Government of Nova Scotia gov.ns.ca
gov.ns.ca Government of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia, Canada
 
Department of Health

Programs & Strategies

 

This site features programs, services and initiatives within the Mental Health branch. The basic information, documents and reports will provide a better understanding of mental health services in Nova Scotia.

 

Mental Health Vision

Our vision of the mental health of Nova Scotians is one in which consumers and communities can attain their optimal level of mental health. Programs and services will run the gamut from mental health promotion to acute care. They will be unified, coordinated, flexible, offered on a district basis and geared to the needs and desires of the consumer.

 

Mental Health Core Values


Client and Community Centredness
We value a consumer-focused, community-based approach to planning and decision-making. Service and the processes that create and sustain them will be inclusive and accepting of all people. Consumers and communities are the central focus, at the core of our system.

Equitable Access
Our community-based mental health system will be distinguished by the province-wide equitable access which it offers. Partnering with communities will be key to this.

Evidence-Based Best Practices
Those responsible for our system are accountable to ensure that an evidence-based approach is used to introduce and sustain the best practices. Our outcomes-oriented system will be driven by demonstrated improvement in the mental health of the population.

An Integrated, Systems Approach
We value a comprehensive continuum of well-coordinated services and supports. Mental health is integral to an overall vision for population health. Toward that end, it will be integrated with other health system components that address the determinants of health.

Consumer and Community Involvement
Consumers and communities will be involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the mental health system. There will be a true partnership between administrators, care providers, consumers and communities to ensure that the programs are needs based and subject to accountability.

 

Core Programs

Mental Health Services has defined five core mental health programs for children, youth and adults:

The standards are intended to provide guidance for quality service delivery and reduce variations across the province, while maintaining flexibility to adapt approaches to unique district, community and organization conditions. Read the full Standards for Mental Health Services in Nova Scotia document (PDF- 166p)