Helping kids get mental health care quicker
A new pilot program serving rural southeast Saskatchewan is helping children and youth with mild to moderate mental health issues get help more quickly.
“This pilot improves access to services and connection to broader mental health services in rural areas,” said Lisa Plank, the nurse practitioner who is part of the mental health team engaged in this work. “If we can catch children and youth experiencing mental health issues early and get them the right services closer to home, we can hopefully change the path for them,” said Plank.
Plank’s role ensures those who need medication for issues such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder get timely care.
Plank, the first nurse practitioner in the province to be part of a mental health team, said a lot of the services provided by the program already exist, but in pockets. The pilot program, funded by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, helps various professionals work together more easily.
In the past, there could be numerous delays before a child started medication, if that was required. Plank’s position removes roadblocks to care by streamlining services.
“I see [the child], determine what they need and then implement those things,” said Plank. “If they don’t require any further services, that might be where they stop. If they require more services than I can provide, or we can identify issues I can’t manage, then I refer them into the broader mental health system.”
The program is accessed through the Mental Health and Addictions Intake and Crisis team based on assessment and need. Those wishing to access our services can contact our team at 306-786-0558 in Yorkton or 306-842-8655 in Weyburn.
Assessments are generally done virtually, currently taking place within about four weeks.
The program began in December 2021 and currently runs till the end of June.
