Mental health and addictions services and support available for Islanders

 As Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 4-10, comes to an end, Islanders are reminded that there are many mental health and addictions services available year-round to those who need support. 

“I encourage all Islanders to learn about programs and services available to people so we can all support each other as we navigate these uncertain and stressful times. We all have a responsibility to help those we love and those in our communities. I can’t think of a better way to support a family member, friend, neighbour, or colleague, than to help them get the help they need.” 

- Health and Wellness Minister James Aylward

Most mental health and addictions services delivered through Health PEI are now back to regular operations as the province enters the new normal phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Child and youth programming such as Strength, INSIGHT, Walk-in Clinics, Strongest Families, Student Well Being Teams, and Community Mental Health, have all resumed  regular operations.   Also, new telehealth services (online, telephone and text) have helped reduce wait times and  continue to be available to assist Islanders.

Health PEI has also established a new, temporary Child and Youth Psychiatric Inpatient unit at Hillsborough Hospital while work is being done to reinstate the acute psychiatric unit at the QEH.

Psychiatrists are also on call 24/7 and are available for consultation by telehealth at both PCH and QEH Emergency Rooms and at the Psychiatry Urgent Care Clinic at Hillsborough Hospital. 

“We are committed to providing Islanders with high quality mental health and addictions services when and where they need them,” said chief of mental health and addictions, Dr. Heather Keizer.  “We’re very pleased that new telehealth services have greatly reduced wait times and improved access for people who need care, but we know there’s more work to do.  We welcome feedback from patients and their families on how we can deliver the best possible care for Islanders.” 

Health PEI continues to make progress on the new mental health and addictions acute care hospital,  and plans are in the works to launch two significant community-first programs in the coming months.   

“The redevelopment project is historic in scope, but it’s not just about infrastructure,” said Verna Ryan,  chief administrative officer with mental health and addictions.  “New facilities are needed, but the community-first programming we will be delivering locally is what will make a real difference in the lives of Islanders.”

Media contact:
Samantha Hughes
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Health and Wellness
902-368-5610

Everton McLean
Senior Communications Officer
Health PEI
902-213-1507

Backgrounder: 

Mental Health and Addictions Services are available in communities across the province.

You may refer yourself to some services by calling a community mental health or addictions office in your area (please note that some services may require a referral from a health care provider).  When you call, you will be asked questions to help figure out the best services to meet your needs.  This call may take 15 to 20 minutes and you will be asked for your PEI Health Card number.

You may also request a referral to our services from your primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner), other health care professionals or community agency familiar with your concerns.

Resources include:
Mental Health and Addictions Information Line
1-833-533-9333
Calls are answered by trained mental health and addictions staff
Available 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday

For Adult Urgent Psychiatric Care
Charlottetown:  Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinic, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily at Hillsborough Hospital
Summerside:  Psychiatric Urgent Care Clinic, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily at Prince County Hospital (Malpeque Room)

Mental Health Walk-in Clinics also offer immediate support to help with anxiety, depression and other complex and high-risk issues.

Emergencies
For emergencies, please call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

Telephone resources
The Island Helpline
1-800-218-2885 (toll-free)
Available 24-hours, seven days a week

Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
Available 24 hours, seven days a week

Additional community supports are also available through organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, PEI Family Violence Prevention Services and Family Services PEI. In addition to ICAN, an online adult anxiety program, Health PEI also works in partnership with community organizations such as Family Services PEI to provide online sessions for those dealing with issues such as high anxiety.