Online mental health support program receives funding from the Government of Quebec
PSPNET, developed at the University of Regina and now being delivered by clinicians across the country including in Quebec, provides mental health supports to first responders and other public safety personnel.
Thanks to Quebec’s financial support of $750,000, current and former members from that province, such as border services officers, public safety communicators, correctional workers, firefighters (career and volunteer), Indigenous emergency managers, operational intelligence personnel, paramedics, police (municipal, provincial, federal), and search and rescue personnel, will continue to have access to this service free of charge.
The program assists public safety personnel with concerns related to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder using therapist-assisted and self-guided courses. The program is designed and tailored specifically for those who are confronted daily with traumatic events in the course of their duties. The service is individually tailored, confidential, and easily accessible online or by phone.
“The partnership we have developed with the Quebec government will enable a greater number of PSP to have access to the service and to a psychologist within approximately 48 hours. We're proud to be able to continue accompanying them through difficult times, which have a real impact on their mental health,” stated Dr. Amélie Fournier, PSPNET senior clinical psychologist in Québec.
Dr. Leslie Anne Keown, Executive Director of CIPSRT, noted: “The announcement of this partnership with the Quebec government assures that public safety personnel in Quebec continue vital supports for their mental health and well-being. Supporting individuals in this way is essential so they can continue to protect and serve Quebecers.”
*Interviews are available in both English and French
The Program
- In addition to the initial and ongoing funding support provided by Public Safety Canada, $750,000 is being invested in the program over 3 years by the Government of Quebec.
- The program was developed by a team of expert researchers and clinicians at the University of Regina, led by Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, one of Canada’s leaders in Internet-based cognitive behavioural treatment.
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Outcomes in Quebec and the rest of Canada identify:
- More than 90% report increased confidence in managing their mental health challenges, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress injuries.
- More than 95% believe PSPNET was worth their time and would refer the service to a friend.
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PSPNET is designed to provide free and confidential access for first responders and other public safety personnel who:
- self-report challenges with anxiety, depression, or other posttraumatic stress injuries;
- are 18 years of age or older;
- are comfortable using and have access to the internet;
- are willing to provide a local medical contact in case of emergencies; and,
- live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec, or Saskatchewan.
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For more information about the program, visit: www.pspnet.ca or contact the team by email (pspnet@uregina.ca) or phone (306-337-7233 or 1-833-317-7233).
Other Quotes
"We are committed to caring for those who work every day to protect us, in often difficult and unpredictable conditions. Wearing a uniform doesn't protect anyone from psychological stress - quite the opposite, in fact, which is why I think it's so important to offer health services tailored to their specific needs. The Ministère de la Sécurité publique has received numerous testimonials on the relevance of the PSPNET, notably from municipalities, the First Nations and Inuit Chiefs of Police Association of Quebec and the Association des gestionnaires en sécurité incendie et civile du Québec." - François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Estrie region.
"Taking care of your mental health is essential for any police officer. The Police Personnel Assistance Program (PAPP), a joint program that does so much for our members in Montreal, proves that the PSPNET, offered to all public safety and emergency personnel, is necessary and can save lives." - Yves Francoeur, President of the Montreal Police Brotherhood.
"We are delighted to welcome this news, which ensures the continuity of this service. The goal is always to help and take care of those who, on a daily basis, take care of others." - François Lemay, President of the Fédération des policiers et policières municipaux du Québec.
"Paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers need fast, flexible access to mental health services. These services must consider the specific nature of their daily lives and be developed and delivered by qualified personnel. This is what is offered by the PSPNET program, to which our employees and their families have been referred for the past few years. This agreement will enable us to consolidate the assistance we provide to them, which is just as vital as the care they provide to the general public. - Mathieu Campbell, Assistant Executive Director, Urgences-santé.
"Since firefighters are exposed to many tragic situations in the course of their work, it is important that they have rapid access to psychological support services. PSPNET provides them with free, confidential support and adapted tools to help them overcome these traumatic events, while preserving their mental health." - Denis Doucet, Vice-President, Health, Safety and Labour Relations, Association des gestionnaires en sécurité incendie et civile du Québec (AGSICQ).
"Accessibility to these services is essential for our members because of the distances that separate us from the major centers where the services we need are often located." - Shawn Dulude, First Nations and Inuit Chiefs of Police Association of Quebec.
"Finally, an accessible and specialized platform to help front-line workers who, every day, have to deal with the unexpected. Many of our members have already used the service, which is easy to access, fast and above all effective. Their feedback has been excellent, and they recommend it to their colleagues without hesitation. Thank you for putting the mental health of correctional officers at the forefront and helping us to be better equipped to deal with the realities of our job." - Mylaine Bolduc-Lemieux, First Vice-President, Occupational Health and Safety, Syndicat des agents de la paix en services correctionnels du Québec.
For additional information:
Geneviève Bordeleau, 514-318-2737
genevieve@ryanap.com
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About the University of Regina
2024 marks our 50th anniversary as an independent University (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of our 16,700 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates. Our research enterprise has grown to include 21 research centres and 12 Canada Research Chairs and brings in more than $51.2 million in funding annually. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.
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