Nova Scotia Health improving access to psychiatric care through doctor referrals

A Nova Scotia Health logo is pictured. (Source: Facebook/Nova Scotia Health)

Nova Scotia Health is improving access to psychiatric assessments for patients referred by their primary care doctors.

The Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) is optimizing the pathway for rapid psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, said a news release.

“Over the last two years we have seen the difference quicker access to psychiatry has made in people’s lives,” said Dr. Vincent Agyapong. “Rolling out this pathway across the province will help many more Nova Scotians get the care they need, sooner.”

The rapid access pathway will roll out in stages starting at clinics in the eastern zone this summer before moving to northern and western zones, said the release. Psychiatric consultation will continue in mental health clinics across the province.

“The Eastern Zone is well positioned to offer this enhanced pathway as it builds on the successful recruitment of new psychiatrists over the last several years which has allowed us to focus on access to psychiatry consultations in a timely way for those who need it,” said Dr. Faisal Rahman, head of psychiatry for the eastern zone.

The province said the changes build on the success of the Rapid Access Stabilization Program (RASP) that was launched in the central zone two years ago. Since the launch of RASP, 2,215 patients have been seen in the zone, said the release.

“Timely access to the right level of support can be lifechanging for Nova Scotians navigating mental health issues,” said Brian Comer, minister of Addictions and Mental Health.

Referred patients will be matched to psychiatric services through the Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake Service for an outpatient consultation, said the release.

“The enhancement of adult community mental health teams to facilitate rapid and efficient access to the right clinician supports the patient’s recovery,” said Dr. Andrew Harris, senior medical director with MHAP.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page