Walk-ins seeking mental health help accepted at CLSCs in Montérégie
Posted September 10, 2024 10:34 am.
Last Updated September 10, 2024 12:33 pm.
People looking for help when it comes to their mental health can go to a CLSC of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre – without having an appointment.
The territory of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre includes the municipalities of Brossard, Chambly, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Lacolle. It’s the first in Quebec to offer improved walk-in access to mental health care at all its CLSCs.
Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant made the announcement at a press conference on Monday in Brossard, calling it easier, simpler access to mental health services.
On the territory of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre, mental health care and services are available on a walk-in basis or by telephone at all CLSCs, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
When a user visits a CLSC, they’ll be seen by an intervener within an hour or less. Calls are returned within 24 hours.
In 2023-2024, more than 5,465 requests were processed, nearly a quarter of which were carried out in person at the CLSC, without an appointment.
Minister Carmant plans to extend this model to the entire province and wants to expand “Aires ouvertes,” which is a service that’s offered with or without appointments by CLSCs to 12 to 25-year-olds who need help.
A nurse or social worker will welcome the patient and help them find solutions to their problems.
According to the minister, the waiting list for mental health services for younger people has decreased by more than half since April 2023, after implementing “Aires ouvertes” – which is offered at nearly 40 service points in Quebec.
Carmant said CLSCs remain a better option than waiting at the hospital, because in the ER, wait times can range between seven to 10 hours if your case is deemed non-urgent.
The minister encourages citizens in Montérégie-Centre who are currently on a mental health waiting list and whose case needs to be “reassessed” should go to a CLSC in their area.
Those who prefer to speak to a psychosocial worker over the phone can contact the Info-Social line by dialing 811, option two.
