Finding Hope on the East Coast: Mental Health Across Atlantic Provinces
The Atlantic faces challenges in providing adequate mental health services. Geographic disparities, particularly in rural and remote areas, limit access to specialized care. While there are obvious challenges, there is hope. Eastern Canada offers a variety of mental health resources and support services to help individuals navigate their journey toward wellness. Let’s explore the resources available in each province.
Mental Health Resources in Newfoundland & Labrador
The Mental Health and Addictions Division of the Department of Health and Community Services in Newfoundland and Labrador oversees mental health and substance use services.
Specialized long-term treatment
While many intensive mental health facilities in Newfoundland primarily serve youth or adults with addiction issues, the province offers options for adults with other mental health needs through the Acute Care Psychiatric Unit East 3A at the Waterford Hospital. It is a 21-bed unit that provides immediate care for people with acute mental health issues. They use a recovery-focused approach and involve a team of specialists to assess, treat, and follow up with patients.
Rapid access and crisis services
Mobile crisis response teams in Newfoundland are composed of mental health and addictions clinicians and trained police officers, who respond directly to mental health and addiction crises in the community. This service aims to divert individuals from emergency departments and the criminal justice system. It is available from 9 AM to 11 PM seven days a week. Doorways is also an option. It is a walk-in service offering immediate mental health support and referrals. You can drop in for a same-day or next-day in-person appointment, or connect virtually by phone or video. No referral is required.
It's important to note that most crisis services are voluntary and will only respond to the request of the person experiencing a mental health crisis.
Indigenous mental health services
Eastern Health's IPN Program helps Indigenous patients and families navigate the healthcare system. Since 2009, IPNs have worked to improve Indigenous communities' access to culturally-aligned healthcare.
Youth mental health services
Newfoundland excels in youth services compared to other provinces. Youth across the province have access to a wide range of intensive treatment and addiction programs. Thrive is a great place to start as a central intake point.
Virtual mental health care
NL Health Services is expanding its virtual care offerings to improve access and quality of care. Two new services launched in November 2023: Virtual Primary Care for those without a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and Virtual Emergency Room Care to enhance emergency room services in Newfoundlands communities.
Canada 211
For a look at all the services Newfoundland & Labrador has to offer see Newfoundland 211. This social services directory connects people with various community resources, including mental health support programs.
Mental Health Resources Prince Edward Island
The Department of Health and Wellness oversees health services in Prince Edward Island, setting standards, policies, and performance targets. They prioritize enhancing primary care, promoting wellness, improving service delivery, advancing rural health, and developing a comprehensive mental health and addiction strategy.
Specialized long-term treatment
The province of PEI faces a significant limitation in the availability of intensive mental health care facilities. Currently, only one facility exists to address the needs of the entire population. The province of PEI is constructing a state-of-the-art Mental Health and Addictions Acute Care Facility and Life Skills Centre to replace Hillsborough Hospital. This new facility will provide intensive acute mental health, addiction, and substance use care.
Rapid access, crisis, and virtual care
Although PEI doesn’t seem to have many options for rapid access care, Bridge the Gapp is a centralized access point for adults and youth looking for mental health services in PEI.
Open Access Counselling provides immediate, accessible mental health and addiction support in various locations throughout the province. No appointments or referrals are needed. Simply drop in during the specified hours for a session lasting up to 60 minutes. If necessary, you may be referred to additional services.
Indigenous mental health services
A Path Forward is an innovative program designed to support off-reserve Indigenous peoples in PEI in their journey toward recovery from substance use. The program incorporates land-based, culturally sensitive activities to facilitate individual and group treatment plans.
Youth mental health services
The province of PEI faces a significant shortage of intensive mental health treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of youth. While some programs exist, they are primarily focused on youth addiction and day treatment, leaving a gap in services for other mental health concerns. It is anticipated that youth may need to utilize the new mental health program at the former Hillsborough Hospital site.
Canada 211
To access a directory of community resources, including mental health support, please consult PEI’s 211.
Mental Health Resources in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) is the province's leading provider of mental health and addiction services. In collaboration with other organizations, NSHA offers a wide range of programs and support to individuals and families throughout Nova Scotia.
Specialized long-term treatment
The Mental Health Acute Day Hospital provides intensive mental health care for people experiencing acute mental health challenges. It offers a higher level of care than community mental health clinics, bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Rapid access and crisis services
Nova Scotia, in comparison to other Canadian provinces, has limited access to rapid mental health services. A recent initiative, launched in 2023, is the Rapid Access and Stabilization Program, a collaborative effort between Nova Scotia Health's psychiatry department and Dalhousie University. This program is designed for individuals aged 19 and up. Patients can be referred to the program by doctors and nurse practitioners within the central zone, including those in walk-in clinics.
The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24/7 to assist individuals facing a mental health crisis, including suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe anxiety, difficulty coping, psychosis, depression, substance use, or any other mental health concern. The crisis line can also provide information about available services in your area.
Indigenous mental health services
For Indigenous peoples, the Hope for Wellness Helpline offers a centralized resource for support and advice on mental health services in Nova Scotia. It is a 24/7 service. Experienced, culturally competent counselors are available by phone and online chat to provide support. Both phone and chat services are offered in English and French. Phone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut.
Youth mental health services
Adolescent Intensive Services (AIS) is an inpatient and outpatient program designed for youth aged 13 to 18 with mental health and substance use disorders. The AIS clinical, interdisciplinary team comprises a diverse group of professionals dedicated to supporting youth's holistic well-being
Virtual mental health care
Horizon has been a pioneer in Virtual Care in Nova Scotia since 1998, benefiting thousands of patients and clinicians. In response to the increased demand since March 2020, over 1,500 clinicians have adopted Horizon's Virtual Care Platform. This technology enables both one-on-one consultations and group sessions, facilitating a wide range of healthcare services.
Canada 211
Nova Scotia’s 211 provides a complete list of community resources, including mental health support.
Mental Health Resources New Brunswick
The Addictions and Mental Health Branch of the New Brunswick government is dedicated to improving mental health in the province. The branch is responsible for developing and funding mental health policies and programs, and works closely with other government departments, community organizations, and individuals with lived experience to ensure accessible and effective mental health services.
Specialized long-term treatment
Centracare is a 50-bed psychiatric hospital providing specialized treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with complex, long-term mental health conditions. Core services include an Inpatient Rehab Unit focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and community reintegration, a Psychogeriatric Unit for individuals with chronic mental illness and significant behavioural challenges, and a Complex Behavior Unit offering intensive skills training and rehabilitation for individuals with dual diagnoses.
Rapid access and crisis services
Mobile Crisis Units in New Brunswick provide timely, community-based mental health crisis intervention services. Mental health professionals, such as social workers and nurses, respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, offering assessment and intervention in the person's preferred setting, including their home or another location of their choice. These services are available outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends.
It's important to note that most crisis services are voluntary and will only respond to the request of the person experiencing a mental health crisis.
Indigenous mental health services
Community Addiction and Mental Health Services offer programs and services to support Indigenous people and families affected by substance use, problem gambling, and mental health issues in 12 of the 15 Indigenous communities in New Brunswick. These community-based programs prioritize prevention and aim to address health needs expressed by community members. Additionally, Vitalité Health Network has mental health programs for First Nations in New Brunswick.
Youth mental health services
Children and youth in need of emotional, mental health, or addiction support can access services provided by multidisciplinary teams across the province. These teams consist of caring professionals with expertise in counseling, social work, occupational therapy, psychology, education, nursing, mental health, and addictions. Youth mental health services in New Brunswick are available in various settings, including schools, mental health clinics, and other community locations, to ensure accessibility for children, youth, and families. Referrals for these services can be initiated by youth, families, schools, primary care providers, hospitals, or community service providers.
Canada 211
Check New Brunswick’s 211 for a full range of community services, including mental health support across the province.
