Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies, a highly respected nonprofit clinic offering occupational, physical, speech and mental health therapy to children along with developmental services, is coming to Canby this year.
One of the largest private pediatric clinics in the area, the Oregon City-based nonprofit announced Friday that they will open their seventh clinic in Oregon at 113 N. Elm Street, the location formerly known as Grand Central Station restaurant and before that, Jarboe’s Grill. The large property is considered the west-side anchor of Canby’s downtown core, but it has been vacant since Grand Central closed four years ago.
Executive Director Karen Brelje says that, as a nonprofit, Neuro focuses on the most vulnerable kids in their communities, especially those who are uninsured or under-insured and whose parents cannot afford services. They hope to reduce barriers to health care by locating their clinics in areas of unmet need.
This is a big part of the reason they’re coming to Canby. Brelje said that a recent OHSU report listed Canby among the communities most lacking in mental health services.
Another big factor was a $247,000 grant Neuro recently received from the Oregon Health Authority to bring parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) to four communities in Oregon, including Canby. PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems that Brelje says has proven to be remarkably effective.
Realtor Adam Zagel, with Better Homes and Garden Realty Partners, said they looked at several locations in Canby, including the former Parson’s building downtown, but ultimately settled on Grand Central because the more “homey” and inviting feel of the place. Brelje likened it to Neuro’s original location in Oregon City, which was built in a renovated 125-year-old carriage house.
Zagel said the location was purchased by Neuro from the previous owners — they closed Friday — and it will undergo extensive renovations to better provide their services to the Canby community.
Here’s Adam Zagel.
Brelje hopes to open the new clinic in August of this year.
Founded in 1985, Neuro opened its first location in Oregon City and at the time was one of the only clinics of its kind in the Portland Metro Area to provide specialized therapy services in a family-centered environment. Karen and Brent Brelje purchased the clinic in 1997 and in 2007 they donated the entire business and restructured it as a nonprofit organization.
The mission of Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies is to positively impact the lives of kids, families and society for the future by providing the best services for all, regardless of their ability to pay, and by educating parents, teachers, and other professionals who provide for the unique needs of our clients.
Their philosophy of care is philanthropic in nature. Offering family-centered treatment by trained and skilled professionals, Neuro is able to provide high quality services and support for families as they strive to impact their lives not only for today but also for the future.
For more information about Neuro and the services they provide, please visit www.nt4kids.org.
