Horizon Health Network believes a new after-hours psychiatric clinic in Moncton is enhancing access for clients who need mental health services.

The clinic is now open at 234 Reade Street which is near The Moncton Hospital and is led by Horizon psychiatrists Dr. Rozario Anthony and Dr. Syed Sadiq.

This appointment-only clinic operates Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., as well as every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Horizon says the clinic is able to provide psychiatry services to approximately 30 clients per month.

In addition, the health authority says 92 patients have been removed from the wait list in the first few weeks of operation and 21 adults and 30 children/youth have had a treatment plan developed and follow-up services provided.

“Horizon is committed to doing everything we can to ensure mental health clients of all ages can be connected to the services they need as quickly and efficiently as possible. This initiative has the full support of our interim CEO, Margaret Melanson, who recognizes the added value of improved access to care and a better patient experience,” said Dr. Nachiketa Sinha, a psychiatrist and Horizon’s regional chief of staff.

“The addition of this after-hours psychiatry clinic to the suite of mental health services available in the Moncton area will ensure more people are getting the right care at the right time.  I’d like to commend Dr. Anthony and Dr. Sadiq for leading this important initiative and for their commitment to providing timely, accessible care to mental health clients.”

Patients must be referred to the clinic by their family doctor or primary health care provider.

Patients receive services such as psychiatric assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans and medication management.