The new Child and Youth Development Clinic at Western University is hoping to brighten the picture for area kids and their families who need mental health services.
The only interdisciplinary training clinic of its kind in Ontario officially opens on Wednesday to fill gaps in mental health services for children. It provides high-quality, affordable evidence-based psychological assessment, intervention and treatment, as well as language services to children and youth from three to 18 years of age – without a referral.
“Every family has a child who at one time or another is at risk of learning or mental health issues,” said Vicki Schwean, the clinic’s founder and dean of the Faculty of Education at Western. “Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of our next generation is immensely important and we’re thrilled to open the doors to the community at our new clinic.”
As many as one in five children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health problem, and five out of six of those kids will not receive the treatment they need, according to Children’s Mental Health Ontario.
Western graduate students – under the supervision of experts in their field – will provide assessment and treatment options for children with educational, psychological, behavioral and speech and language difficulties either individually or in groups. Parents, guardians and service providers – such as school officials, mental health providers and doctors – may refer children and youth to the clinic.
The bright, welcoming centre is located just north of the Richmond Street entrance to Western University.
Media are invited to attend the grand opening reception and stay for a tour of the new clinic. Media interviews with Schwean and clinic staff will take place immediately afterwards.
What: Child and Youth Development Clinic Grand Opening
When: Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Where: 1163 Richmond Street London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K6
Timing: 11:30 a.m. – Welcome
11:45 a.m. – Official Ribbon Cutting
12:00 p.m. – Clinic Tours
12:15 p.m. – Media Interviews
** Please contact Jo Ann Johnston to arrange for an interview**
MEDIA CONTACT: Jo Ann Johnston, Community Relations, Western University, 519-661-2111 x80504, or on mobile at 519-860-3120 and joann.johnston@uwo.ca @JoRoJohnston
ABOUT THE CHILD AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CLINIC:
Graduate students in the School and Applied Child Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Speech and Language Pathology programs at Western University, under the supervision of experts in their field, provide high-quality and affordable psychological assessment, intervention, treatment and language services to children and youth from three to 18 years of age. www.childandyouthdevelopment.ca
ABOUT WESTERN:
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
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