Get psyched for one-of-a-kind program

> Psychosocial Rehabilitation conference held at Douglas College
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Aaron Guillen
Staff Reporter

 

n September, the Psychosocial

Rehabilitation/PSR Canada,
Mental Health Commission of
Canada, and Psychosocial BC
held their annual conference
at the college to update various
organizations on current
programs and services being
developed to help those with
mental illness within BC and
across Canada.

During the conference,
leaders of organizations were
urged to take action based on
the information they learned
at the conference. In the near
future, PSR Canada is hoping
to publish their findings in
the Canadian Mental Health
Journal.

“This is an opportunity
to bring the mental-health
community together to
consider how we are applying
recovery-oriented psychosocial
rehabilitation practices across
the province,” said Regina
Casey, coordinator of Douglas’
Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Graduate Diploma Program, ina
press release.

Since the recent event,
fresh eyes have turned to the
graduate diploma program,
which is one of the first focusing
on psychosocial rehabilitation in
the country. In a brief interview,
Casey clarifies what will be
expected of students while

completing the diploma.

“It is an [online-based]
evening program with four
out of the five classes as night
classes and the remaining
course strictly online,” she said.

“There are two courses in
the Fall semester, two more
practical courses during the
Winter, and a final three-month
course during the summer with
64 hours of practical work. We
understand that most students
have full time jobs, and this
program has taken that aspect
into consideration.”

When looking towards
future career options, Casey
shared a variety of occupations.
In addition, she advises students
to take one year of practical
experience, as it is expected.

“It completely depends
on what you come in with, as
some new people will gain entry
level jobs while others want to
continue with school,” Casey
pointed out.

“It varies, but most
students end up continuing
into social work, counselling,
or occupational therapy.

We've seen an array of how
people choose to further their
education, and some might end
up in leadership roles within
mental health organizations.”

Casey accredits Dr. John
Higenbottam, coordinator of the
Psychology Program at Douglas,
for bringing the Psychosocial
Rehabilitation program to life.

“ir

It’s apparent that his tireless
effort has gained tremendous
support within the college.
According to the program’s
page, the Graduate Diploma
in Psychosocial Rehabilitation
(PSR) provides invaluable
knowledge for students in PSR
practices within mental health
settings. The program is highly
recommended to practitioners

 

looking to upgrade, or those
with bachelor degrees wanting
to enter the mental health
field. With the necessary work
experience, students can write
an exam to become a Certified
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Practitioner (CPRP), recognized
internationally.

For students who are
looking to the program with

Tsawwassen Mills opens doors to public

> Opening causes massive delays in ferry traffic

Mercedes Deutscher
News Editor

 

n October 5, the
Tsawwassen Mills outlet

mall opened to the public.

Shoppers have been
flooding into the mall, which
has been a cause for delay for
both drivers and for those
using public traffic. The mall’s
opening has been especially
problematic for those heading to
the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal,
and particularly stressful for
travellers heading to and from
Vancouver Island during the
Thanksgiving long weekend.

The mall has also been a
stress for TransLink. For the
time being, there are three
bus routes that stop near the
mall—the 609 (Tsawwassen
First Nation), which operates on
limited service; the 601 (South
Delta); and the 620 (Tsawwassen
Ferry), which are both coming
from Bridgeport Station. The
buses from Bridgeport have been

overwhelmed, with shoppers
lining up all around the station
for the buses. There has yet to be
any announcement on whether
TransLink will be either adding
additional service to these routes,
or creating an entirely new route.
In the meantime,
Tsawwassen Mills is offering its
own shuttle service from Scott
Road station, although it is only
to help employees access the
mall. The shuttle operates on a
$2 fare, or a $40 monthly fare,
according to Business Vancouver.
The mall stands on property
of the Tsawwassen First Nation,
and much of the mall’s design
focuses on cultural aspects
from the First Nation.
Tsawwassen Mills spans 1.2
million square feet, according
to the mall’s website. The mall
houses 150 stores. While many
stores are ones found in most
Lower Mainland malls—such
as Forever 21, H&M, etc.—the
mall also hosts some harder
to find retailers, like Bass Pro
Shops and Saks Off 5th.

 

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Image via adobe stock

 

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further questions, Casey
encourages individuals to take
a deeper look at the program
page.

“[The Psychosocial
Rehabilitation Graduate
Diploma is] an avenue for people
who work in a mental health
system who are looking for
credentials that enhance their
employability,” she explained.

 

Image via Drive BC