Tuesday, May 03, 2016
Family Services Thames Valley
No Appointment Needed at Clinic for Mental Health
London's first mental health walk-in clinic officially opens today.
The clinic, run by Family Service Thames Valley, provides one-off counseling sessions to young people, adults, families and couples, said Kevin Dickins, Director of Client Services at the clinic.
"Our mental health walk-in clinic is the first of its kind in London. We welcome people with mild to moderate mental-health problems," he said.
The clinic is open once a week for people who have a mental health concern that isn't a crisis.
Patients see a psychotherapist for 60 to 90 minutes. Fee for the service is based on income — some people pay $5, others nothing, Dickins said.
"We see people who are struggling with stressors related to work of their finances, with relationship issues, people who are triggered by events in the media or even in their lives. It's an entire spectrum."
The clinic has been unofficially open since January, but opens to the public for the first time today.
The psychotherapists at the Family Service Thames Valley clinic can also refer patients to more help in the community or to other services such as the Canadian Mental Health Association's Crisis Centre, which offers 24-7 walk-in help for those dealing with a mental health or addiction crisis.
"It is important that the right services are available at the right time for individuals experiencing mental health issues," said Steven Harrison, Chief Executive of Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex.
Dickins expects strong demand for the walk-in clinic's services.
When the crisis centre opened in January, it helped 30 people in its first two days, officials said then, diverting people from crowded emergency rooms.
"There's no appointment necessary," Dickins said. "I think with a walk-in clinic, it can normalize mental health a bit. It's like a regular walk-in clinic. A couple can come receive same-day couples counseling. It's very encouraging that people don't have to wait two or three weeks to see someone."
The public clinic launch coincides with Mental Health Week.
"This is our way of treating mental health like any other medical condition," said Louise Pitre, Executive Director of Family Service Thames Valley, in a release. "This clinic will ensure...mental health well-being is at the forefront."
A session with a psychotherapist has helped patients dealing with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, clinic officials have said.
The clinic is located at 125 Woodward Ave and is open Tuesday's from 1pm to 7pm.
Kate Dubinkski
The London Free Press
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