Start your search here

Self-Injury

Self-injury is hurting yourself on purpose, but not intending to die as a result. It isn’t a mental illness in itself, but can be a way of dealing with deep distress and emotional pain. You may use it to express feelings you can’t put into words, distract you from your life, or release emotional pain. Afterwards, you probably feel better—at least for a little while. But then the painful feelings return, and you feel the urge to hurt yourself again. 

It’s important to know that there are options for treatment and prevention. 

 

What is normal?

If you're injuring yourself on purpose, even in a minor way, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for help. Any form of intentional self-injury is a sign of bigger issues that need to be addressed.

 

What are common signs and symptoms?

Self-injury usually occurs in private, and the arms, legs, and front of the torso are the usual targets. Other signs that someone you care about might be self-injuring include:

  • Scars, often in patterns
  • Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks or other wounds
  • Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn
  • Keeping sharp objects on hand
  • Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather
  • Frequent reports of accidental injury
  • Difficulties in interpersonal relationships
  • Behavioural and emotional instability and unpredictability
  • Statements of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

 

Should I seek help?

If you're injuring yourself, even in a minor way, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust who can help you take the first steps to successful treatment. While you may feel ashamed and embarrassed, you can find supportive, caring, and nonjudgmental help.

If someone you care about is self-injuring, you can help them get help. For a child, start by consulting your doctor or pediatrician who can provide an initial evaluation or a referral to a mental health professional. For a teen friend, suggest that your friend talk to parents, a teacher, a school counsellor, or another trusted adult. For an adult, gently express your concern and encourage the person to seek medical and mental health treatment.

If you've injured yourself severely or believe your injury may be life-threatening, or if you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 immediately.

Tools

Kids Help Phone

 Kids Help Phone
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French. Services include mental health tips and info, crisis support, professional counselling, quizzes, games and...

Visit Kids Help Phone

More Information:

Alcohol or drug use / Black, African Nova Scotian / Caregiver, Family / First Nations, Indigenous / 2SLGBTQIA+ / Anxiety / Depression / Eating Disorders / Grief / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Adults / Children / Youth

29 Program(s)

RASP (Rapid Access and Stabilization Program)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

RASP offers patients that live in the Central Zone timely access to psychiatry consultation and the benefit of early input from a psychiatrist for the diagnosis and management of their mental health difficulties.

Referrals from primary care...

Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
Adults / Seniors

The Gathering Place
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Gathering Place provides a safe, non-clinical, non-stigma space for clients who are stable in the diagnoses to attend on a weekly basis. The activities planned for each week vary, ranging from cooking low-cost, simple meals; what resources are...

Alcohol / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake is the entry point for all requests for service through the provincial toll free number 1-855-922-1122 Monday to Friday and all week-day holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as Tuesday and Thursday...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Access Wellness Nova Scotia
TELUS Health
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Access Wellness is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals (18 years and older), couples or families. 

Sessions can be held over the phone, online with video, or in-person. People can speak with a qualified professional...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / First Nations, Indigenous

IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program
IWK
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The IWK Mental Health and  Addictions Program provides specialized care throughout the province for children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

Canadian Mental Health Association - Colchester East Hants Branch
Canadian Mental Health Association
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Colchester East Hants Branch provides public education, advocacy, and a resource center to support the resiliency and recovery of people...

Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Northern Zone
Adults / Seniors

Canadian Mental Health Association - Halifax-Dartmouth Branch
Canadian Mental Health Association
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Halifax-Dartmouth Branch works at the community level and facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve...

Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
Adults / Seniors

Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division
Canadian Mental Health Association
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Canadian Mental Health Associations in Nova Scotia are the oldest community-based mental health and addictions charitable organizations in the province, founded in 1908. The CMHA...

Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Healthy Minds Cooperative
Healthy Minds Cooperative
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Healthy Minds Cooperative is an innovative mental health cooperative that provides a variety of peer-based services to people with lived experience of mental health issues and to...

Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Eating Disorders / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
Adults / Seniors

Hope for Wellness HelpLine
Donna Cona
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Hope for Wellness HelpLine offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent...

Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Eskasoni Mental Health
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS)
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui'kn Residential School Survivor Team...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
Adults / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Caregivers Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Caregivers Nova Scotia provides free programs, services, information, and advocacy for family and friend caregivers. We are dedicated to providing recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Caregiver, Family

Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. We offer professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

211
211
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services - Mental Health Programs and Services
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
Veterans Affairs Canada
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Veterans Affairs provide targeted services and benefits to improve well-being including support and services related to your physical and mental health and wellness.The VAC...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Health Psychology
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Health Psychology offers psychological interventions for those with chronic and acute health conditions. The main focus is on the patient's mental and emotional reaction to an illness or their recovery from an illness.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Western Zone
Adults

Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Program
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Seniors mental health services provide assessment, consultation and treatments to:

  • seniors aged 65 and older for a new onset of mental health challenges
  • individuals of any...
Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Gambling / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
Seniors

DaRT Program
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Dynamic (attachment-focused) Relational Therapy Program (DaRT) is a part-time six week intensive group psychotherapy program. It is a treatment program that is designed to support adults who have experienced complex emotional trauma resulting in...

Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
Adults

Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit (ANSU) is an acute care unit that provides services for persons with intellectual disability and acute mental illness that cannot...

Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Eating Disorders / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults

Community Transition Program (CTP)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Community Transition Program (CTP) helps adults who have complex (mental and physical) health and behavioural challenges, and residential/social support needs. The goal is to...

Bipolar Disorder / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults

Community Outreach Assessment Support and Treatment Team (COAST) - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The community outreach assessment support and treatment team provides services for persons with both intellectual disability and also mental illness. These services include:

  • A...
Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults

School Mental Health (SchoolsPlus)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The school mental health clinicians provide individual and group therapy, mental health and addictions education for school staff and consultation services. Clinicians are on...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress.

The...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / Caregiver, Family / First Nations, Indigenous / First Responders

Inpatient Mental Health Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Inpatient mental health services are available for those who cannot be safely assessed, diagnosed and stabilized in the community. 

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Bipolar Disorder / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

First Nations Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mental Health clinicians work as part of the first nations health care team in several first nations communities. The Mental Health Clinician provides assessment, diagnosis and...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Community Mental Health and Addictions includes a team of mental health and addictions professionals who provide services on an outpatient basis. The team provides assessment...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Child and Adolescent Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Child and Adolescent Services/Child Youth and Family/Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinical Services provide mental health and addiction services to children and youth (under...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and behaviours / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

Adolescent Outreach Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Adolescent Outreach Services (AOS) is an expansion of the CaperBase model, which originated in Cape Breton. AOS focuses on providing:

  • Brief and Early Intervention
  • Screening
  • Outreach
  • Community Partnerships

The AOS model is set up for youth...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
/
Western Zone
/
Northern Zone
Children / Youth

811 LogoIKW Logo211 Logo