~New partnership will provide specialized mental health support for young people and families beginning August 1~
PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:--- Saint-Martin is set to make a significant breakthrough in youth mental health care with the official establishment of the Maison des Adolescents (House of Adolescents), a long-awaited initiative designed to provide specialized psychological and emotional support to young people and their families.
The milestone was marked with the signing of a partnership agreement between the Mission Locale of Saint-Martin and the Public Mental Health Establishment of Guadeloupe (EPSM). The agreement was signed in the presence of EPSM Director Mrs. Ida Jhigaï and Deputy Director for Social and Medico-Social Services Mrs. Myriam Moïso, officially paving the way for the new service to begin operations on August 1, 2026.
The Maison des Adolescents will be the first dedicated center in Saint-Martin to focus entirely on the emotional, psychological, and mental well-being of adolescents and young adults. The facility will provide confidential access to listening services, counseling, prevention programs, guidance, referrals, and professional mental health support for young people experiencing a wide range of challenges.
The initiative is being hailed as a major advancement in the island's approach to youth development, recognizing that mental health is a critical pillar of education, employment, family stability, and social inclusion.
As President of the Mission Locale of Saint-Martin and the elected official responsible for Youth Affairs, the project's driving force described the signing as one of the most important achievements for the island's young people.
"This is a major milestone for the youth of Saint-Martin," she said. "Young people facing mental health challenges will now have access to a safe, caring, and confidential space where they can be listened to, supported, and guided by qualified professionals."
Officials stressed that the Maison des Adolescents is intended to address the growing mental health needs among adolescents, an issue that has become increasingly urgent worldwide as anxiety, depression, social isolation, bullying, trauma, and emotional distress continue to affect growing numbers of young people.
One of the center's most critical roles will be providing immediate support for adolescents experiencing severe psychological distress, including those suffering from suicidal thoughts or those who have attempted suicide. Through the new partnership with the Guadeloupe Public Mental Health Establishment, vulnerable youth will be able to receive quicker assessments, professional intervention, and referrals to specialized treatment when necessary.
The center is expected to work closely with schools, healthcare providers, social workers, families, and community organizations to ensure that young people receive comprehensive and coordinated care before mental health issues escalate into more serious crises.
Officials emphasized that mental health cannot be separated from a young person's ability to succeed academically, socially, or professionally.
The Mission Locale reaffirmed its commitment to providing holistic support that addresses not only employment and educational opportunities but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the island's youth.
The new center will therefore complement the Mission Locale's existing services by ensuring that young people receive assistance across every aspect of their personal development—from education and employment to emotional resilience and social inclusion.
During the announcement, special recognition was given to the teams of the Guadeloupe Public Mental Health Establishment, including Director Mrs. Ida Jhigaï and Deputy Director Mrs. Myriam Moïso, whose collaboration made the project possible.
Gratitude was also extended to the staff of the Mission Locale and the many healthcare and social service professionals whose work will help provide high-quality support to young people across Saint-Martin.
The establishment of the Maison des Adolescents represents more than the opening of a new facility. It signals a growing recognition that mental health must become a central component of public policy and youth development.
Officials expressed hope that the initiative will help remove the stigma surrounding mental illness while encouraging more young people and families to seek help before problems become overwhelming.
The message behind the project is clear: no young person should have to face emotional or psychological struggles alone.
With its doors scheduled to open on August 1, the Maison des Adolescents is expected to become a vital resource for hundreds of young people, offering them hope, guidance, professional care, and a safe place to turn during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
As Saint-Martin continues investing in its next generation, leaders say protecting the mental health of young people is no longer optional—it is essential for building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient society.
