Tranquility an online mental health service will now be available to all Nova Scotians for free. Photo: Tranquility.

Nova Scotia announced on Tuesday that they are expanding a recently launched virtual health service called Tranquility will now be available to all residents (16 and older) suffering from anxiety and depression.

The program which is delivered online helps people experiencing depression and anxiety better understand their emotions, thoughts and behaviours and build skills and coping strategies. People using the program are supported by a coach who checks in on their progress and offers ongoing help and motivation.

Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, the program could only be utilized by those who had received referrals from doctors.

“Providing better mental healthcare means offering help that is readily available when and where people need it,” said Brian Comer, Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health. “Many of us will experience some depression or anxiety in our lives. Having resources at our fingertips to help us manage in the early stages will help promote mental wellness and keep people healthy. I’m happy to be able to bring this made-in-Nova-Scotia program to people across the province.”

Originally launching in March 2022, the program has enrolled over 150 participants since then and that number is expected to grow significantly with the removal of the requirement for a referral.

The program was co-created by a Nova Scotian, Joel Muise, who had experienced social anxiety and wanted to provide people with more options for care. It was developed at Volta Labs, a Halifax-based innovation hub, with input from clinical psychologists, including co-creator Alissa Pencer, and people who have experienced depression and anxiety.

“As someone who has struggled with mental health and with finding the right care to meet my needs, I am thrilled to see this program now being made available to everyone in need. I started with the goal of leveraging technology to bring the same skills that helped me overcome my mental health challenges to more people. Six years later, it’s incredible to know we’ve built something that is helping so many people in my community dramatically change their lives – and that we can now help so many more.”

– Joel Muise, Co-founder, Tranquility

The program is expected to cost Nova Scotia between $340,000 and $510,000 annually depending on uptake.

More info on how to access Tranquility can be found on their website.