PSPNET is committed to delivering exceptional online mental health care to public safety personnel.
We specialize in Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) which is a highly effective form of mental health care. We take what is typically shared in face-to-face therapy and share it online in an easy to understand way that is convenient and private.
We do this because we recognize that we live in a digital world and it is common for everyone to seek mental health information online. We want to make sure you as PSP have high quality online therapy.
We are part of the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). While our home base is the University of Regina, we have staff (clinicians and researchers) working in various parts of Canada.
The Founder of PSPNET is Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos from the University of Regina – Canada’s leading scholar on ICBT. The co-investigator is Dr. R. Nicholas Carleton from the University of Regina and Scientific Director of CIPSRT – a leading scholar in the area of PSP mental health.
Aims
PSPNET provides service to PSP who are suffering from diverse common mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress.
ICBT involves online learning modules focused on cognitive behavioural skills typically offered with weekly support from a therapist by secure email or telephone. Our programs were extensively researched in Australia and Canada and then were tailored to public safety personnel.
We offer two programs. One is called the PSP Wellbeing Course which is appropriate for clients who have diverse mental health concerns. The other is called the PSP PTSD Course and is specific to clients who are primarily concerned with symptoms of posttraumatic stress. We continually invite feedback from PSP and this has led to many improvements to PSPNET over time.
Who Funds Us
The Government of Canada’s National Action Plan on Posttraumatic Stress Injuries identified the need for greater access to care and treatment for PSP, especially those in remote and rural areas. As part of that commitment, PSPNET receives funding from the Government of Canada – Public Safety Canada. We also have funding and support from other provinces and partners as well.
Timeline
In 2020, PSPNET began to offer ICBT in Saskatchewan and Quebec in English and French.
In October 2021, we expanded therapist-guided ICBT to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
In December 2021, we began offering self-guided ICBT to PSP Canada-wide.
In January 2022, we partnered on the development of PSPNET Families.
In July 2022, we began offering self-guided ICBT PSP spouses.
In March 2023, we began offering therapist-guided ICBT in Ontario.