Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The IWK Health Centre says its mental health and addictions clinic in Dartmouth, N.S., is laying the groundwork for a new model of care for kids and teens.
The site, which is the newest in the IWK’s outpatient locations, took more than five years of planning before opening last October. It offers treatment programs for young people up to 19 years old.
Planning teams interviewed staff, patients and their families to determine where it should be located and what it should look like.
They landed at Mic Mac Mall, much to the surprise of many people, said Nicole Works, the clinical manager of community mental health and addictions at the IWK.
“We want to meet families where they’re at,” said Works. “When you think about where adolescents, where youth go … they go to the mall.”
Unlike most health clinics, the walls are painted with bright colours, there’s carpeting on the floor, and there are big couches in family rooms for group sessions.
The washrooms, with fun lights in the mirrors, have become a popular spot for selfies.
“Mental health is a big deal for adolescents and families,” Works said, stressing the need to create a comfortable space to build trust.
“I have to say we are very proud of this space, and we are considering this almost like the expectation now.”
The new clinic is in the former Winners location and has an exterior entrance for privacy. (Carolyn Ray/CBC)
The IWK’s mental health and addictions program has locations scattered throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality in an effort to reach patients closer to home. There are about 35,000 outpatient appointments a year.
The new Dartmouth site is a blend of relocating services and an expansion. There are 25 staff including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses.
Maureen Brennan, the clinical director, said it was important to choose an accessible location. In this case, the clinic is on a bus route and right off the highway.
The space in the mall gives families somewhere to go if they’re not participating in an appointment. Clinicians also have the option to walk around the mall if it’s appropriate for their treatment.
“The vision for this location is really normalizing and making more accessible services for families,” said Brennan.
“You set the tone for people to feel welcome and cared for. That’s the feedback we’re receiving. ‘What a beautiful bathroom.’ ‘This is a lovely room.’ ‘I can’t believe this is where I’m going to receive treatment.'”
Maureen Brennan, left, and Nicole Works, right, say they’re already seeing a difference clinically, with the young patients being more receptive to having appointments in the friendly spaces. (Carolyn Ray/CBC)
Brennan said they’ve had curious mall-goers poke their heads in, wondering what the clinic is all about.
She welcomes the curiosity, saying anything that generates conversation about mental health care and builds trust will benefit the community.
“There’s a tremendous amount of stigma that goes with mental health and addictions,” said Brennan.
“The more we can create space for mental health and addictions to be embedded within our normal malls and our spaces in our communities, the more accessible it is for children and youth and families.”
MORE TOP STORIES