What is Public Safety Calls?
Public Safety Calls is an initiative launched by the Province which connects public safety personnel in PEI to Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) offered through PSPNET.
PSPNET is a clinical research unit located at the University of Regina. The University operates PSPNET in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment. PSPNET provides Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) programs that have been tailored to public safety personnel (including first responders) and conducts research on various aspects of ICBT for public safety personnel.
Will my participation be kept confidential? Is my information secure?
Your participation is confidential.
There are, however, specific circumstances when PSPNET may need to share certain information, such as when there is:
- potential, imminent harm to you or others;
- suspected neglect or harm to a child, including the witnessing of violence;
- a court order to release information; or
- where required by legislation.
PSPNET is a research facility. As such, your information is used for research and scholarly purposes. This means that your information will only ever be analyzed and presented in such a way that you are not identifiable.
ICBT is offered through the PSPNET website which is located at and maintained by the University of Regina. Information shared with therapists is encrypted using secure socket layer (SSL) technology (protocol similar to online banking). All messages are sent and stored on their secure server, which is also encrypted. Your identifying information on the server is only available to the therapist assigned to work with you and their supervisor.
Who is this service for? Am I considered public safety personnel?
This service is specifically for current and former public safety personnel in PEI.
They include but are not limited to firefighters (career and volunteer), law enforcement, paramedics, public safety communications officials, correctional workers, search and rescue personnel, and emergency dispatchers.
I need help right away! Can someone call me right now?
If you need urgent medical assistance dial 911.
If you need immediate mental health support, or are having thoughts of suicide please dial the 24hour Island Helpline at 1-800-218-2855.
When will the Public Safety Calls program be available?
This two-year pilot program launched in January 2022.
Is this free? I don’t have coverage for this.
Public Safety Calls is completely free.
This program is being funded by the Province of PEI, the Government of Canada, and Medavie Health Foundation to the University of Regina.
Will this actually help? What kind of tools/resources are used?
This is an internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) program. ICBT involves using the internet to deliver the same treatment content that is normally covered in face-to-face cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI).
Extra materials are available as needed (e.g., to address sleep concerns, social relationships, problem solving). Courses are presented in an engaging manner and assignments are given at the end of each lesson to help with learning strategies.
Is this service for PEI residents only?
The Public Safety Calls program is only for public safety personnel in PEI. However, clinical researches are currently offering PSPNET in Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Who are the PSPNET therapists?
The therapists provided are all trained in this form of treatment. Therapists have graduate training in psychology or social work. Sometimes graduate students provide treatment under the close supervision of a registered mental health care provider.
What’s the time commitment?
Lesson materials are presented online on a weekly basis over eight weeks, although public safety personnel will have access to the lesson materials for up to one year after enrolling in the course.
I’m a public safety professional is this resource also available for my family?
At this time, the PSPNET program will only be delivered to PSP in PEI.