A new child and youth addiction and mental health service is being created in the Grande Prairie region. The new Multidisciplinary Intensive Treatment Service team will specialize in community-based support focused on providing help to those aged five to 18 experiencing complex mental illness and substance use disorders.
This team will also support children and youth transition back to their home life after being discharged from a hospital stay.
Manager of AHS Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health in Grande Prairie Val Daoust says the team will be able to provide several counselling and therapeutic options such as individual and group therapy and counselling, case management and navigation along with developmental supports, and physical and recreational therapy
“It’s a well-rounded team that works together to ensure a comprehensive care plan and successful outcomes for kids and their families.”
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Nicholas Milliken says the addition of this team is another step towards building recovery-oriented systems not just in the Peace Country but across the province.
“Providing children, youth, and their families with the supports and care they need, when they need it, creates an environment for them to succeed.”
The MITS team will focus on managing the addiction and complex mental health needs of those they serve intending to reduce the chance of relapse or readmission to the hospital. According to AHS, the service will be accessible by referral from the inpatient pediatric mental health unit or AHS Community Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health services.