The first of its kind in Canada, the province is investing $4.5 million over three years, for free mental health services in Halifax.
Dalhousie University has partnered with the province toward the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Health, with services provided by clinical psychology PhD students, under the supervision of registered clinical psychologists.
The centre would serve Nova Scotians who face barriers accessing mental health and addictions services, added to the list of publicly funded services.
“No one should be denied healthcare because of an inability to pay – and mental health and addictions care is healthcare,” said Minister Comer. “We’re the first province in Canada to commit to universal mental health and addictions care, and there is no road map to follow. By working with partners like Dalhousie on initiatives like this one, we’re helping draw that map for others to follow while building a strong foundation for universal mental health and addictions care in Nova Scotia.”
The pilot will bring Nova Scotia one step closer to a universal mental health and addictions system.
You can be referred to the centre by community organizations and local health clinics.
“My career goal is to work as a registered clinical psychologist specializing in diverse populations. I am excited at the opportunity provided by the Dalhousie Centre for Psychological Health to gain relevant clinical training experience in working with diverse and underrepresented members of the community, and I know it will be of great benefit to me and my fellow students as we prepare to become practicing clinical psychologists,” Patrick Hickey, PhD clinical psychology student, Dalhousie University
Quick Facts:
— seven part-time and two full-time registered clinical psychologists currently work at the clinic, with 30-40 clinical psychology PhD students expected to cycle through the clinic annually
— the centre is co-directed by Shannon Johnson and Alissa Pencer, both registered psychologists and faculty members in the Dalhousie’s psychology and neuroscience department
— Dalhousie’s clinical psychology PhD program has about 45 students enrolled annually
— the centre can refer people to other mental health and addictions services when necessary
— the establishment of universal mental health and addictions coverage that guarantees every Nova Scotian access to mental health professionals is an action item in Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia
