Alberta Health Services (AHS) is improving access to addiction and mental health services for children and youth in Grande Prairie and area with the creation of a new Child and Youth Multidisciplinary Intensive Treatment Service (MITS) team. 

This community-based support team is focused on providing support for children and youth ages five to 18 who are experiencing complex mental illness and substance use disorders. This specialized team will provide support to children/youth and their families within the community, as well as supporting children and youth admitted to hospital to help in their discharge and transition to home. 

“We’re proud to support much-needed services for young Albertans, delivered right in the community. This is one more step in building comprehensive recovery-oriented systems of care in Alberta,” says Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “Providing children, youth and their families with the supports and care they need, when they need it, creates an environment for them to succeed.” 

The MITS team will provide intensive treatment and ongoing support to aid children/youth and their families in their recovery journey. The team will focus on managing the child/youth’s addiction and/or complex mental health needs with a goal of reducing the potential for relapse or readmission to hospital. 

“This new multidisciplinary team will provide individual/group therapy and counselling, case management/navigation and developmental supports as well as physical and recreational therapy,” says Val Daoust, Manager of AHS Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health in Grande Prairie. “It’s a well-rounded team that works together to ensure a comprehensive care plan and successful outcomes for kids and their families.” 

MITS for children and youth can be accessed by referral from the inpatient pediatric mental health unit or AHS community Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health services.