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Thursdays (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). No physician referrals are required. Individuals can either call the dedicated walk-in line or show up in person to request a same-day session. It is recommended to call in the morning to secure a spot.
Once a request is made, a team member will call back to determine suitability for walk-in services and book an appointment with a therapist. Clients will receive a same-day individual counselling appointment from NHH, RCYS, or CHCN. In the event of a crisis or the need for in-patient hospital support, or if additional referrals are required, the staff will coordinate the necessary care.
Taryn Rennicks, the Executive Director of CHCN, sees the partnership as an opportunity to further support Northumberland County residents by expanding walk-in availability for those with immediate counselling needs. The collaboration aims to enhance mental health supports locally and reduce barriers to care.
The expanded partnership not only benefits individuals seeking immediate mental health services but also aims to support transitional aged youth. It helps keep them connected and engaged in services when transitioning from the youth system to adult services. Families will also benefit from the additional services available through the integrated approach.
While there is no limit to the number of times people can access services, NHH continues to offer longer-term counselling and group supports. For more information and frequently asked questions, individuals can visit the website mentalhealthwalkinclinic.ca and the individual websites of the organizations involved.
The expansion of the walk-in counselling clinic in Northumberland is an important step towards providing immediate mental health resources to the community. It aims to reduce wait times and eliminate barriers to accessing these vital services. The collaborative effort between NHH, RCYS, and CHCN ensures that individuals, including youth, can receive the support they need close to home.
