HN REACH OFFERS ONE STOP TALK PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH

QUICK ACCESS THERAPY OFFERED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the mental health of a lot of children and youth, both around the world and locally.

One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant, a free virtual walk-in counselling program, was piloted in November 2022 as a way to help those in need and their families. While the program was first available through six participating mental health organizations, it's being expanded to more organizations, including HaldimandNorfolk REACH, and will eventually be available

throughout Ontario.

"We are excited to be a part of the One Stop Talk

innovation in service delivery and especially excited that the community can

access this service throughout the week," Scot Cooper, manager of child and youth mental health services for HN REACH, said in a news release.

Irene Perro, director of child, family and adult intervention services for HN REACH, said in the same news release, "This new program comes at a time where referrals for service have increased significantly in many organizations. We are pleased to be able to offer this additional service to our participants."

It was reported in January that the Ontario government was investing $4.75 million to expand the program.

Through One Stop Talk, children, youth (aged 18 and younger) and their families are able to speak with a clinician by phone, video conference, text and chat without an appointment. This service is available six days a week, Monday

to Friday from noon to 8 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Youth and caregivers can access One Stop Talk by visiting the website at onestoptalk.ca or by calling 1-855-416-TALK (8255).

One Stop Talk is being offered alongside HN REACH's in-person walkin therapy clinic, which is offered on Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m., at the agency's main office, 101A Nanticoke Creek Pkwy., Townsend.

The news release said, "Quick access to single session therapy can be very useful to youth and their families as a place to share concerns and come up with doable next steps that help. Building off youth and family strengths, the idea is to get change in motion or amplify what is already working a bit."