Early intervention for youth mental health is behind a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick, and the Atlantic Wellness Community Centre.
CMHA Communications Director Lori Wheeler says they are sharing information and best practices with the Atlantic Wellness Community Centre as they launch a walk in mental health clinic for youth aged 12 to 21 years old next week.
“By us being able to reach out, and the Atlantic Wellness Centre doing these kinds of things, and putting that information out there through forms of communication that youth are used to, it’s a better opportunity that youth will feel more openness to come to these types of services,” says Wheeler.
She adds early intervention is so critical because “when people experience mental health issues, it often starts in [their] youth, so it’s important to be proactive, and help with those supports at a young age.”
Wheeler says right now their support is limited to sharing knowledge, but in the future, once the program has been established, and the need within the community measured, they may work together to create and fund programs to address specific needs.
The mental health walk in clinic will officially open April 16th, and it is on a first come first served basis every Monday night from 4 until 8, but people can begin calling at 3 o’clock to make appointments.
AWCC Executive Director Andrew LeBlanc says they expect to be able to help five to six clients per night, which will help reduce their waitlist and provide more immediate support to those in need.
