Office of Addictions and Mental Health: About us

The Office of Addictions and Mental Health works with Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), IWK Health Centre (IWK) and community partners to provide mental health and addictions education, prevention, treatment and recovery programs. We also promote mental health and wellbeing.

We fund mental health and addictions services (outpatient, inpatient and crisis support) and help make sure that addictions treatment and recovery is accessible throughout the province. We also work with healthcare and community partners to help reduce risks for youth and adults, including programs for pre-school age children with autism and children, youth and adults impacted by sexual violence.

• setting policy direction, priorities and standards for mental health and addictions care and support services
• funding mental health and addictions services
• working with the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment and healthcare partners on initiatives to recruit and retain mental health professionals
• measuring and monitoring the performance of mental health and addictions education, prevention, treatment and recovery programs

The Office of Addictions and Mental Health has about 16 staff located in Halifax.

• helping improve recovery outcomes for people living with addictions and mental illness
• expanding access to mental health and addictions care and services
• improving wait times for mental health and addictions care and support services