'Talk-in' mental health network pilot in Ontario hoping to expand with third clinic

Six mental health and domestic violence agencies in London-Middlesex are working together on a network of "talk-in" clinics to reduce wait times and to improve access to services for those who have more than one area of concern. When a new client arrives at the talk-in clinic, they receive their first counselling session right away, rather than giving their demographic information and being put on a waitlist. Clients leave this first session with an action plan that includes next steps for addressing their particular issue (social or health). It’s been found that half of those who access the single-session intervention therapy only needed to do so once. The agencies hope to provide web or phone-based services for those in rural areas, and to open another location with a focus on Indigenous communities.