Professional Support Program For Residents
Doctors Nova Scotia’s Professional Support Program (PSP) offers confidential help to practicing and retired physicians, residents and their families who are experiencing problems - whether they are personal or professional, financial or psychological, psychiatric or addictive.
Doctors Nova Scotia, in conjunction with Maritime Resident Doctors, provides this confidential support to all Dalhousie residents at no cost. There are two streams of support:
PEER SUPPORT
The physician counsellors of the program have extensive experience working with people in need of help. A network of the best treatment providers in the province has been assembled to help physicians and residents in Nova Scotia. These resources are available to aid each member with his/her specified difficulty.
If required, they can connect residents with other professionals including psychologists, counsellors, psychiatrists and financial advisors that are not affiliated with Dalhousie or any hospital program. Services are also available for partners and family members. All discussions are strictly confidential, and the PSP is not affiliated with any licensing bodies.
The PSP provides compassionate support without judgment. The goal of the PSP is to provide treatment but also to educate and counsel physicians and residents around the prevention of issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, stress and burnout. Potential problems may be identified by peers, faculty, friends or family. In this event, a concerned individual can contact the PSP.
FAMILY PLUS (Tailored Counselling Services)
Family Plus is a tailored counselling program designed for physicians, residents and their immediate family members (i.e. spouse and/or children) in accessing highly skilled, confidential and free counselling support, with up to six (6) sessions, covered by Doctors Nova Scotia.
Family Plus contracts registered counselling therapists and clinical social workers. Family Plus offers a short-term counselling model with face-to-face, telephone, or video services throughout the province. Family Plus excludes psychological services.
DNS members can access both peer support and tailored counselling services simultaneously.
CONTACT THE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM
If you are concerned about yourself or one of your peers, please contact:
Katelyn Junus, MSW RSW | Physician Wellness Navigator, Doctors Nova Scotia
Phone: (902) 329-8689, or email: professionalsupport@doctorsns.com
All calls and e-mails are confidential and will be returned within 24 hours.
For more information, visit the DNS website for more information.
