Mental health counselors and psychiatrists are available in some Primary Health Clinics throughout the city of Winnipeg, such as the Health Action Centre.
“Shared Care” involves family physicians working with mental health counselors and psychiatrists. The goal of Shared Care is to assist persons with mental health difficulties to achieve and maintain good mental health and emotional wellbeing. Speak with your primary care physician for more information.
Community Mental Health Program Shared Care (Fact Sheet): http://www.wrha.mb.ca/community/mentalhealth/files/SharedCare.pdf
More Information (from the Health Action Centre website):
Shared Care
How does Shared Care work?
The Shared Care program is used when a family doctor determines that a person is experiencing mental health difficulties, or when a person indicates to their doctor that they are experiencing mental health difficulties. In these situations, the family doctor may refer the person to a mental health counsellor or a psychiatrist. The doctor, counsellor, and/or the psychiatrist will then work together with the person to identify the support and assistance they need to achieve their health goals.
The doctor, counsellor, and/or psychiatrist work in the same office or clinic, so all services can be offered from the same location.
What are some reasons that a person might be referred to a mental health counsellor or a psychiatrist?
There are many reasons that a person may be referred to a mental health counsellor or a psychiatrist, including:
• Feelings of depression or sadness
• Problems with alcohol and drugs
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Relationship and parenting problems
• Experiences of grief and loss
• Feelings of anxiety
• Conflict at home
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty coping with stress
• Difficulty at school or work
Many things, including life experiences, ability to cope, financial security, and the availability of social supports, housing, and access to health care, influence a person’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Do mental health counsellors and psychiatrists offer the same services?
Typically, a mental health counsellor provides individual, family and group counselling that is short-term and time limited. A psychiatrist provides assessment and treatment for those who need specialized health care.
Is the Shared Care program available to everyone?
No. At the present time, the Shared Care program is only available to persons whose family doctor works at one of the six WRHA primary health care sites, including the Health Action Centre.
How does a person receive mental health support if their doctor works at a location that doesn’t offer Shared Care?
All family doctors have access to the services of mental health counsellors and/or psychiatrists, and can refer their patients when services are required. Doctors who work in Shared Care facilities have added advantage of having counsellors and psychiatrists on-site.
Who can I call for more information?
For more information, speak with your family physician.
