HALIFAX, NS – WCB Nova Scotia has secured three new and essential mental health and wellness service provider agreements, as they prepare to protect workers and employers in our province from more types of workplace injury starting this September.The new agreements mean more providers are coming to Nova Scotia – expanding access to mental health care overall in the province, and providing support for workers and employers as part of the recovery process, including the healthy role work can play in that recovery.
“WCB is bringing new mental health service capacity to Nova Scotia, easing the pressure on our health care system and helping us deliver the exceptional service Nova Scotians deserve”, says Karen Adams, CEO.
Effective September 1, 2024, work-related gradual onset psychological injury (GPI) due to significant stressors that happen over time, such as bullying and harassment, will be compensable in Nova Scotia, following legislative change made by Government last fall. It’s a new type of compensable injury, and it will need new mental health care – which the agreements will ensure is readily available.
The agreements are just one part of the WCB’s broader preparations for GPI, which include a new service delivery team, with new roles, including navigation services and dedicated decision makers. The team is completing an intensive training program and will be ready to deliver exceptional, trauma-informed service experience for workers and employers.
Access to mental health services for gradual onset psychological injuries (GPI) in an already-stretched health care system was raised as a big concern by workers and employers during conversations with the WCB held over the past several months.
With the new mental health service agreements in place, workers and employers can be confident that expert support for recovery and staying connected to work after a gradual onset psychological injury will be accessed quickly.
The WCB’s new mental health service provider partners include:
Homewood Health: Homewood Health has been helping Canadians recover from psychological conditions for over 140 years. Homewood brings clinical excellence with a strong return to work focus to Nova Scotians, emphasizing functional recovery that is safe and sustainable. With their unique, comprehensive care continuum, they will harness the power of care to improve lives for Nova Scotian workers and employers.
The Newly Institute: The Newly Institute is a nationally recognized leader in supporting recovery and return to work after psychological injury, and currently operates treatment centers in Alberta, New Brunswick and British Columbia. A new location in Halifax is set to open in September. As a national service provider, The Newly Institute will be able to leverage proven approaches and its network of psychiatrists and psychologists from across Canada to support psychologically injured workers in Nova Scotia.
EHN (Edgewood Health Network) Canada – Outpatient Service: EHN Canada’s Outpatient Services division provides virtual mental health services and supports across Canada. EHN’s treatment approach is rooted in medical excellence and scientific evidence. Licensed medical professionals are involved in every step of every patient’s recovery.
Find more information on:
How the WCB is preparing for Gradual Onset Psychological Injury
How employers can create a psychologically safe workplace
How to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace: Preventing Harassment and Bullying — WCB Psychological Health & Safety Resources (worksafeforlife.ca)
Media Contacts
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Caitie Clark
Communications Advisor, WCB Nova Scotia
902-329-0556 | caitie.clark@wcb.ns.ca
