Nova Scotians with mood and anxiety disorders will have more access to mental healthcare at no cost in the coming months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government is building the province\u2019s first mental health and addictions publicly funded insured services program. The first phase will boost access to non-urgent mental healthcare by publicly funding private-sector professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are committed to providing Nova Scotians with universal access to mental health and addictions care. No matter where you live in the province, what issues you\u2019re facing and regardless of your financial situation,\u201d said Addictions and Mental Health Minister Brian Comer. \u201cWe are making great progress, and these first publicly funded private services are a significant step to seeing this through.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Province has issued a request for proposals to secure a billing administrator for the program. The next step will be identifying the professionals \u2013 which will include master\u2019s level social workers, master\u2019s and PhD psychologists, and registered counselling therapists \u2013 to provide non-urgent mental healthcare for eligible Nova Scotians experiencing mood and anxiety disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Province is making an initial $10-million investment in the new program, which aims to be ready this spring. Nova Scotians who call the provincial intake line will be assessed and could be eligible to be covered for mental health support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Province is delivering on its promise to provide universal access to mental health and addictions care using an integrated approach that includes expanding publicly funded services in the traditional healthcare system, leveraging the capacity of more clinicians and funding community-based organizations that provide mental health and addictions services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Establishing universal mental health and addictions care is an action item in Action for Health, the government\u2019s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
News release \u2013 Legislative Amendments Prioritize Access to Mental Health and Addictions Care: https:\/\/news.novascotia.ca\/en\/2023\/10\/13\/legislative-amendments-prioritize-access-mental-health-and-addictions-care<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n