Mental Care - Parenting Practice Loving Caring owner Johanna Bakker is excited to show the community the new space at 7 Argyle St. South in Renfrew. (Sherry Haaima photo)
It’s a local business that has shifted and changed with the times and now, Mental Care: Parenting Practice Loving Caring is about to celebrate the grand opening of a new, larger location.
Owner Johanna Bakker, who holds a masters degree in social work, is originally from the Netherlands, where her title was behavioural scientist. She moved to Renfrew almost eight years ago, mainly for farming, but because she had her degree and had been practising in the Netherlands she wanted to continue here.
Mental Care began with an office on Albert Street, but Bakker had to close the doors there when the pandemic forced all appointments online for a period of time. Then, she was able to open in a space behind Ottawa Valley Coffee in 2022, while continuing to offer appointments in a space at the farm.
A chance meeting with registered social worker Tanya Wojcik forged an agreement to work together to support clients, and several other practitioners have been added to the roster since then.
Bakker is pleased with and proud of how the first downtown location went and excited for what the expanded space allows for.
Part of establishing and growing the practice has meant working with a lot of community partners, which is great, said Bakker, and now they want to demonstrate to clients the services available for their families, individuals and couples.
The youngest client is four years old and the oldest 73, underscoring the range of people served.
Bakker said everyone is welcome, with or without a psychiatric diagnosis. Discounts are offered for those on social assistance and free care is available for the Indigenous community.
Mental Care works with its various community partners, as well as with sponsors and donors, to provide the most cost-effective or even free care when possible, said Bakker.
As for Wednesday’s open house, it’s a bit of a twist on a usual grand opening.
It will be a great opportunity to learn more about the variety of services, said Bakker, and she encourages the community to come by.
Mental Care’s community partners include Victim Services of Renfrew County, Family and Children’s Services, Bernadette McCann House, and more.
Along with Bakker and Wojcik, Mental Care’s practitioners include registered psychotherapist (qualifying) Jacqueline Gauvreau, registered clinical psychological associate David Guth and nutritionist Kendal Rhode.
The grand opening of the new office location will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 3-4:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.
The new Mental Care office can be found at 7 Argyle St. South in Renfrew. Find more information on the website.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
*** Please note, if you or someone you know is in an emergency: call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
24/7 services include:
- Suicide Crisis Helpline (all ages) T: 988 (free)
- Distress Line (all ages) T:1.866.676.2080 (toll free)
- Crisis Line (age 16 and over) T: 1.866.996.0991 (toll free)