Manitoba offers virtual service for youth mental health

WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is introducing a new virtual crisis consultation service to support children and youth facing mental health and addiction challenges. The service will connect frontline workers, such as school-based counselors, social workers, and physicians, to clinical experts for immediate advice and support.

“This is a hub-and-spoke model that leverages the clinical expertise we have here in Manitoba and connects to those on the front line of children’s crisis work,” said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith (pictured).

“It means no matter where you are in the province, if you work with kids who struggle with addictions or are in a mental health crisis, you can talk to a professional who has experience and clinical expertise. It’s part of a broad approach to prevent kids from falling through the cracks and it’s about delivering care right away, instead of making kids wait in emergency departments.”

The new service, operated by Shared Health, is designed to enhance access to timely care for youth across the province, including those in remote communities.

The initiative is part of a broader response to youth mental health and addictions needs, which includes a $2.4 million investment in increased psychiatric nurse support at the Health Sciences Centre Children’s Emergency Department in Winnipeg. An additional $1.5 million will be used to hire more mental health clinicians throughout the province.

“Offering this new virtual service underscores our commitment to improving access to more timely care for children and youth across the province, including in First Nations and other more remote communities,” said Dr. Jaye Miles, director of Health Services, Child and Youth Treatment Services with Shared Health.

The initiative also aligns with recommendations from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, aiming to improve access to mental healthcare and ensure more timely support for youth in crisis.