Mental health walk-in clinics for children and families: a provincial survey

ABSTRACT

Objective

Mental health walk-in clinics (MHWCs) provide unscheduled and immediate support to children and families and remove common administrative barriers. This study explored the implementation of MHWCs across Ontario, CA.

Method

A brief provincial survey was conducted to identify agencies that provided MHWCs, which were then invited to complete an in-depth survey. The in-depth survey questions were formatted as multiple choice, yes/no, Likert scale, and open-ended questions, taking 20–25 min with the option of online or phone-based completion.

Results

A total of 18 (86%) agencies participated in the in-depth survey between September 2020 and April 2021. MHWCs are being used to provide timely and accessible services, as well as to serve as a point of intake. MHWCs are provided in different locations (e.g. agencies, schools) using different modalities (e.g. consulting break) and approaches (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, solution focused therapy). Most agencies quickly adapted to COVID-19 restrictions by providing virtual MHWCs. The most common reasons for implementing MHWCs were to reduce waitlists, the strong evidence base, and an effort to meet families’ needs. Different benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of MHWCs were reported.

Discussion

The results of this provincial study help better understand the implementation of MHWCs and how agencies adapted to COVID-19 and associated restrictions.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health walk-in clinics
• Ontario
• children and youth
• families

Acknowledgments

C. Sarmiento was supported by a Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI) Trainee Award, funded by the Children’s Health Foundation and a Mitacs Research Training Award. G. Reid was supported by the CHRI, London, ON.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).