If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need help right now, You can:

  • CALL 911

  • go to your nearest emergency department

  • call the Mobile Mental Health Response Service - 1-833-553-6983 (10am to 10pm daily)

getting HELP

PAPEI private practice directory

Community Resources

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental health is an important part of everyone’s overall health. Mental health is a state of well-being and includes our thoughts and feelings, connections with others, and the ability to manage and overcome stresses and difficulties in life. Many of us will experience mental health difficulties – about 1 in 5 people in Canada experience a mental health problem each year.

It can be hard to ask for help for mental health struggles. It can also seem hard to find someone to help. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support and work on a mental health issue.

WHAT DO PSYCHOLOGISTS DO? HOW CAN THEY HELP YOU?

Psychologists assess and diagnose problems in thinking, feeling, and behaviour. They can also provide treatment to help children, adults, and families to work through these problems. Some of the issues they help people with are:

  • anxiety, depression

  • fears and phobias

  • problems in learning and memory

  • help with psychological, behavioural, and emotional aspects of physical illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, and stroke

  • terminal illness and end-of-life care

  • addiction and substance use (e.g. smoking, alcohol, drugs)

  • stress, frustration and anger in roles and relationships

  • couple and family problems

  • work performance, school, recreation, and sport

  • mental health issues and problems associated with criminal behaviour

  • psychological and cognitive impacts of brain injury and dementia

  • neurodevelopmental problems that start in childhood, like ADHD and Autism

  • traumatic events

  • eating disorders

  • life transitions

  • grief

Psychologists use psychotherapy to help people work through their struggles. Seeking therapy can be a healthy action you can take to improve your mental health. See The Efficacy and Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments for more information.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST AND PSYCHIATRIST

A psychiatrist is a medical physician and who can prescribe medication for various psychiatric conditions. A psychologist is a professional who went to clinical graduate school for training in the science of psychology. They have extensive training in mental health, psychotherapy, and assessment. Sometimes people see a psychiatrist for medication and a psychologist for therapy.

WHERE DO PSYCHOLOGISTS WORK?

Psychologists work in many settings including hospitals and rehabilitation centres, community and family practice clinics, private practices, correctional facilities, schools and universities, and social service agencies.

When SHOULD I ASK FOR HELP FROM A PSYCHOLGOSIT

  • I can’t work through problems myself or with the help of family and friends.

  • I feel helpless or hopeless and the problems do not seem to get better no matter what I do.

  • I have been feeling sad, blue, anxious, nervous or tense for a long time.

  • I or others notice a major change in my mood or behaviour.

  • I am finding it harder to concentrate, make decisions, eat, sleep, or do my usual activities.

  • I have difficulty relating to my spouse, partner, family or others.

  • I have difficulty adjusting to changes such as divorce or death.

  • I have difficulty dealing with stress, physical illness, injury or disability.

  • I am dealing with problems such as drinking, gambling or drugs.

  • I have questions or concerns about parenting issues, my child’s behaviour or learning abilities.

  • I am having career or work-related difficulties.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PSYCHOLOGIST

To find a psychologist through PAPEI, search our Find a Psychologist directory. All PAPEI psychologists are registered to practice in PEI.

Choosing a private psychologist is an important and personal decision. Things you may want to ask your potential private psychologist:

  • Are you registered to practice in PEI?

  • I am having trouble with/feeling ____. Do you have experience helping people with this?

  • How will I know if therapy is working?

  • Will you help me set attainable goals?

  • How much do you charge? And do you have a sliding-scale fee policy?

  • How is payment accepted? What types of insurance do you accept?

Things to think about when you meet your potential private psychologist:

  • Do you feel comfortable?

  • Does the psychologist seem kind, understanding, empathetic, trustworthy, genuine, collaborative, and non-judgmental?

  • Do you feel listened to, seen, and respected?

  • Do you feel they understand and will help you with any reservations you may have about therapy?

  • Do they provide information about their services and talk about your consent for these services?

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PSYCHOLOGIST

On your first visit, it is usual for the psychologist to ask you to:

  • Describe your problem such as when did it start, how long has it been a problem, and how is it affecting you.

  • Talk about your personal history such as your experiences growing up, education and work history, marital status, and family life.

During your psychological treatment, your psychologist will:

  • Help you set goals.

  • Decide how therapy can help you reach them.

  • Guide and review your progress.

  • Help you focus on making personal changes to improve your life.

  • Answer your questions and concerns.

REFERENCES

American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental illness. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination

American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Choosing a therapist. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/choose-therapist

Canadian Mental Health Association (Ed.). (n.d.). Fast facts about mental health and mental illness. https://cmha.ca/brochure/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/.

Canadian Psychological Association (Ed.). (n.d.). Psychologist and how can they help? CPA. Value of a Psychologist. https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Advocacy/Value_of_a_Psychologist-April2023-EN.pdf

Canadian Psychological Association (Ed.). (n.d.). Finding a Psychologist. https://cpa.ca/public/findingapsychologist/

Government of Canada. (2023) Statement by the Prime Minister on World Mental Health Day. https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2023/10/10/statement-prime-minister-world-mental-health-day#:~:text=On%20%23WorldMentalHealthDay%2C%20I%20encourage%20Canadians,open%2024%2F7%2F365.

World Health Organization. (2022). World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for us to embrace our sense of community and normalize mental health. https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/world-mental-health-day-is-an-opportunity-for-us-to-embrace-our-sense-of-community-and-normalize-mental-health

PAPEI represents the practice of Psychology on PEI. We acknowledge that we live, work, and learn on Epekwitk, the Mi’kmaq name for Prince Edward Island, and the ancestral, traditional, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People of this region.