At MDA, we are committed to providing our patients with various treatment options to choose from because each individual will encounter different obstacles and challenges in their mental health journey and recovery. Because your wellbeing is our priority, we are happy to be able to offer some of the most up-to-date, innovative and effective treatment options available anywhere in Canada.
Click on the link below for further information on additional medical treatments available at MDABC:
Food as Medicine: A Treatment for Depression at MDABC
Changing dietary habits and reducing inflammation can be an effective treatment for depression and chronic pain. MDA offers an 8-week group program with a psychiatrist which will empower you to make changes to reduce chronic inflammation and improve your mental and physical health.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
rTMS is an alternative safe, effective, non-invasive, non-convulsive treatment for patients not responding to medication or cannot tolerate their side effects.
Please call MDABC (604-873-0103; Dial 0) for the starting time and further details.
Jump Step: Exercise for the treatment of depression
Jump Step is a 6-week physical activity program using exercise as medicine. This program is a fun, inclusive and natural approach to improving your mood. It offers a welcoming and supportive environment and a great opportunity to be part of a group of like-minded people.
The next Jump Step group will begin in January 2023 on Zoom, Thursdays 4:30pm-6:30pm. Start date to be announced.
JOY-TH: Journey Of Yoga Therapy for Healing
The program is an eight-week group-based (currently virtual) course offered for referred patients with anxiety or depression. The course combines two evidence-based treatments for depression: cognitive-based mindfulness training and yoga). JOY-TH is led by Lucinda Kunkel, MD, FRCP(C) who has over twenty years of training and credentialing in each of these areas.
The next JOY-TH session is planned for the fall of 2022.
Lessons in Happiness: Beat the Bad Mood Habit
Of all your habits, is one of them feeling unhappy? Sadness, anxiety, worry, anger, guilt, resentment… Evidence-based medicine offers solutions that require no cost, only effort. Breaking the unhappiness habit may be your most useful—and possibly fun—effort ever. Ready to learn some new habits? Join a virtual Lessons in Happiness Group.
Cozy up to Winter: Beat the Winter Blues
Millions of Canadians feel their energy droop as the days grow short. When the gold of autumn shifts to the greys of winter, many feel down in the dumps. But must winter be an annual curse? In fact, No. Evidence-based medicine now can transform the blues of winter into more joyful hues. Does the change in seasons bring you down? Then join the Virtual Winter Blues Group. Each GMV lasts 90 minutes. The format is population-based psychoeducation and peer support.
Moves for Mind and Mood
Moves for Mind and Mood is a unique program for people aged 60 and up. It combines martial arts-based movements with mindfulness and cognitive psychology to help people achieve lasting recovery from depression.
Treatments Available from Other Agencies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Skills Groups
CBT Skills Groups are open to all BC residents with a valid Canadian health card number. The course is designed for adult patients (17.5 years and up) who want to learn practical tools to improve their mental health.
This eight-week educational program is a course that helps people with a variety of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and stress-related disorders. It uses evidence-based therapies to teach people to recognize, understand and manage patterns of feeling, thinking and behaving.
You need a referral from your doctor in order to take the course. See the CBT Skills Groups web site for more information.