Medically Unexplained Symptoms

The Emergency Department Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) program provides specialty consultation and psychotherapy services for people presenting with medically unexplained physical symptoms referred by an Emergency Department physician. Using an assessment and treatment approach called Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), we help detect and then treat emotional contributors that are causing or worsening physical symptoms.

Referrals only received from Emergency Department.

What is a somatic disorder?

Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or dizziness, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems with daily activities.

Our services

The MUS is a specialized outpatient program. A team of clinicians with expertise in assessing and treating somatic disorders helping patients improve their quality of life. The MUS Program team consists of Psychiatrist (providing supervision), Psychologist, Psychology Technician, Learners, and administrative staff.

The program tailor’s treatment to meet each patient’s specific needs.

The MUS Program offers:

• Comprehensive mental health assessment
• Evidence-based treatment using approach called Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), up to 20 sessions.

Please note: Office is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia but Telehealth (video conferencing) is available.