People with acute and severe mental health challenges, which are significantly impacting their day to day lives, are receiving the care and supports they need to improve their quality of life through Island Health’s Bridging Care Program.
Based in Victoria, the program offers recovery oriented, trauma informed intensive day treatment. Since opening in April 2023, the program has provided short-term (1-4 weeks) skills-based services and transitional supports to 160 people who might otherwise have needed to be admitted to hospital for inpatient psychiatric care.
The program has been so successful Island Health is in the process of developing a virtual Bridging Care Program to support people who live outside of the South Island.
“Our goal it to ensure equitable access to mental health services by removing barriers so no matter where people live, they can benefit from recovery programs to better manage their mental health and their daily quality of life,” said Tasha Mckelvey, Clinical Director, MHSU.
Client Nadia Estrada was referred to the program following a visit to the Emergency Department seeking help for depression and suicidal thoughts which started after her mom passed away.
“Bridging Care taught me you can change what you’re thinking,” Nadia says. “I learned that I am normal, and I know when to reach out for help instead of punishing myself at home alone.”
Located at Royal Jubilee Hospital, people are referred to the Bridging Care Program by health care professionals. Admission is based on acuity, suitability and the person’s willingness to attend the intensive day program. Currently, approximately 26 referrals are made each month and people are entering the program within five days of referral.
The program’s interdisciplinary team ranges from psychiatrists, occupational and recreational therapist to nurses and peer support to teach skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Pictured: Dr. Wei Song, Dr. Hubertus Van Der Lugt, Jennifer Sandberg, Tasha Mckelvey, Jordan Gilson, Dr. Hendri Eksteen, Megan McGill Yates, Jenna Buckham, Sylvie Seguin and Alanna Summers
Participants attend daily group sessions, participate in discussions and skills training. Outside of group work, they complete ‘homework,’ and receive one on one counselling to practice and reinforce skills that are relevant to their goals. Clients also have access to consultation with psychiatry while participating in the program. Before discharge, clients have a plan in place to continue to support their wellness and goals.
“My binder with practical tools and my safety crisis plan helps me manage my depression and anxiety every day,” says Nadia. “I am grateful for my son and husband. The Circle of Control enables me to understand what is in my control and what is not in my control. I also write a pleasant event down every day like lunch out with my husband, and I write my weekly SMART goals.”
In addition to bridging hospital and community-based services, the Bridging Care Program also connects people to further supports in the community – these may include Urgent Short Term Assessment and Treatment, Mental Wellness Day Programs, or transition to primary care/GP.
Bridging Care Program team leader Jennifer Sandberg says clients have told her the program is just what they needed. “We invite people to do hard things. To let go of existing ways of coping, to be brave and learn new skills. We encourage people to pursue the recovery of the things that are important to them so they can re-establish meaning in their lives.”
Bridging Care participants must be safe to be in the community without needing 24-hour supervision, be able to meaningfully participate in short-term skill-based learning and have the willingness to learn recovery-orientated skills in a group environment.
Learn more about the MHSU Bridging Care Program.