POWELL RIVER MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION SERVICES

Mental Health program are for adults age 19 and above. Client can self-refer for an intake assessment, or be referred by a physician.

1) Adult Community Support Services (ACSS): • This program is for adults with a diagnosis of a serious and persistent mental disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, chronic and severe depression that requires ongoing support. Services include community mental health nurse case management, medication management, community outreach support, vocational rehabilitation, supported independent living, residential support and psychiatric consultation services.

2) Older Adult Mental Health (previously called COPE): This program offers referral, assessment and psychiatric consultation for people who have an age related mental condition such as dementia, memory impairment and depression. Program also provides support and consultation to the long-term care facilities of the Willingdon Creek Village and Evergreen Extended Care Unit.

3) Short Term Assessment and Treatment Team (ASTAT): Individual counselling or group therapy for adults is available to persons with serious acute mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. The goal is not to cure the disorder or restructure the personality, but to reduce the client’s symptoms, improve the ability to cope and increase access to available resources. Appointments are generally short term for six to eight sessions.

4) Educational courses offered include Changeways, Anxiety, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. All participants must have had an intake assessment. Referrals to the groups may be directly from the intake assessment or clients may request entry into a group through their nurse or therapist. 

5) Wellness group provides peer support for clients of Mental Health & Addiction Services who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, or are recovering from addiction. All participants must have had an intake assessment. Referrals to the group may be directly from the intake assessment or clients may request entry through their nurse or therapist.

ADDICTION SERVICES

For abuse/misuse and addiction to drugs and alcohol. Anyone who is affected by substance use may receive services. Services are not age restricted. Also provide information and support to family and friends who have someone with substance addictions/misuse.

6) Assessment, Counselling & Referral: Provides screening and assessment; brief intervention, individual counselling, referral to agencies within the alcohol and drug programs “system of care”, including supported recovery and treatment programs for anyone of any age.

7) SOCIAL DETOX PROGRAM – For clients who have been assessed as medically stable and requiring social detox treatment. Women go to Grace House Transition House in Powell River for a two-week period. Addiction services staff provide ongoing support and consultation for Grace House staff during the client’s stay.

8) Prevention/Education Program:
The Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coordinator assists children, youth and their families as well as school personnel on issues of alcohol and drug prevention. This service is based on British Columbia’s School Based Prevention Model. The Prevention Coordinator provides primary prevention, early intervention and community development within the school district and community at large. Referrals can be accessed in the following way: youth may self-refer directly to this program, or be referred by school personnel, other community agencies, or parents/guardians.