Nova Scotia to cover therapy costs for patients with mood, anxiety disorders – Halifax [Video]

Nova Scotia says the first phase of its long-promised universal mental health care program will begin this spring, with therapy costs covered by the province for people with anxiety and mood disorders.

Brian Comer, minister of mental health and addictions, made the announcement Wednesday, saying that soon Nova Scotians will be able to self-refer to a program for therapy from master’s-level social workers, psychologists and registered counselling therapists.

“We made a commitment to Nova Scotia: universal mental health and addictions care. That means no matter where someone lives in the province, no matter what issue they are facing, they can get the mental health care and support that they deserve for free,” Comer told reporters.

In August 2021, the Progressive Conservatives led by Premier Tim Houston pledged that Nova Scotia would become the first province in Canada to offer universal mental health care.

Comer said the department is working on …