Canadian Armed Forces Mental Health Services

The main providers of mental health services for CAF members are located within CF Health Services.

In many incidents the first point of contact for many CAF members who are experiencing mental health difficulties is their primary care physician at their local CAF medical clinic. This individual will either provide the required assistance or refer the member to the most appropriate resource. In the case of an emergency, a member can access a physician during daily sick parade.

After hours members are advised to contact their local hospital emergency department.

Within CF Health Services there are specialized mental health services. These services operate at two levels. The primary or first level of service is referred to as the Psychosocial Program. The second level is referred to as Mental Health Programs.

Mental Health Programs

Mental Health Programs, which are specialized mental health services, are available at the larger CAF bases. Elements of these programs will be available at smaller bases depending upon population size and local resource availability. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, addictions counselors and Health Services Chaplains normally staff the Mental Health Programs.

Access

A physician referral is required to access Mental Health Programs. There is no self-referral to these programs.

Types of Services

Larger centers will normally have the following programs:

  • General Mental Health Program - Provides assessment, individual and group treatment for those suffering from a broad range of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, excessive worry, insomnia etc.
  • Operational Trauma and Stress Support Program - Provides assessment, individual and group treatment for members suffering from an Operational Stress Injury. Provides assistance to serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families dealing with stresses arising from military operations.

At all locations when services are not available within the CAF, service members will be referred to the appropriate civilian resource.

Psychosocial Program

The Psychosocial Program is available at all CAF medical clinics. Social workers, mental health nurses and addiction counselors normally staff the Psychosocial Program.

Access

CAF members may self-refer on a walk-in basis to the Psychosocial Program or be referred by a physician or others such as their supervisor.

Types of Services

  • Brief Intervention: Short-term counseling services which may involve the service member and their family. Problems include adjustment difficulties, workplace issues, marriage or other family problems including family violence.
  • Crisis Intervention: Staff is available for crisis response.
  • Addictions Consultation: Initial screening, education and consultation around alcohol, other drugs or gambling addictions.
  • Information Services: CAF members may access a range of psycho-educational information through Psychosocial Program staff.
  • Administrative Requests: Compassionate Status, Compassionate Posting and Contingency Cost Moves for Personal Reasons, or assessments for out of country postings.
  • Pre/post deployment screenings: Prior to deployment all service members undergo a pre deployment screening to determine deployment readiness. Upon completion of a deployment all service members will be directed to complete a post deployment screening questionnaire and interview. 

Addictions Treatment Program

Provides assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing dependence or problem usage with alcohol, drugs or other compulsive behaviours. Treatment depending on the need can be either outpatient or inpatient. Service members are offered a one-year follow up post treatment.

At all locations when services are not available within the CAF, service members will be referred to the appropriate civilian resource.

Obstacles to Seeking Help

CAF members like many civilians are reluctant to admit to having a personal problem. For many there is often a stigma associated with seeking help. Some view it as a sign of weakness. For others there is the fear that seeking help will negatively impact on their career. Unfortunately, this sometimes means that problems escalate to the point where they get out of hand and ultimately do end up damaging the member's career. It is important for supervisors to create a work place climate that encourages service members to come forward and access the services available to them.

In other cases service members are unwilling to seek assistance because they believe that their commanding officer is able to access the member's medical file or that their personal information will end up on the personal employment record. It is important to know that CAF members' medical information is confidential. Access to this information is restricted to those involved in providing care to the service member. Commanding Officers have a right to know the limitations imposed by the member's condition as it impacts on employability as well as the prognosis but not the nature of the problem or the course of treatment. (Disclosure of Medical/Social Work Information to Commanding Officers CANFORGEN 039-08).

Operational and Trauma Stress Support Centres

Operational and Trauma Stress Support Centres (OTSSC) programs are specialized programs within CF Mental Health Services that ensure very comprehensive and consistent assessment and treatment of patients with operational stress injuries, using evidence-based best practices. These programs are located at Halifax, Gagetown, Valcartier, Ottawa, Petawawa, Edmonton and Esquimalt. Elements of OTSSC programs are also available at smaller bases depending upon population size and local resource availability.

The OTSSC programs provide assessment, individual and group treatment for members experiencing difficulties that result from operational duties. Family members are encouraged to participate in the member’s care and psycho educational sessions for family members is an important component of this program. Staff from the OTSSC are also involved in educating military and civilian health care providers on the assessment and management of the stresses associated with military operations. OTSSC programs use an interdisciplinary treatment approach involving psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, addictions counselors and Health Services Chaplains.