2024-09-09 20:03:51
People in distress, experiencing anxiety or who have a mental health disorder can go to a CLSC of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre to get help, without having an appointment.
Published yesterday at 4:03 p.m.
“A worker will see you in less than an hour,” said the Minister responsible for Social Services, Dr. Lionel Carmant, who held a press conference on this subject on Monday in Brossard, along with his parliamentary assistant, Shirley Dorismond.
No one will fall between two stools, he assures. “If there are telephone follow-ups to be made, they are done within 24 hours.”
Montérégie-Centre is the “first territory in Quebec” to offer a walk-in service for mental health problems in all its CLSCs, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., he says.
Minister Carmant plans to extend this model to the entire province. He wants to reproduce the formula of “Aires ouvertes”, a service with or without appointment offered by CLSCs to 12 to 25 year olds who need help. A nurse or social worker welcomes the young people on site and helps them find solutions to their problems.
Read the article “Minister Carmant wants to expand mental health services”
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The Minister responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant
According to the minister, the waiting list for mental health services for young people has decreased by more than half since April 2023, following the implementation of “Open Areas” offered in around forty service points in Quebec.
Opting for the CLSC remains a better option than waiting at the hospital, according to Dr. Carmant. “In emergencies, the issue is often that we are classified as non-urgent,” he recalls. “We wait seven, eight, nine or ten hours.”
The minister encourages citizens of Montérégie-Centre who are currently on a mental health waiting list and whose case needs to be “reassessed” to go to a CLSC in their territory. “There is nothing stopping you from doing so and your service can be reprioritized,” he says.
People who prefer to speak to a psychosocial worker over the phone can contact the Info-Social line (811, option 2). “Most calls are answered within three minutes,” says Dr. Carmant.
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Table of Contents
Accessing Mental Health Services: A Growing Need for Walk-In Clinics
Mental health has become a pressing concern in today’s society, with increasing numbers of people experiencing anxiety, distress, and mental health disorders. In response to this growing need, various regions have introduced walk-in clinics and mental health services to provide easily accessible help to those in need.
No Appointment Necessary
In Quebec, the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre has pioneered a walk-in service for mental health problems in all its CLSCs, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This model, which has proven successful, aims to be extended to the entire province. Similarly, in Ottawa, the Youth Mental Health Walk-In Clinic offers walk-in sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12 noon to 8 p.m., with registration required by 6 p.m. [[1]]
Reducing Wait Times
Minister Dr. Lionel Carmant, responsible for Social Services, emphasizes the importance of reducing wait times for mental health services. He notes that opting for the CLSC remains a better option than waiting at the hospital, where emergencies are often classified as non-urgent, resulting in lengthy wait times of seven, eight, nine, or ten hours.
Mental Health Services for Young People
The “Aires ouvertes” service, offered by CLSCs to 12 to 25 year olds, provides a nurse or social worker on site to welcome young people and help them find solutions to their problems. This service has led to a significant decrease in the waiting list for mental health services for young people, with a reduction of more than half since April 2023.
Other Mental Health Services
In addition to walk-in clinics, other mental health services are available in various regions. For instance, in Montreal, the Montréal West Island CIUSSS offers mental health services,
Mental Health Services in Montérégie-Centre: A Model for Quebec
In a groundbreaking initiative, the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre has introduced a walk-in service for mental health problems in all its CLSCs, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This pioneering approach has made Montérégie-Centre the first territory in Quebec to offer such a service.
No Appointment Necessary
Individuals experiencing distress, anxiety, or mental health disorders can visit a CLSC without an appointment and receive help within an hour. This innovative approach aims to ensure that no one falls through the cracks, with telephone follow-ups made within 24 hours if necessary.
Minister Carmant’s Vision
Minister responsible for Social Services, Dr. Lionel Carmant, plans to extend this model to the entire province. He aims to replicate the successful formula of “Aires ouvertes,” a service offered by CLSCs to 12 to 25-year-olds who need support. This service provides young people with a nurse or social worker on site, who helps them find solutions to their problems.
Resources for Mental Health
For those seeking mental health services, there are various resources available. The CIUSSS (Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux) offers substance abuse and addiction services, as well as dual diagnosis support [[1]]. Additionally, the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) – Montreal Branch promotes knowledge transfer, resource sharing, and skill development to combat the stigmatization of mental health issues [[2]]. The Collectif de défense des droits de la Montérégie (CDDM) also provides support and advocacy for individuals with mental health concerns [[3]].
Conclusion
The introduction of walk-in mental health services in Montérégie-Centre marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of Quebecers. As Minister Carmant works to expand this model across the province, it is essential to recognize the importance of accessible mental health resources and support services. By fostering a culture of openness and understanding, we can work towards a healthier, more