Clinic aids vulnerable Halifax youth

In her small Coburg Road clinic in Halifax, Dr. Muna Chowdhury offers support for vulnerable youth, from addiction to other challenges requiring  tailored care. 

The Thrive Youth Clinic, developed in collaboration with Phoenix Youth Services, offers a lifeline for young people between 16 and 25 years of age. 

Dedicated access and space for youth is vital, Chowdhury says, “because their needs and how they are approached and met are much different compared to children and adult patients. There’s a clear need for this service in our community. And it needs to grow.”  

Despite only operating 10 hours a week, the clinic saw more than 700 youth patients since it opened its doors in November of 2024.  

Chowdhury’s short-term goal is to grow the clinic while at the same time ensuring the care remains high-quality and person-centred. 

“The long-term goal would be to expand, especially if we receive more funding and potentially more staff. I’d love to see this clinic develop a mobile component,” she said. 

“I believe in meeting youth where they're at, and a mobile service would allow us to reach communities that aren't currently accessing care but clearly have a need. It would help us build rapport and we could either offer services directly or connect them with the larger centre.” 

As the clinic’s founding doctor, Chowdhury is a family physician, but her extensive resume details a list of past roles as an assistant professor at Dalhousie University, and consulting roles in gender-affirming care, and addictions medicine and psychotherapy. The youth who are referred to the clinic offer valuable feedback. “They’re the ones telling us what’s working and what isn’t,” Chowdhury says.  

A high number of new referrals and low no-show rates paint a picture of the clinic’s success. 

“When working with marginalized groups, there are many barriers that prevent them from attending appointments,” she explained. “We're actively trying to reduce the no-show rate by using different strategies, like connecting with case managers, shelter and housing workers, sending text and email reminders and supporting transportation needs. We also have appointments available for youth who walk in to further reduce barriers to access.” 

After years of practicing in Toronto, working with disenfranchised youth through community health centres and outreach in shelters, Chowdhury moved to Nova Scotia in 2020. Working with Phoenix Youth Services she learned many youths weren’t accessing timely primary care.  Following a successful government lobby and support from community partners, the Thrive Youth Clinic launched in 2024.  

More information is available at the Thrive Youth Clinic website: https://www.thriveyouthclinic.ca 

Photo of Dr. Muna Chowdhury.