Nova Scotians now have access to one-on-one supportive counselling to help with general mental health concerns, including anxiety, job loss, grief, relationship issues, and substance use under this new pilot program.
Nova Scotians can book one free session of individual, couple, or family counselling with trained mental health counsellors through the Province’s new Access Wellness service.
Counselling sessions can be done by phone, online, or in person in Halifax, Kentville, Sydney, and New Glasgow.
The single session appointments are open to all Nova Scotians over the age of 18, including people with private healthcare coverage. The service is not intended to replace ongoing counselling for people requiring more intensive or specialized support.
People can book appointments directly by calling 1-833-691-2282 seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m., or by visiting the Access Wellness website.
Appointments are available daytime, evening, and weekends, although days and hours of operation vary in each region.
This service complements others already in place, including the provincial Peer Support Phone Service and e-mental health programs.
Access Wellness is part of Action for Health, the Province’s plan to improve healthcare. TELUS Health has been contracted to deliver the service, which will be administered by Nova Scotia Health.