Walk-in Mental Health Clinic 

About PAUSE at the NECHC

The PAUSE program at the North End Community Health Centre (NECHC) is a community-based mental health initiative designed to provide accessible and immediate mental health support. The program is modeled after similar successful programs across Canada, where clients receive one-hour counselling appointments on a first-come, first-served basis with no expectation of follow-up unless they return on another clinic day.

Key Features of the PAUSE Program

Accessibility: PAUSE offers walk-in and call-in services, ensuring that individuals can access mental health support without the need for a health card, mental health diagnosis, or being a registered patient of the NECHC​​.

Service Days and Modes:

• In-Person: Wednesdays only.
• Telephone: Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Group Sessions: The program includes group sessions on various topics such as grief, stress, coping with difficult emotions, and anxiety, available at different times throughout the year​.

Mandate

The primary goal of the PAUSE program is to provide immediate mental health services to communities that have been traditionally underserved. These communities often face multiple barriers including poverty, racism, and chronic health conditions. PAUSE aims to bridge this gap by offering low-barrier, immediate mental health care to those in need​.

Approach

The program employs various counselling techniques to help individuals manage and cope with their mental health challenges. Active listening and empowering clients to move from feelings of helplessness to empowerment are core principles of the PAUSE program. This approach ensures that clients feel heard and supported in their mental health journey​.

For more information on the PAUSE program, including specific dates and times for group sessions, please contact Lana MacLean, Director of Community Health & Mental Health – Lmaclean@nechc.com