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Mall clinic offers teen mental health care
22 Apr
Summary
- Youth mental health clinic integrated into a shopping mall.
- Bright, colorful design with couches aims to build trust.
- Accessible location chosen to normalize mental health services.
The IWK Health Centre has launched a pioneering mental health and addictions clinic for children and teens within Dartmouth's Mic Mac Mall. This new facility, a result of over five years of planning, seeks to destigmatize and enhance the accessibility of mental health services for individuals up to 19 years old.
The clinic's design intentionally deviates from traditional healthcare settings, incorporating bright colors, carpeting, and spacious family rooms with large couches. Washrooms even feature fun lighting, becoming a popular spot for selfies, contributing to a more relaxed atmosphere.
Staff and patients' families were consulted to ensure the location and design would be welcoming. The mall setting was chosen to "meet families where they're at," recognizing that malls are common gathering places for adolescents. This approach aims to normalize mental health support.
The Dartmouth site consolidates services and expands capacity with 25 staff members, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Its accessibility, situated near a bus route and highway, further supports its mission to make mental healthcare more convenient and approachable for families in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
