• Immediate resources for workers to access while they are waiting for a claim to be processed. These self-assessment tools give workers the opportunity to better understand their symptoms, provide coping skills and build resiliency – providing a strong foundation for their treatment and return-to-work plan.

• A clearer path to diagnostic services, providing more timely psychological assessments and transition to treatment.

• The introduction of a screening assessment that identifies any unique factors or considerations that will need to be taken into account during the development of the worker’s treatment plan.

• Comprehensive treatment plan offerings reflecting a scaled approach to care with three different levels (basic, enhanced, intensive) available to a worker who has experienced a TPI, depending on their diagnosis, presenting symptoms and screening assessment.

• Deployment of interdisciplinary teams with the experience and expertise to support workers with acute psychological symptoms.

• Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) providing workers with services and supports such as educational modules, mental health assessments and mindfulness exercises, wherever and whenever is most convenient for them.

• Quicker access and turnaround times for diagnostic and screening assessments, reporting, and case conferences – all based on national best practices.

• Self Assessment Tools

A self-assessment is not meant to replace an official diagnosis, but rather allows people to identify symptoms and better understand some of the language used in discussing mental health. Research has shown that virtual screening and self-assessment tools can have a positive impact on long-term treatment outcomes of patients who are experiencing mental illness, including PTSD. The TPI Program offers a diverse range of self-assessment tools.

• Diagnostic Services

A diagnostic assessment is one of the most crucial steps in making sure workers receive appropriate support and improve mental health outcomes based on their level of need. A WCB Nova Scotia case manager will determine if a worker requires a diagnostic assessment, and then will refer to a service provider through the intake process. The assessments are conducted by licensed and registered psychologists or psychiatrists.

• Screening Assessment

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed and a claim accepted by the case manager, a screening assessment will take place. These assessments help to identify unique factors and important considerations that need to be reflected in a person’s individual treatment plan.

A treatment plan takes into account the initial diagnosis and the follow-up screening process. There are three different levels of treatment offered through the TPI Program following a diagnosis and accepted claim.

Each level of treatment has a number of different services to offer, and the length of time a worker spends with the treatment plan depends on the level of care they are assigned.

These levels are determined based on each person’s identified needs. They are:

• Basic: The worker is experiencing mild psychological symptoms that require support, is remaining at work and has a low risk of discontinuing work.

• Enhanced: The worker is experiencing moderate psychological symptoms that require support, is currently not at work, but return to work is likely with support needed as part of the treatment program.

• Intensive: The worker is experiencing more severe psychological symptoms that require support, is currently not at work and faces more significant return-to-work barriers.

Each of our service provider partners offers workers access to their internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) platforms once claims have been accepted and verified. Individuals can access services for up to 12 months post-discharge, on their own time, at their own pace, from any location.

iCBT interventions allow workers to access treatment options, including therapy supports, education modules, and communication with clinicians. These platforms offer a number of different resources including:

• Mental health assessments

• Mental resiliency training

• Thought balancing tools

• Goal setting activities

• Return-to-work preparation

• Relapse prevention

Work is an important part of our routine, and often where we find great value and confidence in our contributions. The primary objective throughout each stage of the TPI Program is supporting a worker in achieving positive results from treatment, and a successful return-to-work.

For workers, return-to-work support focuses on facilitating an ongoing connection to their workplace, with the goal to have the worker return to their role with their current employer.

Sometimes, that doesn’t happen, and new goals need to be created. This could include pairing the worker in a similar or different job with a new employer, or working to re-train and or re-educate the person for a position in a suitable field.

After a successful return to the workplace, many workers who have experienced a traumatic psychological injury require ongoing support post-treatment. Having access to the iCBT platform for 12 months following discharge helps to address that need.

Our service providers are committed to supporting workers in identifying warning signs and educating them on how to take action to mitigate these warning signs. In addition, the service providers help to facilitate an on-going, healthy work connection and make sure that workers understand when they need to seek professional support.