Free psychological services for frontline health care workers

More than 200 psychologists, including 11 from Saskatchewan, are providing free mental health assistance to those working on the health care frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m very glad to be a part of the initiative, I felt it was something I could do to contribute back to the important and essential work they’re doing. At least it’s something I could do to help. If they need the services, we can be there for them,” said Dr. Regan Hart, a Saskatoon psychologist taking part.

Hart told Saskatchewan Afternoon that the information and protocol around COVID-19 is constantly evolving. She says frontline health care workers are under a lot of pressure to make sure they are making the best informed decisions when dealing with their patients.

They’re also very concerned about bringing COVID-19 home to their families.

“The personal side of it for them, is coming home every day at the end of a shift where they may have been in contact with people who have the virus, and they have that concern of bringing it home to their families, or other loved ones in their household,” she said.

And she says, health care providers are very concerned about the impact the virus might have on society in general.

The services are available via tele-health and those who would like to learn more can visit The Canadian Psychological Association’s webite.

Psychologists have agreed to respond to requests for service within 24 hours at no charge.