Nanaimo

Island Health's TeleMental Health Service improves the ability for children, youth, and their families to access to mental health screening, assessment, diagnosis and intervention from home, or within their home community. The benefits for families are that they don't have to travel long distances that are far from home to arrive at the appointment, saving time and money. Please note that this is not a crisis service - the program provides consultative services only, where clarification of diagnosis and a proposed treatment plan is desired (usually in a one-time appointment).

How it Works: this care is accessed by using a smart phone or computer, either in their home or at a local Island Health facility, to see, hear and speak with a psychiatrist. Depending on the child/youth's comfort level, the psychiatrist will allocate time to speak with the family together and then separately with the child/youth, and then with the parents/guardians. If the family or patient feel that TeleHealth isn't meeting their needs, they may send a request via their primary care provider for in-person appointment(s).

Referral Process:

• The patient meets with their pediatrician/primary care provider to discuss the option of using Telemental Health
• If agreed upon by both parties, the primary care provider sends a request to Island Health's TeleMental Health Intake Service
• An Island Health clinician reviews the child/youth's situation to confirm that a psychiatric consult via Telehealth would be suitable
• If this is the case, then an Island Health staff member contacts the family directly to book a psychiatric consult

Locations Served: Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Duncan, Gold River, Lady Smith, Lake Cowichan, Lantzville, Malahat, Mill Bay, Parksville, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Shawnigan Lake, Shirley, Sooke, Tofino, Ucluelet

Services May be Available in the Following Communities:

• Black Creek & Campbell River: If the child/youth is connected to the Foundry in Campbell River psychiatry services are requested/faxed via the Foundry, not TeleMental Health
• Comox, Port Hardy, Port McNeill & Sointula: If the child/youth is connected with MCFD in Comox, Port Hardy or Port McNeill psychiatry services are requested/faxed via the MCFD Office, not TeleMental Health.
• Tofino & Ucluelet: If the Child/Youth is connected with MCFD in Tofino or Ucluelet - psychiatry referrals for services are requested/faxed to the MCFD Office, not TeleMental Health.