Kadeesha Paul is a recreation therapist supporting Mackenzie Health’s Mental Health Outpatient Services, located at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. She uses activity-based interventions and recreation therapy to assess, support and treat individuals, helping them achieve their optimal well-being.
“What sets [Mackenzie Health’s Mental Health Outpatient Services] apart is our interdisciplinary team, comprising professionals from various disciplines such as nursing, occupational therapy, social work, and dietetics, all working together to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. Our outpatient mental health group, known as the Stepping Stones Mental Health Day Hospital, offers educational group treatment for adults facing mental health-related challenges. Through this program, we aim to improve our clients' mood and day-to-day functioning by providing them with support, structure and teaching essential skills.”
While there have been many success stories associated with Stepping Stones, there’s one story that particularly stands out for Kadeesha: one of her patients was going through a challenging period in his life and experiencing mental health symptoms for the first time. Through group therapy, individual sessions and the health care team's support, the patient overcame his challenges and was able to return to his daily life activities.
Kadeesha believes so strongly in the value of continued learning, program development and advancing mental health resources to enhance the quality of services provided and adapt to the changing needs of the community.
“A common misconception is that one must be severely ill to receive mental health care. At Mackenzie Health, we believe anyone impacted by mental health concerns deserves help and support. It is important to seek help when your daily functioning is impacted in a negative way.”
Kadeesha chose to work in the mental health unit because it allows her to make a difference in the lives of others, practice her skills in a diverse and challenging setting, while giving back to the community.
“It is rewarding to inspire hope, offer compassion and provide life-changing support to others through my work with the mental health unit at Mackenzie Health.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Your donor dollars make critical programming possible. Thanks to transformational support like yours, Mackenzie Health’s Mental Health Services team can invest in powerful resources that both expand and enhance the care we offer. From the leading-edge Sensory Comfort Room — one of the first in a Canadian community hospital — to the spacious Therapy Gym and tranquil outdoor courtyards, patients can access a growing range of life-changing mental-health supports.