Published at 1:09 a.m. Updated at 9:00 a.m.
For the founder of the Vivago clinic, Giovanni Arcuri, the situation of many young adults is very worrying. “They have crying needs in mental health,” he explains. “We are seeing an increase in young people who are seriously thinking about suicide, who have dark thoughts and who feel completely alone.”
His clinic wants to help them with occupational therapy, neuropsychology, psychology, sexology, social work, family medicine and psychiatry services. It also seeks to make their lives easier with insurance. “We met with several companies to be able to make the reimbursement requests for expenses ourselves,” says Mr. Arcuri. “Even if many young people can get the amount reimbursed in part or in full, they don’t always have the $100 to $150 to spend right away. So we make the connection directly.”
His approach favors personalized monitoring, according to the founder.
We analyze the strengths, weaknesses and needs of each person. We want to establish the objectives with our clients, unlike other clinics that have more standardized ways of doing things.
Giovanni Arcuri, president and founder of the Vivago clinic
A view confirmed by Bobby*, a 21-year-old client who comes to the clinic for help in functioning better in different social, school and work contexts. “At the beginning of each session, I am asked what my personal goals are and we only talk about the topics I choose,” he says. The feedback and advice are also personalized.
This personalized approach is not as widespread as it should be, according to Giovanni Arcuri. And this is despite being recognized as the best, according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada. “What is found in research does not always translate into real life,” says the occupational therapy specialist. “We see some clinics that are starting to do it, especially in universities.”
Greater accessibility
The clinic’s specialists were keen to create a safe space for people from marginalized communities. “Even though some settings claim to be inclusive, many places are not safe and it becomes very difficult for some people to be understood or feel comfortable discussing their disorders,” says Arcuri.
He discusses the preconceived ideas of some health professionals that will have the effect of stigmatizing part of their clientele, in his eyes. “I am part of the LGBTQ+ community myself and I have given myself the personal mission of improving the situation and creating a safe environment.”
Knowing that many young people have difficulty affording the mental health care they need, he and his colleagues launched a campaign, Viv-Action Jeunesse, in hopes of raising $25,000. “If we reach that amount, the Quebec government will match it with the Mille et UN Fund, and the clinic will add $25,000,” he explains.
The $75,000 raised would allow us to offer one day of services per week to young adults. “If we receive more money, we will offer more time,” says Mr. Arcuri. “We want to create a community of support for our youth, both with the funds and by finding partners who believe in our mission.”
*Bobby wishes to remain anonymous to avoid stigma associated with mental health.
