Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the platform, resources, target demographics as well as a glossary of the most common terms used across the website.
Click on the category names to filter the FAQs of each topic or click “Show All” to display all questions and answers. Click on a question to view its answer.
Who constitutes a PSP?
According to Public Safety Canada, public safety personnel (PSP) is a broad term that encompasses personnel who ensure the safety and security of Canadians. PSP include, but are not limited to, border services officers, correctional workers, firefighters, indigenous emergency managers, municipal/provincial police, operational intelligence personnel, paramedics, RCMP, as well as search and rescue personnel.
Who funded PSP Mental Health?
PSP Mental Health was funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with the University of Regina and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT).
Are the mental health support programs and services listed on PSP Mental Health endorsed by the research team?
No. In providing this list, the research team is not endorsing any of these mental health support programs and services.
Who can use PSP Mental Health?
PSP Mental Health is designed for public safety personnel (PSP) and their family members. Family members include spouses/partners, children (18 +), children (under 18), as well as their friends. We have also highlighted programs and services that are inclusive to military and veterans, as well as funeral directors, lawyers, professional healthcare providers, professional mental healthcare providers, social workers, and teachers.
What is the meaning of the types of mental health support that are listed on PSP Mental Health?
Animal-Based = mental health support that provides companionship via animals (e.g., dogs, horses) to assist in the physical and/or psychological well-being of an individual and/or group of participants
Biofeedback Therapy = mental health support in which electronic monitoring of a normal autonomic bodily function is used to train someone to acquire voluntary control of that function by means of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other professional mental healthcare provider
Crisis Intervention = mental health support that provides immediate, short-term assistance to an individual and/or group of participants during or after exposure to a potentially psychologically traumatic event
Medical Cannabis = mental health support that provides information and guidance on the use of medically prescribed cannabis to assist in the physical and/or psychological well-being of an individual and/or group of participants
Mental Health Retreat = mental health support that provides a quiet or secluded accommodation for groups of participants to rest and relax (never includes treatment but may include information)
Mental Health Workshop = mental health support that provides information and/or training to groups of participants over at least two sessions (never includes treatment but may include accommodation)
Peer Support = mental health support that builds supportive relationships between people who have a lived common experience to reduce stigma and normalize mental health challenges
Psychotherapy = mental health support that provides psychological treatment designed to improve or resolve mental health challenges by means of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other professional mental healthcare provider
Residential Care = mental health support that provides information and psychological treatment for an individual and/or group of participants by means of a professional mental healthcare provider (typically includes inpatient accommodation and/or outpatient support)
Resource = mental health support that only provides information either in-person or online for individual to assist their own mental well-being
Spiritual = mental health support that provides spiritual information and/or guidance for an individual and/or group of participants (never includes psychological treatment)
Are there free self-assessment tools to help users select the most appropriate mental health support?
Yes, the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) website offers free self-assessment tools to assist you in finding appropriate support.
Is PSP Mental Health free?
Yes, the PSP Mental Health website is a free service.
Are users able to compare two mental health support programs or services?
Yes, the comparison feature can help users distinguish similarities and differences between two mental health support programs or services.
What is the difference between anonymity and confidentiality?
Anonymity means that the identity of the client is kept private. In other words, even if summoned by the court of law, the facilitator could not divulge the identity of their clients. Conversely, confidentiality means that information shared by the client is kept private.
Are there any mental health support programs or services available for LGBTQ2 PSP?
Yes, under the "Mental Health Focus Filter".
Are there any mental health support programs or services that offer specialization in cultures other than Indigenous?
Currently, no organization has declared a mental health support programs or services that offers specialization in cultures other than Indigenous.
How often is the list of mental health support programs or services updated?
The list is updated bi-annually.
Who do I contact if there is an error in the information regarding one or more of the mental health support programs or services listed?
Please fill out the Organization Application and Update form with the information to be updated and we will be happy to assist you.
Who do I contact if there is a mental health support program or service available to public safety personnel (PSP), PSP leadership, or PSP families that is not currently listed on PSP Mental Health?
Please fill out the Organization Application and Update form with the organization and service information and we will be happy to assist you.
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