Support Services for
Physicians and their Families
Resources in Nova Scotia
Physician-Specific Resources
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Doctors Nova Scotia Professional Support Program (PSP)
About: Provides confidential peer-to-peer support for members and their families who are dealing with personal or professional problems. The PSP program responds to the mental health and wellness needs of members and supports initiatives, workshops, and other resources that promote wellness, resiliency, and balanced living.
Contact Information: General Helpline: 1-902-468-8215 | Program Intake and Navigation: 1-902-329-8689 | professionalsupport@doctorsns.com
Availability: Call or email to access
Dalhousie University
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
About: Provides 24/7, confidential support services connecting employees and their eligible family members to a network of dedicated professionals including psychologists, social workers, addiction and career counsellors, childcare and elder care specialists, and legal and financial specialists.
Contact Information: one.telushealth.com
Availability: 24/7
About: Facilitates and leads health equity education, research and partnership initiatives locally and globally.
Contact Information: gho@dal.ca
Keknu'tmasiek Tan Tel Welo'timk “We Learn Healing” – Global Health Office
About: Provides support for the academic success and graduation of Indigenous medical learners. They focus on developing specific admission pathways to ensure equity for all students of Indigenous descent, creating mentorship and outreach opportunities, providing support for the academic success and graduation of Indigenous learners, pursuing opportunities for curriculum development, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and leading Indigenous advisory committees.
Contact Information: kw@dal.ca
About: A safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to provide guidance and navigation for student’s personal concerns and challenges and to support their efforts to stay well throughout their program. They help learners with issues related to stress and anxiety, personal or family crises, short- and long-term leaves of absence and scheduling accommodations, all with a goal to enable success in medical school.
Contact Information: 1-902-494-3232
Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) – Global Health Office
About: PLANS seeks to increase representation of African Nova Scotians in the health professions through recruitment and retention, community collaborations, and partnerships to improve health outcomes within the African Nova Scotian community. PLANS offers programming (e.g., advising, mentorship, high school co-op, summer camp), resources, and attends community and school events to provide health career preparation and support.
Contact Information: PLANS@dal.ca
Student Affairs & Wellness Liaisons (SAWLs)
About: SAWLs are undergraduate medical students at Dalhousie who have been elected by their classmates to be a liaison for medical students to support their wellness and to the Student Affairs Offices at Dalhousie Medical School. SAWLs serve as a support for peers who are experiencing academic and/or personal challenges, directly communicating with the Student Affairs Office at their respective campuses and directing fellow students to professional resources.
Contact Information: List of SAWLs Representatives and Contact Information
About: Provides students with primary and mental health services to promote and enhance their health and well-being including medical services, counselling, social work, peer support, and health promotion expertise.
Contact Information: Book an Appointment
Availability: By appointment
The Office of Professional Affairs (OPA)
About: The Office of Professional Affairs (OPA) is focused on addressing reports of learner mistreatment and the promotion of professionalism through education and outreach activities.
Contact Information: DalMedOPA@dal.ca | Confidence Line Safe Reporting
Availability: Email or use Confidence Line *Responses will be provided within two business days
Nova Scotia Health
Mental Health and Addictions Intake
About: Provides support related to mental health or addiction concerns.
Contact Information: 1-855-922-1122
Availability: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm AT (Mon - Fri) *Tues and Thurs until 8 pm
Nova Scotia Health Association
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
About: Provides 24/7, free, confidential, and immediate help for any work, health, or life concern. The program provides solutions to help achieve well-being, manage relationships and family, deal with workplace challenges, tackle addictions, find child and elder care resources, get legal advice, receive financial guidance, improve nutrition, and focus on physical health.
Contact Information: 1-877-338-0275 | workhealthlife.com
Availability: 24/7
Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
About: Provides 24/7 crisis intervention for children, youth, and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress. This could include callers who present suicidal thoughts, self-harming thoughts or behaviours, overwhelming anxiety, difficulty coping with distress, psychotic or distorted thinking, depression, substance use difficulties or any other self-identified mental health concerns.
Contact Information: 1-888-429-8167
Availability: 24/7
Community-Based Resources
About: Offers free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals, couples, or families. Trained counsellors can help people manage stress, mild to moderate depression or anxiety, relationship issues, general mental health concerns, loss, and more.
Contact Information: 1-833-691-2282
Availability: By appointment
About: Provides free supports and services to individuals affected by sexualized violence. Support is provided to people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, abilities and background across Nova Scotia.
Contact Information: 1-902-422-4240
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
About: Delivers free, safe, inclusive evidence-based programs, training and navigation support that Nova Scotians need to be well and stay well.
Contact Information: 1-877-466-6606
Availability: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm AT (Mon - Fri)
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (MHMCT)
About: A provincial crisis service that serves all of Nova Scotia made up of a team of experienced mental health professionals who are available to offer support and find out what would be helpful. Provides 24/7 telephone support to people of any age who are experiencing a mental health crisis or distress.
Contact Information: 1-888-429-8167
Availability: 24/7