Open Doors Mental Health (formerly Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth) is an accredited mental health centre that provides high-quality services throughout the region. The organization is committed to continuous learning and growth, ensuring every therapeutic intervention is tailored to the unique needs of each child, youth, and family. Guided by integrity and respect, ODMH delivers trauma-informed care with dignity and compassion to everyone seeking support.
Its clinicians are highly skilled in their respective areas of practice and dedicated to ongoing professional development. By staying current with research and best practices, the organization ensures its approach to mental health care remains responsive, adaptive, and individualized rather than one-size-fits-all. They recently appointed a new executive director, Melissa Leveck, who gives us her background and describes her areas of passion.
Leveck notes that 20% of Canadian youth have an identifiable mental health condition and many more have issues that put them at risk. She notes that today, specific uses of the internet present concerns.
Leveck notes that issues seldom appear suddenly, but usually creep in slowly over time. While she admits that every youth is an individual with unique approaches to life, there are some common warning signs to look for.
Changes in sleeping habits are another key warning sign with sleep deprivation now recognized as a serious risk to both physical and mental health. ODMH’s director of clinical quality Angela Culham, provides some practical advice for parents who are concerned.
She adds that predictable routines and exhibiting unconditional love and support are also key. And her experience indicates that seeking professional help sooner rather than later will bring better outcomes. ODMH operates offices in Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, and Perth and you can learn more at ODMH.ca.
Story by Brian Turner
