Ontario is expanding access to mental health services that will help approximately 3,300 more children and youth each year in Barrie, Simcoe and Muskoka get faster access to high-quality care.
This investment will enable the hospital to open a comprehensive regional Child and Youth Mental Health Program, including eight inpatient beds that can be accessed by up to 300 young people per year, a day program, and capacity for approximately 3,000 outpatient visits annually.
The new program will help reduce wait times for children and youth suffering from mental health challenges, increase the services available in the region and ensure that high quality mental health treatment can be accessed in one location. Services provided through the new care centre include prevention and health promotion, assessment, and specialized treatment based on individual needs ranging from moderate to severe and complex conditions.