Starting September 4, Westshore residents will have improved access to mental health and substance use support services with the opening of the new Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub.
Located at 681 Allandale Rd. in Colwood, the Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub will be open five days a week, offering community-based care, same-day walk-in or call-in counselling and assessments, care planning, integrated services, and referrals to higher levels of care when needed. The purpose-built site includes meeting space, clinical consult and exam spaces, as well as a dedicated gathering space.
The Hub will serve people with moderate to less severe conditions, including depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions as well as addictions. The Hub team includes professionals from various fields such as psychiatry, addictions medicine, nursing, counselling, occupational therapy and peer support. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a seamless care experience for clients, whether they are seeking help for mental-health issues, substance use concerns or both.
Clients requiring ongoing support will get help from a Care Coordinator who will be their main point of contact during their care journey. The Care Coordinator will tailor services to that person's unique needs, helping them to navigate supports on their unique pathway to wellness and recovery.
Dr. Nelson Collins, South Island Medical Director and South Island Psychiatry Division Head, emphasizes the importance of this integrated approach. "The hub model is the best way to provide community mental-health and substance use services," said Collins. "By bringing together a diverse team of experts under one roof, we can provide more cohesive, personalized care that adapts to each individual's journey towards recovery."
The Hub's services were developed in consultation with local Indigenous communities to ensure they are culturally informed and relevant. This collaborative approach aims to make care accessible and appropriate for all community members.