Mental Health support in Northern Alberta is increasing with the addition of a youth inpatient psychiatry pod at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. According to Alberta Health Services, the four-bed psychiatry pod will be for youth aged 14 to 17 who have complex psychiatric disorders and behavioural concerns.
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Nicholas Milliken says a main priority for the province is supporting mental health and addiction recovery, and the opening of this pod supports these efforts.
“Youth in northern Alberta will have more access to the specialized treatment and recovery care while remaining close to home and support systems,” Milliken says.
The beds will be part of the hospital’s 28-bed inpatient psychiatry unit, which also includes an adult pod, geriatric pod and psychiatric intensive care pod.
“These specialized spaces are an important extension of mental health supports that will be specifically designated for youth and will enhance the range of services we offer youth and their families to support them in living satisfying, hopeful lives.”
Director of Addiction and Mental Health Inpatient Psychiatry, AHS North Zone Patrick Sesay says the opening of these four beds will make it so those needing this care can receive it closer to home, allowing families to be part of the recovery process.