The Waypoint Center for Mental Health Care in Barrie, Ontario, is hoping a new online booking system mental health The services will make it faster and more accessible for people to access the support they need.
Using the 1door.ca platform, way point Staff say those in need can find a variety of mental health services available throughout the area in one place.
Heather Bullock, the partnership’s vice president and chief strategy officer, said that when people are struggling with mental health issues, it can be difficult to seek care and understand what’s available.
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“We need to do better for people and families in our communities to help them get what they need as quickly and as easily as possible,” Bullock said.
“We are working together to try to make it easier for people because we understand the challenges they are facing, and we have services that can support people. It’s just a matter of making that match that much easier and that much quicker.”
The staff says that services are available for everyone from children to elders.
The online platform shows people what is available for their individual needs, lists schedules for events, and allows people to book appointments directly through the site.
“It’s really taking all the different walk-in clinics that we have throughout the region, integrating them into one location,” Bullock said.
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In addition to just those walk-in and short-term temporary services, Bullock said the platform also allows people to access things like the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub, the Frontline Wellness Program Initiative, and most recently, the Ontario Instructional Psychotherapy Program.
Through the online service, people can also connect to Waypoint’s free online services for people with a variety of mental health needs.
Bullock said that over time, they expect to add more services to the online platform that can currently be accessed by contacting waypoints directly.
“The initial feedback is that people really love the fact that it is a bit of a one-stop shop that they can personalize based on their needs, choose which service is best for them or their family member. matters most to.”
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