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Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe unveils new Mobile Youth Walk-in Clinic

June 22, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe unveiled the next generation of its Mobile Youth Walk-in Clinic (MOBYSS) at York Region’s largest fundraising event for the mental well-being of youth – Mental Health in Motion, on Sunday, June 11.

The mobile walk-in clinic offers youth aged 12 to 25 a safe and welcoming space to talk to a medical or mental health professional at no cost.

“When we originally launched MOBYSS in 2015, it was the first and only of its kind in Ontario,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe. “Our innovation with MOBYSS has inspired mental health agencies across the province, serving as the prototype for the launch of new mobile walk-in clinics providing youth with more convenient and welcoming access to life-saving care.”

The launch of this new MOBYSS vehicle marks the retirement of the community’s MOBYSS bus after serving more than 16,000 youth across the region. The MOBYSS vehicle will begin visiting local schools in September.

Staffed by a nurse practitioner, youth mental health worker, and peer support specialist, the next generation of MOBYSS will continue to deliver free and confidential medical and mental health care in a friendly and welcoming space.

The new MOHYSS vehicle includes an accessible wheelchair lift, three private counselling spaces, additional meeting space with tables and chairs, multiple emergency exits, and enhanced storage of medical supplies.

In addition to the new design, the vehicle has a new logo and an eye-catching exterior.

“Our new MOBYSS vehicle was designed in consultation with the youth we serve,” said Kylee Goldman, Director of Services at Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe. “The care and passion that went into designing the next generation of MOBYSS is a true reflection of how MOBYSS has been integrated into our local communities as a safe space to talk to mental health experts youth can rely on and trust.”

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