Integrating North Shore Youth Eating Disorders into Foundry North Shore “a positive for clients and their families”
The North Shore Youth Eating Disorders Program, which serves youth 18 years and younger and their families who live on the North Shore, Bowen Island, Sunshine Coast, Powell River and Sea to Sky corridor, will be part of Foundry North Shore when it opens this summer.
Melissa Simmons, a youth and family therapist who currently works on the 5th Floor at 132 Esplanade, believes integrating the eating disorder program into Foundry will be a positive for clients and their families.
“The advantage will be that we have greater links to community partners – especially the youth medical team,” says Melissa. “As a doctor referral is needed to access our program, having doctors and NPs on site means that this process can happen more seamlessly with fewer barriers for youth who do not already have a family doctor.
“We also hope more youth who are struggling with an eating disorder know where to get services and feel comfortable accessing services due to the new youth-friendly space at Foundry,” says Melissa.
The North Shore Youth Eating Disorder Team, which includes Melissa, Dr. Glenn Robertson (Pediatrician), and Dietitian Ellie Mackay, work together to support a client and develop a plan that meets their needs.
The team will continue to offer the same schedule as it currently does at 132 Esplanade, which includes monthly clinics on Friday mornings for new assessments.
Highlights of the North Shore Youth Eating Disorders Program:
- Early intervention will continue to be a priority
- Referrals will be required from a primary care provider (family physician, GP or Nurse Practitioner) and services will be provided within a shared model of care
- Staffing includes a therapist case manager, a dietitian and pediatrician, as well as individual therapy provided by Child & Youth Mental Health Substance Use clinicians
- North Shore adults 19 and older will continue to access services at the VCH Eating Disorders Program located in Vancouver
- In addition to providing direct clinical service, the program will increase eating disorder awareness within both VCH Mental Health & Substance Use services and the community.
To get a referral to the program, youth can see their family doctor for a referral to our clinic.
“But if a youth comes to Foundry to access support for an eating disorder, Foundry staff will help guide this referral,” says Melissa.
Contact Melissa for more information about the NS Eating Disorder Program.
More stories on Foundry North Shore
- Public Health and Primary Care join forces at Foundry North Shore
- One-stop shop for youth gets official name
- MLAs, VCH, Community Members celebrate launch of Foundry North Shore
Follow Foundry North Shore on Facebook and Instagram (foundry_northshore). Website coming soon.
Contact Tanis Evans or Terry Bulych for more information.