Pathstone Mental Health opens new clinic
No appointments needed for Monday services offered at Welland’s Seaway Mall location
Opening a walk-in clinic inside Welland’s Seaway Mall made sense to Pathstone Mental Health, says Kim Rossi, the agency’s director of fundraising and communications.
“It’s more than just a shopping centre. It’s a community hub. There are students at the (Niagara Catholic) Launch Centre, an Early Years Daycare and the (Welland Public) library,” said Rossi.
The walk-in clinic opened on Oct. 16 and marks the second location for the agency to open in Welland in the past two months.
Pathstone provides children’s mental health treatment and offers a broad spectrum of treatment services and programs through its Branscombe Mental Health Centre on Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines and at walk-in clinics across Niagara to children and youths from birth through to 18 years old.
Its River House location, 102 River Rd., is in a building formerly operated by Women’s Place as Serenity House, across from the Welland River, and offers one-on-one sessions and parent and youth clinics for south Niagara residents.
“There’s no walk-in clinic there presently,” said Rossi of River House.
She said the Seaway Mall location, open Mondays 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. by the Cineplex Cinema entrance doors, is easily accessible for all residents.
“There’s no appointment or health card needed and no cost. Us being there makes sense. The mall was enthusiastic about having us there.”
Mall president Mike Belcastro said it was thrilled to welcome the agency.
“This partnership will ensure that Welland’s youth will have free access to vital wellness resources while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. With their services in the mall, our community will become more compassionate, understanding, and resilient — making someone’s life a little bit easier, one visit at a time,” said Belcastro.
In the nearly two weeks it has been open, Rossi said the mall site has gained traction and if Pathstone can find funding, it would add another staff member and open another day.
Its Pen Centre walk-in clinic is open two days a week, Mondays and Fridays.
Rossi said the Seaway Mall location will sell #ProjectPlaid swag throughout November to elevate suicide prevention, engage in conversation and raise funds to support mental health programs at Pathstone.
Though not necessary, appointments at Pathstone’s Seaway Mall location can be made in advance if someone chooses by calling 1-800263-4944.
More information on the agency’s walk-in clinic locations can be found at pathstonementalhealth.ca/walk-in-clinic.