Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program

The Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program provides training and support for family physicians, nurse practitioners and administrative staff, and aims to enhance the skills and confidence of family physicians and nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat patients with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

The program was adapted from the General Practice Services Committee Practice Support Program in British Columbia. The program uses a quality improvement approach delivered during three, half day interactive workshop sessions interspersed by two 6-8 week implementation action periods, where learnings are applied in day-to-day practice.

You can read about the BC experience, where the Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program has helped family physicians to feel more confident and willing to manage their patients’ conditions. The program was piloted in Nova Scotia, and results have demonstrated increased levels of comfort and confidence among participating primary care providers, as well as improvements in stigma.

Program objectives:

  • Use diagnostic screening for a wide range of acute mental health conditions
  • Develop a mental health care plan
  • Apply in-practice cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT)
  • Appropriate use of specialized mental health services for patients with complex mental health needs
  • Use mental health tools and resources
  • Partner with patients in managing their condition and improving patient self-management strategies
  • Understand billing supports and options for providing mental health care (where applicable)

Who is this program for? At this time the Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program is primarily aimed at family physicians and nurse practitioners. Administrative staff of participating primary care providers are also invited to attend.

When and where is this program being offered? The Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program will be offered throughout Nova Scotia on an ongoing basis. Participation is limited, with up to a maximum of 25 participants per session, to allow for optimal learning experiences.

  • Fall 2022 Learning Sessions: September 14, October 26, and December 7 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.  To Register Click Here.
  • Winter 2023 Learning Sessions: January 18, March 1, and April 12 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.  To Register Click Here.

Time Commitment: Over the 12-20 week program duration, participants are expected to commit to attending three half-day in-person learning sessions and complete two action period templates between learning sessions.

Program Fees: There is no fee associated with participating in this program.

Continuing Education Credits: This Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 21 MainPro+ credits.

Are there tools that can support me in the meantime? Yes! Check out the tools and resources linked below:

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