Western's Clinic Enhances Access to Youth Psychology Services in Ontario
Western’s Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic links community with youth psychology services
Western University
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The Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic at Western University provides affordable psychological services to families in London, Ontario, addressing significant gaps in youth mental health care. Since 2017, it has served over 1,700 families, offering reduced-cost assessments and interventions while training future psychologists.
- 01The MJW-CYDC has provided psychological services to over 1,700 families since its inception in 2017.
- 02Typical psychological services in Ontario can cost over $230 per hour, but MJW-CYDC offers them at a reduced rate with financial subsidies.
- 03The clinic collaborates with community agencies like London Health Science Centre and Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness to enhance service accessibility.
- 04Graduate students at MJW-CYDC gain hands-on training while providing essential psychological assessments and interventions.
- 05The average wait time for psychological assessments in the Thames Valley District School Board has doubled since 2025, highlighting the need for accessible services.
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The Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic (MJW-CYDC) at Western University has been instrumental in providing affordable psychological services to families in London, Ontario, since 2017. The clinic has supported over 1,700 families, addressing the high costs of typical psychological assessments, which can exceed $230 per hour. By offering reduced rates and financial subsidies, MJW-CYDC ensures that children and youth have timely access to necessary psychological care. The clinic also collaborates with local agencies, including London Health Science Centre and Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness, to fill service gaps. Graduate students from Western's psychology program gain practical experience while delivering these essential services. Programs like Kids Interdisciplinary Developmental Insights (KIDI) and the Early Intervention Program help identify and support children facing developmental challenges. As the average wait time for assessments has increased, the clinic's efforts highlight the critical need for accessible mental health services for youth. The clinic's work emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and early intervention to positively impact children's mental health trajectories.
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The MJW-CYDC's services significantly improve access to psychological care for families in London, Ontario, addressing long wait times and high costs.
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