The Victoria Youth Clinic, NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education and Support, and Island Health’s Early Psychosis Intervention team are in the process of transforming two levels of office space at 818 Douglas Street into a mental health ‘hub’ for youth and their families.

 

The 5,400 square foot facility, situated above a Noodlebox restaurant between Courtney and Humboldt streets, is described by proponents as a “one-stop shop” combining the services of its three partner organizations with a goal of transforming the way “primary healthcare, acute mental health and substance use services” are provided to south Island youth.

 

“You can do so much more when you work together, building relationships that advance the total wellbeing of every youth you serve,” says Barb Thompson, executive director of the Victoria Youth Clinic. “Taking a team approach across agencies—across systems, frankly—will let us better define the true needs of each client and then address them from multiple disciplines.”

 

Earlier this summer the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island announced a program to raise $3-million for the downtown Victoria facility, which is slated to open this fall.

 

Donations by members of the public can be made here. C