Veterans Affairs Canada Mental Health Strategy

In recent years, Canada has increasingly committed its armed forces to international and multi-lateral operations that are much different in nature than those previously carried out. More than ever, CF members are placed in harm's way for longer periods, with less time to recuperate. Furthermore, the RCMP are continuously facing new situations with modern-day threats and conflicts, both at home and abroad. As a result, the prevalence of psychological and psychiatric-related conditions is increasing among CF members, Veterans, and the RCMP. Over the past five years the number of clients pensioned with a psychiatric condition has increased by almost 400 per cent.

In 2002, VAC and the Department of National Defence (DND) jointly announced a mental health initiative to enhance the services and supports provided to Veterans, CF members and eligible RCMP who suffer from operational stress injuries (OSIs) as a result of their service. In fact, the mental health initiative was the initial step taken to modernize programs and services for CF clients in the area of mental health. While much has been accomplished since that time, much more is required to meet the extensive needs of clients living with mental health conditions. It is within this context that VAC has developed and will implement a Mental Health Strategy to provide a more cohesive approach to enhancing the Department's capacity to meet the needs of clients with mental health conditions. This strategy is a key element of the overall implementation of the New Veterans Charter and is summarized as follows:

• Implementation of a comprehensive continuum of mental health services and policies which includes promotion, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care.
• Building a capacity across the country that provides specialized care to clients with mental health conditions associated with psychological trauma related to military service. This includes the development of an integrated network of Operational Stress Injuries clinics as well as a network of service providers at the local community level.
• Strengthening the role of Veterans Affairs Canada as a leader in the field of mental health, including the ongoing development of the Department's National Clinical Centre of Expertise in clinical matters related to mental health.
• Development of strong, collaborative partnerships with other organizations that share the goal of responding effectively to the needs of clients living with mental health conditions.