If you are thinking about suicide, or you’re worried about someone else, there is help and there is hope. Call or text 9-8-8 toll free, any time — lines are open 24/7/365. To learn more about 9-8-8 visit their website.

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Mental Health Resources

It is possible to have good mental health and live a good life while living with a mental illness. 

If you are struggling, you can take meaningful steps that will help you get back to a place where you feel well and can thrive, today. As you search through the content below, our hope is that you find the opportunities, resources and support you and your loved ones need to live well. 

Current Opportunity:

2024-25 Community Grants

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is awarding $1.4 million to 71 community-based mental health projects in the second round of the 2024-25 Community Grant funding cycle. This funding allows organizations across the province to deliver essential services, supports, and education relating to mental health and wellness, mental illnesses, and addictions. Eligible projects can receive up to $25,000. Applications for the next round of Community Grant funding (Round 1 of 2025-26) will be accepted from December 11, 2024 until noon on January 22, 2025. For more information, check out their website here: Community Grant Recipients – Round 2 of the 2023-24 Funding Cycle — Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia (mentalhealthns.ca)

Crisis Supports 

If you feel that you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call one of the numbers listed in this section.  If your life is in immediate danger, please go to your nearest emergency department or call 911. Have a support person with you if you are able to do so.  

Phone Numbers:

For more information on these crisis lines, see below:

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

If you are feeling like you have lost hope and are struggling to cope, if you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is here for you. When you reach out, a trained responder will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help. 9-8-8 is here to provide moments of connection that create hope, support recovery and save lives. They help people connect to their strengths and find new ways to cope, live and thrive.

Eskasoni Mental Health Services

Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services, including immiediate crisis support, to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui’kn Residential School Survivor Team provides services to all 5 Unama’ki (Cape Breton) communities. They have a 24-hr Crisis and support line that is available to members of Mi’kmaq communities. Provides emotional, social, and educational support.  They also assist individuals with referrals to counselling and help navigate agencies and services. Services are provided in Mik’maw and English. EMHS is a not-for-profit organization established in 1991. Over the years the organization has continued to evolve and grow with the help of the community and a variety of funding sources. EMHS is a safe and confidential place where community members can come to address the wide variety of issues confronting them.

Good 2 Talk  

Good2Talk provides 24/7, free, confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is a 24/7, national support service. They offer professional counselling, information and referrals, and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. Their service is completely confidential – you do not have to give them your name. 

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Residential School Survivor Support Crisis Line

If you are a Residential School Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Emotional, cultural, and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. Services can be accessed on an individual, family or group basis. In recognition of intergenerational impacts of Residential School, family is defined as: “A spouse or partner those raised by, or in, the household of a former Indian Residential School student or any relation who has experienced effects of intergenerational trauma associated with a family members time at an Indian Residential School. Indigenous Services Canada verifies eligibility of persons requesting Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program services with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, which holds data on former students who attended those Indian Residential Schools that are part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support callers who present with suicidal thoughts, self-harming thoughts or behaviors, overwhelming anxiety, difficulty coping with distress, psychotic or distorted thinking, depression, substance use difficulties, or any other self-identified mental health concerns. The crisis line also supports families, friends, community agencies and others to manage mental health crisis through education, outreach, and consultation.

Trans LifeLine

Trans Lifeline is a volunteer, trans and non-binary run hotline and non-profit organization. Services include direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis and a peer support hotline for friends and family of trans people. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Please note: The Translife Line is volunteer run. They are open 24/7 but may be at reduced capacity. Operators are on call from 6 p.m. Atlantic time to 2 a.m. Atlantic time. Outside of those hours it may take longer to get through to support. If you do not get through at first, please keep calling.

Non-Crisis Supports 

Non-crisis support is typically long-term support such as counselling, or perhaps peer support or a helpline. These are resources that can help us work though things that are bothering us, find some solidarity and support with others who have experienced similar things, or maybe just give us a hand or a listening ear when we need it.  

See our FAQ for more information on counselling, peer support and other commonly asked questions 

Alcoholics Anonymous

Provides help, support, and referrals to Nova Scotians on the phone or via email to allow people to talk about or recover from alcoholism. Service is designed to support anyone who has the desire to stop drinking. They also have a 24/7 helpline.

Association of Phycologists of Nova Scotia

A voluntary professional organization that represents psychology in Nova Scotia. Includes a database of psychologists working in Nova Scotia.

BounceBack

BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program that helps adults and youth 15+ learn to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Through telephone coaching and skill-building workbooks, participants can learn ways to overcome their symptoms and improve their mental well-being. Learn more HERE.

Canadian Perinatal Wellness Collective

Counselling services that specialize in supporting parents, birthing people, and couples across Canada. They offer virtual therapy options requiring no referrals and some extended health benefit options.  Please see the website for more information and list of available therapists. Their staff will answer during regular business hours and return responses within 3 business day.

CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth

Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday from 10:00AM – 4:30PM (staff work remotely on Mondays)

CMHA Colchester East-Hants

Couch of H.O.P.E (Healing Opportunities for People Everywhere)

Couch of H.O.P.E provides free or low-cost Counselling Services to Nova Scotians. Sessions are 50 minutes in duration, option for in-person, video, or phone. Qualify: if you do not have insurance or if you do not have a means to pay for services 

What to Expect: Reach out to us by text, phone or email, needs and eligibility are assessed, you are matched with an available therapist who best meets your needs, and begin therapy.

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia offers support through nutrition counselling, a mentor program, peer support and friends and families peer support.

E-Mental Health

A list of psychologists and psychological organizations in Nova Scotia. 

Website: https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Central-Nova-Scotia/Psychologists-and-Psychological-Associates/index.php?m=heading&ID=54&originalSearch=Halifax,%20NS

Food and Beverage Service Mental Health

Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health advocacy for the foodservice and hospitality sector. Through practical education and meaningful community-building, they are reimagining the industry by breaking stigmas and fueling hope. Their vision is physical and psychological safety for the entire hospitality and culinary workforce. Not 9 to 5 aspires to normalize mental health training, sick leave, workplace accommodations, healthcare benefits, support, and resources to all.

Healing in Colour

A directory of BIPOC therapists in Canada and resources for healing and liberation.

Hope For Mental Health Society

Hope for Mental Health Society (formerly the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia) offers the following programs and services:

To find out more information, you can call, email, or visit their website:

IBPOC (Indigenous, Black & People of Color) Service Provider Database

This database was created to highlight a range of local services, programs and IBPOC mental health workers for IBPOC residents of Kjipuktuk/Halifax. It is updated regularly. These resources share information and highlight IBPOC mental health workers and services local to Kjipuktuk/Halifax.

Inclusion Nova Scotia

Inclusion Nova Scotia is a provincial not-for-profit organization committed to ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families have the support they require to live full and inclusive lives in community.

IWK Mental Health and Substance Use Intake

IWK Mental Health and Substance Use Program (MHA) is one of three clinical programs at the IWK Health Centre. We treat children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family centered context. Call the phone line for intake and navigation services.

Nova Scotia College of Social Workers

The services offered by social workers in private practice vary widely. Depending on their experience and education, they may provide mental health services, support community development, facilitate education and training, complete specialized assessments, and more. For more information on this, visit their website.

Psychology Today

A searchable webpage of therapists (psychologists, counsellors, social workers and more) who offer virtual and in-person mental health services throughout Nova Scotia.  This website includes short introduction videos of some of the therapists.

The Affordable Therapy Network

The Affordable Therapy Network is an initiative to increase access to affordable therapy and counselling services across Canada. Counsellors listed on the database offer low-cost or sliding scale options to increase access to mental health services across the country. Virtual and in-person counselling services are available. 

Theralist

Theralist is a searchable localized guide to mental health support in Nova Scotia. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or seeking personal growth, our platform helps you find the right match for your needs.

The Trevor Project

An organization for ending suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. They offer crisis services, counselling, information, resources, and an online community for LGBTQ+ youth. It is 100% confidential, 100% free. The Trevor Project offers chat, calling and text options.

The Youth Project

The Youth Project supports youth around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. They offer counselling services, workshops, gender affirming care items, gay-straight alliance supports, resources and referrals for other resources.  

Theravive

Theravive is an online searchable resource for therapists and counsellors in Nova Scotia. This website includes a searchable academic encyclopedia of DSM-5 and information about counselling.

Self-Help Groups and Peer Support

You may find it helpful to join a self-help or to access peer support. These groups provide the mutual support of people who have had similar experiences. See our FAQ for more information on the difference between peer support and counselling.  

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights Access Line

Confidential phone and text line available toll-free seven days a week between 9am and 9pm. It is available for questions on sexual health, pregnancy options, abortions, and safe sex. Can provide information and make referrals to sexual health providers.  

Bereaved Families of Nova Scotia

Bereaved Families is a registered non-profit organization with a charitable status that operates with a volunteer board of directors, staff and facilitators. Their programs and services include walk-in support, Support and Share Sessions, General Grief programs, Trauma programs, Adolescent Grief Support, Resilience and Well-being sessions and Death Cafes.

Boots on the Ground – Peer Support for First Responders

Anonymous Peer support for first responders (Retired or serving; firefighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses, corrections officers, and emergency dispatch operator) 

Families for Substance Use Recovery

A phone support line for those who have a loved one struggling with Substance Use looking for support. 

F.L.Y. (First Love Yourself)

F.L.Y. stands for “First Love Yourself” in recognition of the struggle that many trans people have with internalized transphobia. F.L.Y. offer peer support to adults in Nova Scotia (19+) who are transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, gender queer, bi-gender, two spirited, gender questioning. As well as their partners and loved ones. 

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Healthy Minds Cooperative is a charitable, non-profit organization. We’re a peer-led, member-driven organization, committed to improving the lives of people with mental illness (including Substance Use). They offer free workshops, peer-support groups, navigation assistance and citizen engagement opportunities. 

Membertou Men’s Society

A men’s group for Membertou Men to connect with other men. 

National Overdose Response Service

Confidential, Affirming, Respectful, Peer run, peer led overdose prevention hotline. Makes overdose support available to Canadians 24/7. For keeping those who are using substances safe from overdose while upholding their right to dignity, respect and confidentiality. Focus on harm-reduction. 

New Leaf

An organization in Pictou County dedicated to helping men to change abusive behavior, create social change, and mentor men. They offer group work, counselling, crisis intervention, case management, referrals, and outreach. They have programs for adult men and adolescent males. 

Nova Scotia Peer Support Line

The Peer Support Phone Service is a toll-free, non-crisis, province wide service, available to all Nova Scotians 18 years of age or older. It is staffed by trained peer supporters, who have personal or family-based lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges. The service is intended for individuals who feel isolated, alone, anxious, concerned, or who need support and to talk to someone. Reasons for calling can be anything from having a tough day at work, feeling down, struggling with supporting a loved one, going through a rough patch in a relationship and many more.

Hours: Wednesday to Friday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Atlantic Time & Saturdays and Sundays 11:00am – 11:00 p.m. Atlantic Time. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Peer Support Space, Inc.

Peer-led peer support organization Providing support to individuals that are historically underserved, forcefully marginalized, and fall through the cracks of our mental health system. Located in Central Florida but welcome anybody, living anywhere to their virtual spaces over the age of 18.  

Togetherall

Togetherall is a safe and anonymous online community where people can share what’s troubling them. The service is free to all youth and young adults aged 16 – 29 in Nova Scotia and allows people to get support, take control and feel better- all in a way that is most comfortable to the individual. Peer support is moderated by trained counselors. To access Togetherall, simply go to the homepage, click on Register, and register under the “your area” button. All postal codes in Nova Scotia are registered to have access to this resource. 

Women’s Place Resource Centre

The Women’s Place Resource Centre supports women by collaborating with community partners, advocating for policy change, and providing a safe space for women to access programming and support services. They work with communities to achieve this mission through a variety of Services as well as creating a safe place for women to gather, share, grow, and be.

Helplines 

Helplines are not crisis lines. They are phone, text or chat lines available for when you just need to talk to someone about what you are going through. 

211 Helplines

If you have concerns about your own well-being, or that of someone else, 2-1-1 can connect with a Helpline. The Helplines were created in partnership with the Eastern Shore Family Resource Centre. Anyone can access a variety of supports and services specific to their needs, including information, navigation, referrals, and brief intervention counseling. 

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline

The Hope for Wellness Help Line was established as a specific resource for First Nations and Inuit to provide immediate, culturally competent telephone counselling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in English, French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Online chat services are currently available in English and French, with expansion to Indigenous languages currently being explored as this new service launches. 

Naseeha Mental Health

Naseeha Mental Health provides a confidential helpline for young Muslims and non-Muslims to receive immediate, anonymous, and confidential support. Launched in 2006, Naseeha offered this support line for young Muslims in North America, to talk about, and work through their issues with our trained counsellors.  Naseeha Mental Health is based out of Mississauga Ontario, but their phone and web services are available across Canada. They do also have a helpline number that you can call 24/7.

Nova Scotia Warm Line

What is a Warm Line? A Warm Line is NOT A CRISIS LINE. (The goal is intervention and support prior to reaching a point of crisis). A warm line is an alternative to a crisis line that is run by “peers,” generally those who have had their own experiences of trauma that they are willing to speak of and acknowledge.  

What Can I Expect When I Call? A trained peer-support volunteer will answer – someone who has been screened and interviewed, and specifically trained to listen. They will refrain from offering advice, but will listen with empathy, while helping you to identify the help, supports, strengths and resources you already have at your disposal.

Pain Support Line

A safe, confidential support line for those living with chronic pain providing information and emotional support. Located in British Columbia, so they cannot provide support on community resources or programs/supports.  

Post-Partum Support International Helpline

The PSI Help Line is a toll-free telephone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources. It is based in the USA, but helpline and support groups are available to Canadians.  Messages are returned every day of the week. You can leave confidential messages anytime and a HelpLine volunteer will get back to you as soon as possible. If you are unavailable when they call you can setup an alternate time. The volunteer will give you information, encouragement, and names of resources near you. PSI also hosts weekly chats with experts, online postpartum peer support groups, and online meetings on various topics. Specific groups include support for adoptive parents, queer parents, groups for dads, support groups for pregnancy loss and more. 

Survivors of Abuse Recovering (SOAR)

A community-based peer support service for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in West Hants, Kings & Annapolis Counties (Nova Scotia, Canada). They offer peer counseling, support groups and community awareness training. 

Community Information & Resources 

You may find that some of your problems can be solved by assistance from agencies outside the mental health system. Sometimes, practical help, such as home nursing care, Meals on Wheels, or subsidized door-to-door transportation for people unable to walk, will greatly reduce the stress in your life, either as a caregiver or as a person with a disability.  

To find what local services may be available to you can contact Halifax’s Find Help Information Services by dialing: 211 or searching their web directory: https://ns.211.ca/ 

Help from Friends and Others 
Sometimes, the help of a trusted family member, a close friend, or a member of the clergy for your religion can be a source of support. People close to you can also point you in the direction of the help you need. 

Advocates For Youth

An organization for youth focused around their reproductive and sexual health rights. Offers resources, information, and tools.  

Alexander Society for Inclusive Arts (formerly known as The Alexander Society for Special Needs)

Providing art-based educational programs to children, teens, and adults with special needs and their peers. Offering community and in-school programs.  

Autism Society of NS

A community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance and inclusion for autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifespan. Includes a variety of resources, information, and programs.  

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation

A national registered charity providing information, tools, and motivation for men and their families to live healthier. Dedicated to improving men’s quality of live and reducing men’s risk of chronic diseases, they have information and tools for learning more about men’s health 

Caregivers Nova Scotia

Caregivers Nova Scotia provides programs, services, and strong advocacy for caregivers. With ongoing support from our funders, Board of Directors, allied organizations, volunteers, and caregivers themselves, we provide recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care. 

Chebucto Mental Health Resource Guide

Resources specific to Halifax Regional Municipality though some may offer services to folks outside of the municipality, including resources on community programs like grief, housing, youth-centered, etc as well as counselling resources and phone lines.

Heads Up Guys

An organization dedicated to men’s mental health and suicide prevention. They offer information, resources and tips for men’s mental health and stress.  

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Healthy Minds Cooperative is a charitable, non-profit organization. We’re a peer-led, member-driven organization, committed to improving the lives of people with mental illness (including substance use). Healthy Minds focuses on advocating for better access to mental health services; public education about mental illness; reducing stigma towards mental illness; peer support and advocacy for consumers and their families; more participation in the decision-making around mental health services; wellness workshops; and connecting to existing community services. Healthy Minds Cooperative offers free workshops, peer-support groups, navigation assistance and citizen engagement opportunities. 

IWK Patient and Family Feedback

The IWK Health Centre wants, encourages, and welcomes patients and families to give us feedback, and we are currently working on new ways to make this easier. Feedback includes compliments, suggestions, and concerns. It tells us what we do well and what needs to be improved for better patient care or service delivery. Feedback is important to the work we do, and we welcome all calls and e-mails. Feedback is not monitored 24/7. These resources will be managed by the IWK Feedback Coordinator, and all messages will be returned within three business days. 

Landing Strong

Non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those experiencing the effects of operational stress injuries. Programs designed for military members, veterans, first responders, front line health care workers, correctional staff, and friends & family who are coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety & depression, and difficulties connecting with family and community following a trauma exposure. Offer in-person and virtual groups.  

Mental Health and Substance Use Tools

A comprehensive resource list of free online resources available through NSHA and other community partners. 

Mental Health Caregiver Guide

A downloadable and printable guide for caregivers of persons living with mental illness or experiencing mental health challenges. 

Military Suicide Prevention

An informational toolkit from the Centre for Suicide Prevention offering information and recent research on the topic of military suicide.  

Mood Disorders Society of Canada

Mental health non-governmental organization focused on forging and maintaining meaningful partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors throughout Canada. Includes information, advocacy, research, and resources around mental health.  

Movember Conversations

An educational online tool for navigating important conversations with men around mental health and other topics. Also includes additional articles and resources.

Nov Scotia Brotherhood Initiative (NSBI)

A free program for Black men to access health care in the community in order to improve overall health and wellbeing. They provide culturally appropriate primary medical care plus health and wellness services including medical care, health promotion, chronic disease management, community resources and free health and wellness programs.  

Nova Scotia Health Patient/Family Feedback Line

Share your feedback You can share these directly with your health care provider(s) or unit/department manager, or you can contact our Patient Relations team, listed below. 

Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Personal Safety Personnel Network

Supports the mental health and wellbeing of public safety personnel (PSP) or first responders. Including wellness and therapist-guided courses and a wellness hub.  

Post-traumatic stress disorder And War-related Stress

An informational pdf about PTSD and war-related stress.  

Pride Health

Pride Health works to improve access to health services in Nova Scotia which are safe, coordinated, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate for people who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community). Offers health resources, navigation and referrals for Substance Use, mental health, and other health services. 

PTSD Association of Canada

An association dedicated to honoring and empowering individuals suffering from PTSD through education, links to appropriate services, and facilitation of research into both the cause of PTSD and the best treatment options. Include educational materials, collecting information, resources, and advocacy. 

Rally Point Retreat

A peer support facility for those essential service and front-line members in treatment for CIS/CSI/OSI/OSIS/PTSD to promote their recovery. No on-site clinician or therapy services.  

Red Cross Friendly Calls

Red Cross friendly calls are available to anyone who is feeling isolated or lonely due to COVID-19. To receive friendly calls Red Cross asks that people register. Red Cross staff and volunteers can often accommodate calls in English and French, as well as languages other than English and French but unfortunately cannot guarantee this. If desired, Red Cross can also provide contacts for other support services in your community. 

Roots Of Hope

Roots of Hope is a multi-site, community-led project, created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, that aims to reduce the impacts of suicide within communities. Suicide prevention interventions are implemented based on community expertise that are tailored to the local context. We are developing an evidence base, including best practices and suicide prevention guidelines and tools, to support the scale up and implementation across Nova Scotia. Roots of Hope is currently being piloted in Colchester County (Northern Zone), Nova Scotia.

Royal Canadian Legion

Information and resources from the Royal Canadian Legion around Mental Health and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for veterans and their families. 

RU OK?

A public health promotion charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations through difficult times including suicide prevention.

Sick Not Weak

An organization focused on reducing the stigma of mental illness by sharing stories of those with lived experience of mental health across a variety of topics and events.  

Supporting Black LGBTQ Youth Mental Health

A virtual, educational PDF document from The Trevor Project written by Tia Dole discussing the experience of Black LGBTQ youth in crisis.  

Support to Military Families in Transition: A Review

An informational PDF about the transition to civilian life from military service and how to create long term positive outcomes.  

The Asexuality Visibility & Education Network

An information resource hub for people who are asexual and questioning as well as their friends, families, researchers, and press. Including a discussion forum.  

The Gender Book

An illustrated community-based resource about gender identity. Also includes other educational tools and resources around gender identity. 

The Lifeline Canada Foundation

Non-profit committed to the prevention of suicide and positive mental health in Canada. Resources for survivors of suicide loss including survivor support groups across Canada.  

Veterans Affairs Canada | Website: www.veterans.gc.ca | Toll Free Phone: (866) 522-2122 | Email: [email protected] | Military 

Veterans Affairs Canada

National website discussing services and benefits for current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP, or a family member. Including information and support with mental/physical health, financial programs, education, jobs, etc.  

Your Quick Guide to Mental Health Services

An informational PDF guide from Military Family Services that provides information and mental health supports to families from the Canadian Armed Forces.  

Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance

A group of volunteers, researchers, academics, knowledge holders, youth and Elder Wabanaki Two-Spirits and Allies. Alliance for Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ individuals and groups in the Wabanaki Territory (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland/Labrador, Gaspe region of Quebec, and Maine).  

FAQ 

 
How do I know if I need help? 

Sometimes the need for help is obvious, and getting it is as simple as phoning for an ambulance or a fire truck. At other times, it can be hard to admit help is needed. This is especially true when your emotions are involved.  

The problem may be anything from what to do about an aging and increasingly helpless parent to a serious emotional problem such as depression. Here are some of the reasons you may decide you need help: 

What can I expect if I go to the Emergency Department?  

Sometimes going to an emergency department is necessary. It can be very distressing. Because it can be a distressing experience, we want to help you understand what will happen there. 

When you arrive at the emergency department you will go through steps of care: 

Some other things that can help ease your experience: 

What is a therapist?  

Therapists are trained and registered professionals psychologists, counsellors or social workers who help people solve problems with mood, behaviour, or relationships.  

Psychologists also perform assessment of and provide diagnoses and treatment of mental health difficulties for children, adults, couples, and families who present with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural challenges. They also perform psychoeducational testing for individuals with learning difficulties.  

Therapists may use treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), or other behavioural therapies. See https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/types-of-therapy for a list of some types of therapy. 

Therapists may work as part of the public health care system, for an agency, or in “private practice” (which means they will require payment from the client, or the client’s private or work insurance). 

What Is Peer Support? Is it different than therapy?  

Peer support is non-clinical emotional and social support between people who share a common lived experience with challenging life experiences, mental health and/or substance use issues. Peer support is an important complement to the broader mental healthcare system, as it supports wellness. 

For more information: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/groups?search=Halifax 

I’ve never seen a therapist, what should I expect?  
Your family doctor or a psychiatrist may refer you to a counsellor or social worker with specialized training. You should be aware that the services offered may or may not be covered by an insurance plan. 

Many therapists will offer a free 15-minute consultation to determine if their services are a good fit for what you are looking for. Building a rapport with your counsellor is important to the healing process, they all have very different approaches and personalities; it can take time to find the right fit. You can always tell a counsellor if you would like to start seeing someone else.  

Here are some questions you can ask a counsellor:  

Here are some questions to ask yourself about your counsellor:  

(What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session) 

It is normal to experience some anxiety before your first appointment. Here’s how you can prepare for your first session with a counsellor:  

You can find more information about counselling here: https://www.theravive.com/services/ 

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