The Summerside walk-in location will also expand to include a clinic on Thursdays at Prince County Hospital from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More than 230 Islanders have accessed support at the mental health weekly walk-in clinics in Summerside and O’Leary.
On Friday, the government announced walk-in services will now be available in Charlottetown.
Similar to existing clinics, the Charlottetown walk-in clinic will help Islanders dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
It will be located at Richmond Centre at 1 Rochford Street. The clinic will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment or referral is needed.
The Lennox Island clinic will be open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Those visiting the walk-in clinics can see a registered community mental health therapist for up to one hour. Sessions focus on the individual’s needs, wants, and strengths. At the end of the session, the individual will receive a brief written summary of what was discussed and suggestions or recommendations, including referrals to services offered by Community Mental Health.
“Mental health, like other medical conditions, can require immediate support and professional care,” said Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson.
“By expanding our mental health walk-in clinics we are eliminating barriers associated with waiting lists and access to care, and we are providing a safe, accessible space to improve the mental health outcomes and overall well-being of Islanders.”
Shirley Cole, manager of Community Mental Health, said walk-in counselling provides timely access to professional mental health support for those with non-crisis issues.
“We have seen the positive impact mental health walk-in clinics elsewhere in the province are having on Islanders and their families. We want to build on that in Charlottetown are so we can help even more Islanders access mental health supports… For many, the walk-in clinic session can have a tremendous impact as individuals often just need to talk with someone.”
For more information about mental health services, including clinic schedules, go to www.healthpei.ca/mentalhealth or by contacting a local community mental health office.
Islanders who need immediate mental health crisis intervention are urged to visit their local emergency department or call the Island Helpline at 1-800-218-2885.
