Choice & Partnership Approach
The AVH Mental Health program is working to improve access to care.
We want to provide prompt and efficient services within our Valley communities. We are working to change how quickly we meet with individuals and families, and the way we offer different kinds of services.
The first step in this process is a Choice Appointment.
What is a Choice Appointment?
A Choice Appointment is an opportunity to meet with a clinician to:
- Find out about the mental health problem that you are concerned about.
- Provide you with enough information to make an informed choice about what to do next.
- Explain the variety of services and interventions available.
What is a Choice Point?
A Choice Point is a goal that you want to work towards. Your choices might involve:
- Group or individual treatment.
- Clinic location that works best for you.
- Appointment times that fit your schedule.
Our goal is to work out together what you can do and what resources can help you in the community.
What does that mean for me?
After your Choice Appointment, you will receive a letter from the clinician you met with. This letter will review what you have discussed and outline the Choice Point you have reached.
If you will be returning for treatment following your Choice Appointment, then a Partnership Appointment will be booked for you.
What should I do before my next appointment?
During your Choice Appointment, you will determine treatment goals. These goals will include resources you might access or exercises you can do at home to start the work right away.
What happens if there is a crisis or emergency?
If you experience a crisis during regular business hours, please call (902) 679-2870 or (902) 825-4825 and request Crisis Response Service, or go to the nearest emergency department. After regular business hours call the Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167. If it is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What if I don’t need services right now?
If you decide that you do not need more services at this point, you are welcome to contact us in the future. When you need support, call:
- Kentville Mental Health Clinic – (902) 679-2870 (Adult) or (902) 679-2873 (Child and Youth)
- Middleton Mental Health Clinic – (902) 825-4825 (Child & Adult Services)
We will also be happy to work with a referring clinician, such as a family doctor, who can make a referral for you.
Remember, all AVH Mental Health Services are covered by MSI (NS Health) and are provided at no cost to you. Please bring your card with you.
We're here to help - contact us.
If you have questions or would like to know more, please reach out. You can call Kentville Mental Health Clinic 679-2870 (Adult)/679-2873 (Child) or Middleton Mental Health Clinic 825-4825 (Child and Adult).
If you'd like to have a printed copy of the Choice and Partnership Approach information above, feel free to print our brochure.