The Canadian Mental Health Association branch for York Region and South Simcoe has launched two new walk-in clinics to support new Canadians.
Canadian Mental Health Association is supplementing its newcomers health and well-being program through a new walk-in clinic to help alleviate the stress and overwhelming feeling of being in a new country.
The program provides free mental health and primary care services and now will allow for immediate in-person support.
Funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, the program supports newcomers to Canada who are 12 years of age or older in York Region and south Simcoe who have physical and mental health concerns.
Accessibility has long been a key priority of Rebecca Shields, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe, who often says mental health is health.
This program has been a powerful example of a federally funded program with an integrated model of care, said Shields.
The first program of its kind in Canada, Shields says that clients report more than 85 per cent improvement in depression and anxiety-related symptoms.
"We know that migration and settlement can be a stressful and sometimes traumatic life event that comes with unique mental health impacts,” she said.
With 47.8 per cent of York Region’s total population being born outside of Canada, according to 2021 census data, there’s a need for more support for immigrants.
"We are always looking to identify the mental health-care needs of our community and being able to increase culturally appropriate access to care means better health and social outcomes for individuals, their families and our community,” said Shields.
Launched in 2020, to help reduce immigrants’ reliance on Canada’s emergency departments and other crisis services, the additions of the walk-in clinics will help newcomers who need more immediate support.
“Our approach focuses on you as a whole person,” a news release for the walk-in clinic said. “That includes your language, culture and community. We understand trauma and bad memories. We help you to build on your strengths.”
Expanding resources to support those in crisis is something Shields has been advocating for with the government.
“The mental health system is overrun right now and we need more resources to support people who have all kinds of mental health needs,” said Shields.
The program can provide new Canadians the opportunity for mental health counselling, a health-care session with a nurse practitioner, health education, and social work support, including assistance with community services, housing, employment and government support.
The walk-in clinics are Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Richmond Hill Welcome Centre, 9325 Yonge St., and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Markham North Welcome Centre, 8400 Woodbine Ave.
Learn more about the program and walk-in clinics here.
