Free Mental Health Programs on the Sunshine Coast
Eight-week-long mindfulness and cognitive behavioral-therapy classes start at the end of April, offering a vital resource for those experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Dr. Suzanne Walter, who facilitates the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills group alongside Dr. Rahul Gupta from the Sunshine Coast Division of Family Practice, emphasized that while participants can attend these in-person courses free of charge, a referral from a physician or healthcare practitioner is required to be covered under the provincial medical services plan (MSP).
“If someone doesn’t have a family doctor, they can visit one of the walk-in clinics in Sechelt or Gibsons,” Dr. Walter mentioned.
The CBT course is relatively new to the Coast, with its first group run last fall. It’s offered through Mind Space, a non-profit organization based out of Victoria that specializes in MSP-funded mental health programs.
“This course is primarily for individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, but it’s also beneficial for those facing difficulties adjusting to significant life changes, such as retirement or parenthood,” Dr. Walter noted.
Additionally, Dr. Gupta, who has been facilitating a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course online since the pandemic, has recently transitioned back to in-person classes. Dr. Walter pointed out that the MBSR course focuses more on mindfulness and suits people with chronic health issues.
“The programs are not suitable for individuals with severe mental health issues such as PTSD or those experiencing suicidal ideation,” she cautioned.
Both programs run thrice a year for eight weeks, with each class lasting 90 minutes and accommodating 15 to 20 participants. To encourage commitment, a $65 ‘no-show’ deposit ensures participants’ engagement, refunded upon attending seven out of eight classes. A workbook is also available for purchase.
For information on how to receive a referral to the MBSR or CBT group, interested parties are advised to reach out to their healthcare provider or visit Mind Space’s website for more details.
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