New mental health clinic opens Dec. 6

A new mental health walkin clinic in Three Rivers aims to improve access to mental health services in Kings County.

Located at the Community Mental Health Office, 126 Douses Rd., Montague, the clinic will be open Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m., starting Dec. 6. No appointment or referral is needed.

Those visiting the walk-in clinic can see a registered community mental health therapist for up to one hour.

Sessions focus on the person’s needs, wants and strengths. At the end of the session, the person will receive a brief written summary of what was discussed and suggestions or recommendations, including referrals to services offered by Community Mental Health.

“The mental health landscape is changing, and more Islanders are finding the courage to reach out for help than ever before,” said Bruce Davison, mental health social worker and manager of community mental health – east. “In many cases, the individuals that we are seeing at our clinics are reaching out for help for the first time ever.”

Last year, more than 600 Islanders accessed mental health support at weekly mental health walk-in clinics: Charlottetown’s Richmond Centre — Tuesdays and Thursdays, and McGill Centre — Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; Prince County Hospital, Summerside — Mondays and Wednesdays; Lennox Island Health Centre — Wednesdays; O’Leary Health Centre — Wednesdays; and Westisle High School for students aged 16 and older only when the school is open.

For information, visit www. healthpei.ca/mentalhealth or contact a community mental health office.

Those needing immediate mental health crisis intervention can visit their local emergency department or call the Island Helpline toll-free at 1-800-2182885.