From Monday, the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Southside office in the Woden Town Centre will be open.

Construction began in November to relocate CAMHS from Callam Offices, built in the 1970s, to a purpose-built space: a 1,032 sqm ground floor refurbishment in Bowes Place, designed to provide a better client experience and more modern work environment for staff, at a cost of $5 million.

The new location includes a parents’ room for families with younger children, a purpose-designed therapeutic arts and play activities room, and more clinical therapy rooms.

Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Mental Health, said the new office is a welcoming clinical setting for the team to provide exceptional mental health treatment and care.

“This project will provide significant benefits to the people who use the service and CAMHS staff through a more contemporary space that is easily accessible, more spacious, has improved therapeutic spaces and staff workstations, and is closer to amenities, public transport and more public parking,” Ms Davidson said.

“The team of clinicians at CAMHS undertake important work in our community, providing vital assessments and treatment of children, young people, and new and expectant mums who are experiencing complex mental illness. This new space will provide staff with a clinically supportive environment to provide that care.

“Other upgrades include a low sensory room to support young people and clients of the service to regulate their emotions in a low-stimulus environment, calm treatment areas for assessments, and a modern design to appeal to young people, their families, or carers.

“For staff, the office and administration spaces have also been modernised with workspace layouts, a quiet room for staff to conduct activities that need additional privacy, a dedicated staff breakout room, updated safety systems and high-quality acoustics throughout to minimise noise travel.”

Carrie Coghlan, team manager at CAMHS South, said: “We are very excited to welcome our current and future clients to this new office in the Woden Town Centre. Having a brand-new purpose-designed facility, which was planned in collaboration with our clientele and their support people, will enhance the overall experience of those we care for.”