People experiencing anxiety or who have a mental health disorder can go to a CLSC of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre for help without having an appointment.
Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant made the announcement at a press conference on Monday in Brossard.
Carmant said that a worker will see the patient in less than an hour, and telephone follow-ups will be made within 24 hours.
Montérégie-Centre is the first CLSC in Quebec to offer a walk-in service for mental health problems.
Minister Carmant plans to extend this model to the entire province and wants to expand “Aires ouvertes,” which is a service that’s offered with or without appointments by CLSCs to 12 to 25-year-olds who need help.
A nurse or social worker will welcome the patient and help them find solutions to their problems.
According to the minister, the waiting list for mental health services for younger people has decreased by more than half since April 2023, after implementing “Aires ouvertes” – which is offered at nearly 40 service points in Quebec.
Carmant said that CLSCs remains a better option than waiting at the hospital, because in the ER, wait times can range between seven to 10 hours if your case is deemed non-urgent.
The minister encourages citizens in Montérégie who are currently on a mental health waiting list and whose case needs to be “reassessed” should go to a CLSC in their area.
Those who prefer to speak to a psychosocial worker over the phone can contact the Info-Social line by dialing 811, option two.