**** CNS Media Release
Therapy Program for First Responders Continues
A program aimed at improving the mental health of Nova Scotia’s first responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) that started as a pilot program will continue.
“We know many first responders face mental health challenges due to the nature of their work,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “PSPNET is a service designed to meet the unique mental health needs of first responders. We want to make sure they have the tools and supports they need to take care of themselves, so they can continue to be there for us when we need them.”
PSPNET is a free, confidential program that offers cognitive behavioural therapy for people experiencing anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The service is open to paramedics, police, firefighters, correctional workers, search and rescue personnel, 911 operators, border services officers and others in public safety across Nova Scotia.
Developed by clinicians and researchers at the University of Regina to meet the unique needs of first responders and public safety personnel, the program is eight to 16 weeks, depending on need, and offered in English and French. It combines online learning modules with real-time support from clinical therapists with expertise in post-traumatic stress.
Volunteer first responders can also access mental health and addictions support through the Nova Scotia Volunteer Firefighter and Ground Search and Rescue Assistance Program, which launched in February.
Today, June 27, is PTSD Awareness Day in Canada.
Quotes:
“So many of the people we count on every day to keep us safe experience traumatic events in the course of their work. They deserve to know that they are never alone, and help is available. Our job is to make sure they have the support they need, when they need it.”
— Barbara Adams, Attorney General and Justice Minister
Quick Facts:
– there are an estimated 7,700 first responders and public safety personnel in Nova Scotia
– first responders and public safety personnel are four times more likely than the general public to experience a mental health disorder
– the program became available in Nova Scotia in February 2022
– PSPNet is supported by several provincial governments and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment
Additional Resources:
PSPNET: https://www.pspnet.ca/
News release – Public Safety Personnel Online Therapy Program Launches: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2022/02/08/public-safety-personnel-online-therapy-program-launches
Programs and supports for mental health, wellness and addictions: https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/
Nova Scotia Volunteer Firefighter and Ground Search and Rescue Assistance Program: https://ns.211.ca/services/88714936/government-of-nova-scotia-office-of-addictions-and-mental-health-nova-scotia-volunteer-firefighter-and-ground-search-and-rescue-assistance-program/
