Health Minister Dorothy Shephard speaks at a Saint John media conference on February 16th, 2022.
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard provided an update on a program offering mental health services to anyone 16 and older.
One-at-a-time or single-session therapy began as a successful pilot project in Campbellton before expanding to the rest of New Brunswick.
While in Saint John on Wednesday, Shephard said once a client has been assessed, they can speak to someone right away or return soon for an appointment.
Shephard added some clients may feel one session is enough.
One year after the Inter-Departmental Addiction and Mental Health Action Plan was launched, Shephard said the province has improved access to services and is moving towards a care model that matches clients with the level of service they need.
Renee Fournier, a director at Horizon Health, said the program is based on providing help at the point of client need rather than at the point of clinician availability.
“Early intervention and rapid access are a critical part of overall risk reduction and suicide prevention. One-at-a-time therapy offers an appropriate level of intervention to individuals seeking help and is available without a lengthy assessment and without being placed on a waitlist,” Fournier said.
One-at-a-time therapy is available at all community addictions and mental health clinics through in-person or virtual appointments.
Health Minster Dorothy Shephard visited Saint John today to provide an update on One-at-a-Time or single session therapy. The service is now available at all community addiction and mental health clinics. pic.twitter.com/T1QeXay7U0
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) February 16, 2022
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