KWCS Walk-In Counselling Clinic presented at Queen's Park
Every year thousands of individuals and families are now coming to the Walk-In Counselling Clinic. These innovative Clinics are an effective alternative to the oversubscribed, avoidable and costly emergency department for people with mental health issues.
taken from CTV Southwestern Ontario:
KW Counselling claims the Ontario government could save millions in health care costs and improve the lives of thousands by using walk-in clinics for mental health issues.
Since it started scrapping appointments and began offering single session walk-in counselling three years ago, KW Counselling Services has eliminated a waiting list close to 1,000 people.
As a result, people with moderate mental health issues who go there are happier.
Leslie Josling, executive director of KW Counselling, says "To be honest they arrive at walk-in and when we say you can be seen today, they say ‘Really, today?' It is so contrary to the mental health services that people have come to expect."
Clients can then return or be referred elsewhere for further treatment or counselling.
A follow up study also found the condition of the clients improved after visiting the walk-in clinic.
Dr. Carol Stalker of Wilfrid Laurier University says "The levels of psychological distress had dropped considerably at one month and even further at four months."
According to The Canadian Mental Health Association, mental illness is a big problem in Canada, with one in five Canadians experiencing a mental illness in their life.
Mental illness is also the second leading cause of disability and premature death. It also costs the economy $50 billion each year in health care costs and lost productivity.
KW Counselling says 20 per cent of people going to walk-in clinics say if that wasn't available they would be going to hospital emergency departments or a doctor, services that cost millions more than a walk-in clinic.
John Ellis, executive director of Association of Family Services Ontario, says "If they are really serious about saving money, reducing the load on hospital ER's and improving the quality of life of individuals who are vulnerable citizens of this province, then this should be a no brainer."
Counselling agencies are urging the Ontario government to open the clinics in 40 communities.