By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND — Haldimand Norfolk REACH (HNR) are expanding their services, offering a new program called One Stop Talk, aimed at offering more accessible support for local children up to age 18 and their families.
Manager of Child & Youth Mental Health Services – Therapy & Groups Scot Cooper shared some details on the new program, which is a province-wide pilot offering minors and their families access to virtual (phone or video) single-session therapy six days a week. Services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child, and youth mental health agencies across Ontario.
Cooper touched on how the program complements existing services offered through HNR’s Child and Youth Mental Health Services: “One Stop Talk is a service innovation utilizing technology to provide talk therapy to those for whom travel may be a barrier. In a rural community, for some families it’s too far or too costly to travel to the weekly drop-in therapy clinic. A virtual service offers another option and as such, is a welcomed compliment to the diverse menu of in-person, in-office, and in-home services currently available to children, youth, and families through HNR’s Child and Youth Mental Health Services.”
With today’s youth facing pressure and exposure to extreme events around the world, Cooper commented on how programs like One Stop Talk or in-person therapy can help put children on the right track.
“Our youth live in very interesting times and are navigating the effects of social media, political extremes, intense global conflicts, climate change, and inflation. All this is on the heels of the effects of isolation and virtual education that took them away from important relationships and activities. It’s important for those who experience distress to know they are not alone and can reach out if they may need some shouldering up. Accessible services are really important within this climate.”
According to Cooper, demand for child and youth mental health services in Haldimand and Norfolk increased approximately 20% over the course of 2022, on top of increases from the previous two years.
“To meet this demand, we offer a diverse service menu including prevention, drop-in quick access therapy, crisis services, as well as therapy and intensive services,” he noted. “The addition of a quick access virtual service will assist youth to access service early on before their struggles become bigger or overwhelming.”
Over the course of the pandemic, various sources reported a toll on mental health from living under pandemic restrictions, particularly on the youth population. With the pandemic now receding, Cooper commented on the potential lingering effects from some of those pressures.
“What the referral numbers are showing at this point is that they are not necessarily increasing like during the pandemic, but they are maintaining; that is not receding to pre-pandemic levels. Demand remains very high,” he explained. “This is not to overshadow the resilience shown by youth and families, but may reflect an ongoing need as our communities transition out of the pandemic.”
Those interested in learning more about the services offered by HNR can visit reachoutyouth.ca, which provides a portal to HNR mental health services and links to community help.
If a youth is experiencing a crisis, they can call the Child and Youth Crisis Service at 1-866-327-3224.
