News release

Nova Scotian Families Receive New Mental Health Support

Health and Wellness

Children with behaviour or anxiety problems, and their families, now have access to more support as the province continues to move forward with its mental health and addictions strategy.

The province is investing $350,000 annually to expand the Strongest Families program across the province. The 12-week, phone-based treatment program gives Nova Scotians access to trained coaches who will provide the tools, skills and support families need to manage their children's mental health issues.

"No family should feel alone when they are trying to help a child dealing with behaviour or anxiety problems," said Minister of Health and Wellness David Wilson. "By addressing these problems early, we can head off potential difficulties down the road."

Coaches work with parents and children over the phone at convenient times for the family. They provide encouragement and advice to help the families work through issues and apply the new skills they learn in their daily lives. Families also receive handbooks and skill-demonstration videos, and work through the step-by-step modules at home.

The service is currently available through mental health programs at the IWK, Cape Breton District Health Authority and Cumberland District Health Authority. Families in need of support will now have access to it no matter where they live as part of Nova Scotia's mental health and addictions strategy, Together We Can.

"The Strongest Families program has been invaluable to my family," said Krista Taylor, Dartmouth, who went through the program with her son. "Before getting the telephone coaching, I didn't have the skills to deal with everything my son was going through. Strongest Families taught me how to see the world through his eyes, and taught me how to help him work through his behavioural issues."

Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, president and chief operating officer of Strongest Families, said the program removes barriers to care and makes help more accessible for Nova Scotians.

"Families receive help in the comfort and privacy of their own home, virtually eliminating stigma," said Dr. Lingley-Pottie.

In October, Strongest Families won the Social Innovation award from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, recognizing the program for delivering important economic and social benefits for children and families dealing with mental health problems.