Youth treatment centre in Paradise officially opens

The provincial government officially opened a new live-in treatment centre Wednesday for youth with complex mental health needsin Paradise.

Residents of the facility will be treated fora number ofissues, including depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and self-harming behaviour.

Mental illness and addictions have a deep impact on individuals. It has a deep impact on families, and on communities.- Premier-designate Paul Davis

Premier-designate Paul Davis said the centre will make a big difference to the people who are admitted there.

"This new facility will provide many services that until now, at times could only be obtained by young people who had to leave this province. This often meant having to be away from your family, and your friends, your own support structures during periods when you need them the very most," Davis said.

Each centre can accommodate up to 12 young people ages 12 to 18.

Both facilities have three separate living quarters, each containing four bedrooms with private bathrooms;a kitchen and lounge area; a school area; amulti-purpose room; a gym and physical fitness room; anda dedicated space for overnight stays for visiting family.

Davis said it's another step in getting rid of the stigma attached to mental illness.

"Mental illness and addictions have a deep impact on individuals. It has a deep impact on families, and on communities," said Davis.

"And for a long time it was a subject that we all too often hesitated to discuss openly. We need to put those days behind us. We need to remove the stigma so often associated with mental illness."

Staff have been screening and accepting referrals for the live-in centre, and plan to start admitting youth in October.

The average length of stay at the treatment centre will vary, between six months anda year.

The new centre complements a similar facility in Grand Falls-Windsor for youth with addictions.