Access Perinatal Counselling

Intake is closed for new referrals for funded services through the CRD Perinatal Counselling Program.

Here, we list alternative programs and services that may allow a parent to access specialized perinatal counselling that is subsidized or fully funded.

Unfortuntely, the options are limited.

Perinatal Mental Health Counselling

This often encompasess perinatal depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders. It can also encompass disorders such as OCD and bipolar disorder.

Virtual Counselling at BC Women’s

Virtual perinatal counselling may be accessed by BC residents through the Reproductive Mental Health Program at BC Women’s Hospital.

• Access Virtual Counselling

Comments: We do not know of parents in the CRD who received service through BC Women’s, or whether any restrictions apply.

Midwife Led Perinatal Counselling

Google midwife-led counselling, to find a counsellor who can offer perintal counselling that is covered by MSP.

Noted restrictions:

• The number of midwife-led counselling options is very limited.
• This is only an option for counselling during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth.
• Other restrictions may apply.

Perinatal Intern Counselling

The McGee Therapy Clinic (operator of the CRD Perinatal Counselling Program) is offering low cost perinatal counselling with a student intern supervised by a credentialed supervisor and perinatal specialist.

• Access the service by calling Clinic intake at 250-885-6760

Restrictions:

• This service is appropriate for some parents only (an initial discussion is required)
• Counselling times and numbers of sessions are limited
• Low cost fees of interns are not reimbursable by extended health insurance

Perinatal Loss Counselling

Perinatal grief and loss counselling addresses a major loss in the perinatal period. This can include still birth, infant loss and late terms miscarriage. Grief and loss counselling is important and far less common relative to perinatal mental health counselling.

Pacific Perinatal Foundation

This local nonprofit offers up to five perinatal loss counselling sessions (and six week mindfulness classes) that may be fully funded or subsidized, depending on funding availability. Parents may apply to the foundation for full or partial coverage of these services.

• Apply for funded loss counselling

Noted restrictions:

• Funding is subject to an application process and funding availability
• Residence in the Island Health region is required