The Red Spruce Mental Health Centre is poised for significant growth as it enters a new phase of operations in February 2025, following a successful pilot program in 2024. Thanks to new funding, the Centre is set to expand its services to meet the growing mental health needs of the Annapolis Valley community.
A Flourishing Pilot Program
In 2024, the Red Spruce Mental Health Centre served 52 clients over a four-month pilot period, conducting more than 300 individual and group therapy sessions. These sessions were provided both on-campus and at community partner locations like The Red Door and The Portal, as well as online. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing immense gratitude for the free services provided to those who otherwise lack access to mental health care.
Dr. Tanya Surette, Program Coordinator of Acadia’s M.Ed. Counselling Program, and Dr. Kelly Brenton, Clinical Coordinator, noted the enthusiasm with which the community has welcomed the Centre’s reopening. They emphasized that the Centre’s mission to provide free, accessible mental health care and support for budding practitioners is as critical as ever.
Nurturing Future Counselors
One of the unique aspects of the Red Spruce Centre is its role as a training hub for graduate students in Acadia University’s M.Ed. Counselling Program. Each year, students from the program work at the Centre, gaining invaluable hands-on experience under the close supervision of seasoned professionals. This model not only helps the students develop practical therapeutic skills but also directly benefits the community by offering free services to those in need.
Dr. Kelly Brenton highlighted that the Centre’s focus on social justice is integral to the training process. “The students develop the skills and competencies to be therapeutic with others and centre an ethics of social justice from the beginning of their practices,” she said.
New Leadership and a Fresh Approach
A key change for the Centre this year is the addition of Dr. Janis Dawson as the Centre Coordinator. Dr. Dawson returns to her home province of Nova Scotia after 16 years working in Newfoundland, where she gained experience as a counsellor, clinical supervisor, and educator. Her background and expertise will be instrumental in supporting the Centre’s growth and ensuring the continued success of the M.Ed. Counselling program.
Dr. Dawson brings a unique skill set to the Centre, including her expertise in One-at-a-Time Counselling (OAAT). This client-driven approach allows individuals to focus on their top-of-mind concerns in a single session, with a focus on offering immediate support and practical guidance. OAAT is designed to make each session impactful and to ensure clients leave with a sense of hope and a plan for moving forward. This model is particularly well-suited for rural areas like the Annapolis Valley, where access to mental health care can be limited.
The Community-Care Model
The Red Spruce Centre’s OAAT model is a natural fit for its community-care approach, offering flexible, timely support. As a training clinic, the Centre’s clinicians will vary from year to year, but the goal is to build long-term relationships with the community rather than with individual practitioners. Dr. Tanya Surette believes this model allows for effective and compassionate care while helping students refine their skills in a real-world setting.
In addition to the OAAT approach, the Centre is committed to growing its presence within the community and becoming an integral partner with the provincial health authority in addressing the mental health needs of rural Nova Scotians.
Looking to the Future
As the Red Spruce Centre grows, its leadership aims to deepen its engagement with community partners and further reduce barriers to mental health care. Dr. Brenton hopes that the Centre will become a recognized resource in the region, helping to shape mental health care in rural communities.
“We’re proud to be part of something that’s making a real difference,” said Dr. Surette. “The Centre’s success relies on the support of organizations like Acadia University and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, as well as the involvement of community partners and students.”
As the Red Spruce Mental Health Centre enters its next phase, it looks forward to many more years of service, continuing to nurture both budding counsellors and the well-being of the community. With the support of key partners and an unwavering commitment to mental health, the Centre is set to thrive in the years ahead.
