The United Way is reminding Windsor-Essex residents - if you think you need mental health services - they're available.
United Way CEO Lorraine Goddard says anyone who needs help - ranging from family conflict, to anxiety, grief, and mental health issues - can use their walk-in clinics. The charity partners with Family Services Windsor-Essex for counselling support, and the clinics have no wait time.
"You can go into the clinic, actually see an intake worker, a councillor, and then a plan of action is provided to you," says Goddard.
She says they wanted to ensure counselling was accessible - and that cost would not be a factor. The cost is offered on a sliding scale based on income, so those living on low incomes have access as well.
Goddard it's about getting services when you need it.
"If you're under distress and your struggling with whatever the mental health issue, the longer you take to get service and support, the more challenges you'll experience."
The service has been available since 2010, when it was found residents were waiting 12 weeks for services.
Goddard says that is a long time for someone who needs help with something like anxiety.
"By the time you see someone, I mean, you can imagine that 12 weeks would almost seem like an impossible amount of time to be dealing with it. We're trying to divert people away from emergency rooms as well."
Goddard says anyone using the walk-in clinic can receive a plan and referral for further appropriate counselling. Family Services Windsor-Essex has four clinics in the area, on Langlois Avenue in Windsor, as well in Harrow, Kingsville, and Leamington.
Bell Let's Talk Day, which supports mental health initiatives is Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
- With files from Gord Bacon.