Child and Youth Psychiatry Program: referral rates surpassing initial targets

Since its start nearly one year ago, the North Halton Child and Youth Psychiatry Program (NHCYPP), administered through the North Halton Mental Health Clinic, has received nearly 190 referrals for kids under the age of 18: a number close to capacity for the program. Since most programs of this nature usually take two to three years to reach their capacity, the high referral rate for the NHCYPP so far demonstrates the unquestionable demand for this service in North Halton.

The NHCYPP is funded by Halton Region and is a collaborative venture between the Health Department and ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids).

“I’m very pleased that Regional Staff and Council are helping address such a vital need in our community,” said Halton Regional Chair, Gary Carr. “When community agencies come together in the spirit of collaboration everyone benefits. In this case, our staff and the professionals from ROCK are making a significant difference in improving the lives of kids and their families in Halton Hills and Milton.”

The program offers psychiatric assessment and diagnosis services, mental health support and education, parenting enhancement and support, and linkages to ongoing therapy and community services for North Halton residents. ROCK staff offer the ongoing therapy side of treatment, and to date, 46 of the 190 referrals have gone on to family therapy at their Milton site.

“There is a longstanding shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists across Canada, including Halton,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton’s Medical Officer of Health. “The choice for this program began after the consulting psychiatrist had discussions with my staff and me about the supports required to make such a clinic happen. Halton Regional Council strongly supported this concept and has fully funded the clinic.”

Using Mental Illness Awareness week (Oct. 4-10) as a catalyst, Halton Region is taking the opportunity to let residents in Halton Hills and Milton know that help is available at the North Halton Mental Health clinic. Through a referral from a physician, both adults and children, can access treatment. The Region also offers other mental health supports through programs and resources such as the Mental Health Liaison Program, Youth Net, the distribution of the Youth Services card, and more.

For more information about the child and youth program or our other services related to promoting positive mental health, call Halton Region at 311 or 905-825-6000, or visit our website at www.halton.ca. For specific inquiries about referrals, please call the North Halton Mental Health Clinic directly at 905-693-4340.

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