Access 24 7 - Edmonton

Bleh, where do I even start?! I so badly wanted to like this place because the concept is wonderful however the execution…not so much. I have been here in both my professional and personal life and both experiences were awful. I went here in crisis last year during the height of the pandemic because they said one could come in for emergency counseling sessions. When the woman, who I can only assume is supposed to be a counselor of some sort, came into the room she asked me to explain why I was there. After explaining myself she replied, “why are you sad? I just don’t understand why you’re crying?” I really thought I must have been dreaming? Who asks a question like that? Were my issues not worthy of tears? The psychiatrist also told me I didn’t have ADHD because I had no memories of acting out as a youth despite being diagnosed by multiple other physicians and counselors. I think this psychiatrist forgot that ADHD presents very differently in women. He pulled my vyvance and I was made to go without it until finally getting a referral to a different psychiatrist who told me he thought it’d be cruel not to prescribe it to me. I also brought in a client dealing w/ SI from a local shelter. When I told them of the clients complaint and where they had come from, the staff responded, “oh they couldn’t have dealt with that there huh?!” I know compassion fatigue is real, but maybe consider a different line of work if you feel burnt out. You’re dealing with an insanely vulnerable population who read into every look, feeling, action, and tone. A little customer service goes a long way.

Such nice and caring staf! I haven’t been yet was been sick but the ladies on the phone have been amazingly helpful! Working around my schedule as I’ve been sick and had to cancel twice.Joyce was absolutely the nicest lady I’ve talked to in a long time, easing my anxiety before my appointment . Thanks so much!

its no wonder there are so many problems in the world. Everyone says.....get help, maybe you should see someone. not that easy. long story short. having major panic attacks. was on ativan for years for my panic attacks. my daughter died, i noblonger cared didnt havethem for five years. all i wanted was ativan so i can stop themsaw a phsychologist , then a week later a psychiat4ist to whom i told, i didnt go out because the panic attacks are worse. he gave me a prescription for a month ativan. i had to pick up 4 pills every 2 days. after i told him i dont go out.just wanted a regular shrink, but i still had to jump through many more hoops for that to happen. so here i sit, back to where i was. guess ill just order ativan from Afghanistan use my food money to pay for it. thanks alberta heslth. for nothing

Had gone in with self harm thoughts and wanting to get set up with a pysch or psychologist to help me try new meds, but was just brought in a room and they read over notes of mine from past 7 years and barely let me speak to advocate for all the therapy I’ve done, and for myself. I wanted to be assessed for adhd but was just told my diagnosis again from the past and given a Prescription & told to rebook in a month or 2.... like okay; you want me to try these meds and see you that long from now. Dangerous place for vulnerable people, please know there is more help than this out there. ?

I called and a really kind and patient nurse answered the phone. She conducted an intake and booked me an appointment. When I arrived to my appointment a few days later, there was one woman who asked me COVID screening questions and another behind the desk. I'm not sure if they were nurses, doctors, therapists, or receptionists - but they were so warm, and made me feel so so comfortable. The psychiatrist I saw really made me feel heard. I am really glad I phoned.

NO PATIENT PRIVACY EXPECT TO HEAR OTHER PATIENTS AND YOUR VISIT HEARD BY THE WAITING ROOM. The most unprofessional, disgraceful unpleasant visit to any psychiatric "support" I've ever been to. The doctor spent the whole hour visit reading files and notes from over 7 years ago and QUESTIONED me about how I was diagnosed, when I was, who diagnosed me yet he had no professional stand point of his own after me answering every question he had. Then when I was emotional asking what was the purpose of the visit because I felt more interrogated about my medication than actually getting support for what my visit was for he rubbed in my face that we had to reschedule my appointment once due to icey roads and once due to the clinic scheduling me for a canceled zoom appointment. At this point I was already crying, and the doctor(Dr.Culo)beside our office jumps into my room and says, "I've been listening this whole time and you need to keep your voice down". This "doctor" just barged in then asked if my doctor needed a nurse when I was sitting there telling him how I felt offended by him mentioned my missed appointment were a good reason to make me feel guilty since I questioned what the purpose of the visit was. During my whole visit I could hear the next door patient and doctor since the walls are so thin even at a low speaking voice. To add insult to injury another doctor was needing the room we were in and he was hand jestering the other doctor to come in BEFORE WE WERE EVEN DONE. I didn't even have a minute to put my glasses and jacket on before he was rushing me to the door. DR IMO did nothing but want to prescribe me anti depressants when all I wanted was therapy first. This visit did more damage to my mental health than help, the only good thing here is the front desk.

They all seem over worked and jaded. I have a friend who has had a few interactions with them.. their tactics may work with other mental illness but when Someone's symptoms include paranoia and auditory hallucinations they sure know how to trigger these and shut them down. I once called in with what I thought was something that needed attention. They mentioned how this person had been their alot, like that somehow it made his issues less important. We. I got frustrated the woman started to get defievmnsive. She refused to transfer my call because Her ego was #1. I don't recommend access their are better organizations. We now call for help on out provinces. People that have mental health issues deserve better. I understand AHS is over worked but their bad situation shouldnt be taken out on Alberta's suffering from mental health issues.

These people save life's daily, If you truly want help these people will help you, It's basically a walk in clinic for mental health. I have been through numerous addiction programs, but so far I don't have a complaint, they have found programs that will help me and the staff are wonderful. The doctors and counselors, truly care, and that's always a positive. I have one more visit before we finish transition me into my more permanent solution. My only bad thing I have to say is there needs to be more places like it. It definitely been one of the best experiences having a terrible time. I was terrified to call but it's worth the phone call. I hope this helps some one, and I hope my spelling wasn't too bad either! ?thanks for reading this and life is worth it. and there are solutions. Take care :)