Halifax –
Nova Scotia’s official opposition has criticized the state government’s recent announcement that it will pay for one hour-long counseling session for residents.
Liberal mental health commentators say an hour-long appointment isn’t enough to meet people’s needs.
Rafah DiCostanzo said that it usually takes five or more sessions for counseling to be effective, adding that one session is not worth much if treatment is not continued.
Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government last week announced $2.3 million annually for one free session of individual, couples or family counseling that can be conducted by phone, online or in person in Halifax, Sydney, Kentville and New Glasgow. announced to spend
DiCostanzo says the government’s plan is a costly “stop-gap fix.”
According to the state, the free counseling sessions will complement existing virtual mental health tools available on Nova Scotia Health’s mental health and addiction website.
This report by the Canadian Press was first published on February 27, 2023.
This article was produced with financial support from the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
