February is Psychology Month! Here is how CPA is highlighting Psychology and Covid-19

The Canadian Psychological Association is celebrating psychology month by highlighting Canadian Psychologists who are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways.

Check it out here.

CPA writes (www.cpa.ca):

Psychology is rooted in science that seeks to understand our thoughts, feelings and actions. It is a broad field – some psychology professionals develop and test theories through research while others work to help individuals, organizations, and communities function better. Still others are both researchers and practitioners.

Psychology Month is celebrated every February to highlight the contributions of Canadian psychologists and to show Canadians how psychology works to help – people live healthy and happy lives, their communities flourish, their employers create better workplaces, and their governments develop effective policies.

Psychology Month is celebrated every February to highlight the contributions of Canadian psychologists and to show Canadians how psychology works to help – people live healthy and happy lives, their communities flourish, their employers create better workplaces, and their governments develop effective policies.

COVID-19 has brought a new set of challenges to the public, and to psychologists as well. This Psychology Month, we will shine a spotlight on the Canadian psychologists who are responding to the pandemic in a wide variety of ways.

We’ll meet psychologists who are delivering mental health help to Canadians on brand new platforms, and dealing with the mental health issues that have arisen as a result of the virus and lockdowns. Researchers who are examining the pandemic’s impact on our happiness, our sleep, our work and our beliefs. Experts who are looking at the way we respond to public health guidelines, the rise of racism, and the proliferation of conspiracy theories.

And of course, much more!

Every week a new profile will be highlighted on their Instagram page:

FINDING A PSYCHIATRIST IN VANCOUVER, BC

Many psychiatrists or clinics with psychiatrists require a referral from a family doctor/GP or a referral through the Vancouver Costal Health Access and Assessment Center (located at Vancouver General Hospital). A family doctor/GP likely has a more extensive list of psychiatrists to refer to above the public programs and psychiatrists advertising online. 

Information on the Access & Assessment Center can be found here (http://www.vch.ca/your-care/mental-health-substance-use/vancouver-access-assessment-centre)

Call (604) 675-3700 or walk in between 7:30 a.m. – 11 p.m

PUBLIC CLINICS

Note, some public programs are limited treatment of certain types of mental disorder. Call the service/program for more information.

  • Community Mental Health Services (Offered in Most Communities in Vancouver) 

“We offer a wide array of multidisciplinary services, activities, resources, and health care professions to adults and older adults in a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, and in the home. Clients primarily fall into one of two categories: (1) Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, (2) Mood disorders, i.e. bipolar and major depressive disorders. Services are also provided to people who have co-occurring disorders such as personality disorders, substance abuse/misuse, mental challenges, etc.”

Services can be accessed with a referral through the Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) (see above) or by a family physician, psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. 

  • Mood Disorders Association of BC

Referrals are sometimes only accepted from specific primary care centers. Check the website for current information.

  • Mood Disorders Centre – Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (at UBC)

https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/clinics/clinic-information/mood-disorders/clinic  
Address: Vancouver Coastal Health – UBCH Site, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC 
Phone: 604.822.7512

  • Vancouver Coastal Health Outpatient Psychiatry Team 

http://www.vch.ca/your-care/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-outpatient-services

Referrals are made through GP, psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. Check with the specific program listed on the website (e.g., programs specific for mood disorder (listed above), PTSD, mental health and substance use, cross cultural clinic, etc). 

“We Got Chu” Resource for Covid-19 from SFU

SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue has a website to help with everything from income and health, jobs, school and health during the Covid-19 pandemic. They, importantly, also have resource if you are feel vulnerable due to your mental health or physical health, alcohol and drugs specifically,  living in a house with violence, if you are a sex worker, and LGBT+ resources.

Check it out here: https://www.wegotchu.ca

WeGotChu