The status quo in mental health care isn't good enough.

We caught up with Dr. Jones, a Psychiatrist at Dr. Jones, and Dr. Jee.  She explained how their practice has adapted over the past two years. Thank you for speaking with us today. We’re looking forward to hearing about the way your healthcare practice is advancing. 

Q: Why have you changed the way your practice works?

I realized that I was approaching the last third of my career, and I wanted to help people in a different way. Over the last 30+ years in clinical practice, I’ve gained much knowledge, wisdom, and maturity in my chosen specialist field. 

As a multiskilled experienced team our goals are to enhance the wellness of our community, and the individuals who live in NE BC. That’s why we are in healthcare. Together within our practice, we took a long hard look at what we could do differently. We learned from another specialist practice, and we’ve adapted our approach. 

Q: Can you describe your approach? 

We are a team who offers evidence-based care. We see our patients as individuals. Our practice is non-judgmental and has a compassionate focus. Our approach uses a wide-ranging blend of therapies to teach our patients skills. 

We are their partners. They are in control of their journey to building a life worth living for themselves. Then, they can carry these skills forward in their lives and communities.

Q: You speak about being proactive, what does this mean? 

Many times, treatment is a reaction. We don’t want to wait for patients to be admitted to the hospital before they have access to care. Instead, our goal is to be proactive. By this I mean we wish to help patients learn skills so that they can better manage any situations that they may face. 

We believe that if we can help our patients adopt a toolkit of skills, this will improve their health.  Our experience is that when patients are empowered to take charge of their lives, they can imagine a new future. 

Q: Have you had to change the way you are able to offer healthcare?

A: Yes, this is a new way of working. So, to prepare ourselves as a practice, we are making investments in staff members. We have all been through demanding internationally recognized training. We have also developed new internal systems. Our goal is to make it easier for our patients to discover their journey to wellness. 

Q: How does this training make a difference to BC patients?

A:  This training means we can bring the DBT and CBT therapies to NE BC. Local people can get local care. Before 2021, patients would have had to travel to Vancouver. We knew that this was not affordable for many. Being local has saved many people the high costs of travel and accommodation. We’re pleased that patients can receive the care they need, close to home without the need to go elsewhere. 

Q: Are relationships important to your team?

Yes, as a multidisciplinary team we all spend time supporting patients. Most treatment programs last for 9 - 12 months. We know that our patients need help to find solutions to the struggles that they're facing. Each success they achieve is meaningful to our team. 

We want each person to find their “why” and the meaning for their life worth living. We’ll work closely with each person to help them identify and achieve their Wellness goals. Our aim is to support them while they find it.  

Q: Society can be very unforgiving of mental illness; how do you feel about that?

Human beings find it easier to judge and blame, and yet we know all things are caused. People need to know that it is possible to change. That there is a safe place for them to go to explore their potential.

People are generally doing the best they can with the resources which they have available. The events that have happened in people's lives influence who they become. Yet, we know it’s possible to learn other coping strategies and skills. These are built on research-based treatments delivered in the way that the research tells us works.

Q: Any final thoughts to share?

A: Yes, I am so appreciative of our team. It is very special to work with such caring, skilled, and dedicated health care professionals. As we look back over each month, we can already see how the changes we have made are improving the lives and mental health of our patients.

Thank you, Dr Jones

Thank you for joining us today, Dr Jones. It’s encouraging to hear how patients can benefit from the way your practice is evolving. Best wishes to all the team.