Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre a one-stop shop for mental health help

The Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre, which offers a range of services under one roof,  is helping people with depression and helping to reduce emergency room visits.

The walk-in facility is a partnership between Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and the Canadian Mental Health Association. People with mental health issues can come in without an appointment and are quickly connected with appropriate treatments and professionals.

“It’s a free opportunity, which means you don’t need anybody to make a phone call in advance,” said Bill Marra, Hotel-Dieu’s Vice President of External Affairs. “We’re open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.”

Social worker Jasmine Brzoska said the centre works with individuals who are seeking support for a number of issues like relationship stress or financial difficulties.

The centre collects detailed information and creates a specific treatment plan. The centre has been particularly successful at treating patients with depression, said officials.

“Our clients feel it is like a family member looking out for them,” said Dawn Nassr, an intake worker from the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre also provides 24-hour phone service at 519-973-4435.