The following section outlines a variety of mental health supports, explaining their roles and the treatments they can provide, to help you navigate how to access services that help.
Psychiatrist
Education: Medical Doctorate with a specialty in Psychiatry
Workplace: Some private practice, most work for the health authority
What they can do for you: Although some Psychiatrists do some therapy, most see patients long enough to diagnose them, prescribe medication, and refer them on for treatment
When needed: When chronic Mental illness or disorder is suspected. No other Mental Health Professional can do complete diagnosis and prescribe medication.
General Practitioner
Education: Medical Doctorate
Workplace: Family Practice, Health Centres
What they can do for you: Assess needs, consider other medical factors, diagnose common mental health challenges, prescribe medication, refer to other services, provide follow up
When needed: When mood and functioning are impaired, either acutely or for a longer duration.
Psychologist
Education: Master or Doctorate of Psychology
Workplace: The NS Health Authority (e.g. in NS, Mental Health & Addiction Services), private practice, Centres for Education, post-secondary health centres, counselling agencies, or in research settings
What they can do for you: Services range from clinical therapy to psychological testing and assessments (e.g. learning disabilities or differences). Psychologists are able to diagnose, but not prescribe medication.
When needed: When needing treatment for ongoing mood, behavioural, learning or relationship challenges. Can be referred by self or others.
Counsellor/Therapist/Clinical Social Worker
Education: Master of Counselling, or Social Work
Workplace: Private practice, EFAP, NS Health Authority, Centres for Education, post-secondary health centres, student services departments, or counselling agencies.
What they can do for you: Clinical therapy, wellness promotion. Cannot diagnose but do have training in understanding diagnoses and best practice treatments. Are qualified to administer some assessment tools.
When needed: When you feel things are just not right, you have experienced trauma, or a major life event, are dealing with grief, relationship issues, feelings of depression/anxiety or want to make a change in your life.
Mental Health Nurse/Nurse Practitioner/Occupational Therapist
Education: Bachelor or Master of Nursing, or MSc in Occupational Therapy
Workplace: Hospital, private or community health centres
What they can do for you: Treatment planning, support and follow up, often working in conjunction with other supports.
When needed: When you are unable to engage in your normal daily activities.
Pharmacist
Education: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, or Doctorate of Pharmacy
Workplace: Community pharmacies, hospital and specialty clinics (diabetes, etc.). Also accessible by phone at your local pharmacy. The Bloom Program provides support to patients with mental health or addictions diagnoses.
What they can do for you: Providing education and resources about prescriptions, non-prescription medications and medical conditions. Prescription renewals as allowed by province.
When needed: When you have questions about medications, medical conditions or general health. If you need a refill of your medication but cannot see your physician, your pharmacist can renew that prescription for you.
Support Groups/Peer Support
Education: May have training from host organization, or be strictly grassroots.
Workplace: In the community and online.
What they can do for you: Find support and understanding, education and help navigating mental health systems.
When needed: If you are concerned about your own, or someone else's mental health and would like to talk to someone who 'gets it'.