Nurse Practitioner

If you’re between the ages of 12–25, Karis is here to support your health — no referral or appointment needed!

Karis is the Nurse Practitioner at the Youth Wellness Hub.

 Hi, I’m Karis Barrett, a Nurse Practitioner born and raised in Thunder Bay. After spending five years working in the Ottawa area, I’m excited to be back home and part of the team at the Youth Wellness Hub. 

As a Nurse Practitioner, I provide primary care, which means that you can come to me for regular checkups, questions about your physical or mental health, support with ongoing health concerns, or when something just doesn’t feel right. 

I’m especially passionate about helping youth and young adults stay healthy by focusing on building healthy habits, offering early support, and working together to avoid long-term health problems. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable talking about your health.

Having grown up in Thunder Bay, I understand some of the unique challenges that youth in our community face, and I am committed to making healthcare easier to access and helping you get the support you need when you need it. 

When I’m not at work, you can usually find me hiking, biking, reading, travelling, or spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your health and wellness journey.

FAQs

  • A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse with advanced education and clinical training who provides comprehensive health care. Like doctors, NPs have the authority to independently assess patients, diagnose health conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and make referrals to specialists. NPs work independently and follow strict standards to make sure your care is safe, respectful, and based on the best available evidence. We take a whole-person approach, caring for your physical, emotional, and mental health, and work closely with other members of the interprofessional team to give you the best care possible. 

  • No referral is needed. If you are aged 12-25, you can see the Nurse Practitioner, full stop. You do not need to belong to any clinic or be rostered to a physician.  

    If you have a health card, we ask that you bring it, it helps things move faster for referrals, prescriptions, and tests, and avoids delays with your care. If you don’t have one, that’s something staff at the hub can assist you with! It’s also convenient if you know what medications you’re taking or have any medical history to share. 

  • Almost anything! You can come to the NP for: 

    • Coughs, colds, or infections 

    • Birth control, sexual health, gender affirming care questions, menstrual concerns 

    • Mental health support (anxiety, low mood, other concerns) 

    • Chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes 

    • Skin issues like acne or rashes 

    • Sports injuries and concussions 

    • Lacerations and wounds 

    • General health questions, check-ups, or concerns 

    • The NP can diagnose, prescribe, order tests, and refer.

    • If you’re unsure whether it’s something we can help with, just ask — nothing is too small! 

  • Right now, we’re using a drop-in model (no need to book ahead!) Youth are seen on a first come, first served basis. This approach may change in the future as we learn more about what works best for you, so your feedback is always welcome! 

    The best part? Waiting at the hub is nothing like sitting in a typical walk-in clinic. While you wait, you can watch Netflix, play PS5, do puzzles, and more. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space where you can feel at home. 

  • Yes. Everything you share with the NP is confidential, meaning it stays between you and your healthcare provider — even if you're under 18. 
    By law, your information can only be shared: 

    • With your consent, 

    • Or if there's a serious safety concern (like risk of harm to you or someone else). 

    All NPs are required to follow the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). This means we are required by law to adhere to strict privacy rules and legally cannot share your information without your consent.  

  • Yes. In Ontario, there is no minimum age for making your own medical decisions. 
    If you can understand your health situation and the consequences of your choices, you have the legal right to: 

    • Consent to or refuse treatment 

    • Decide who your information is shared with 

    • Ask for help or decline help (with some exceptions)  

    This is based on Ontario’s Health Care Consent Act. 

    The NP will always help you understand your options and respect your choices. While we acknowledge your independence, we also encourage family-centered care whenever possible, so you can have the support you want from people you trust.

  • Yes — always. 

    As part of everyday practice, the NP will offer all youth the opportunity to speak one-on-one, even if you come with a parent, caregiver, or support person. 

    This private time helps build trust and lets you speak freely about anything on your mind, no pressure, no judgment. 

  • No. You’re welcome to bring someone with you if you want to, but it’s totally fine to come alone.

    You are in control of who joins your appointment. 

  • No. All NP services at the Youth Wellness Hub are free and covered by OHIP, which is why it’s so handy for you to have your health card with you.

    If you don’t have a health card right now, talk to staff, we can help. 

  • Most are! OHIP+ covers many common meds, but some might not be free.

    Your Nurse Practitioner or pharmacist can help you know what’s covered.