What they do

A full list of ABI programs and contacts information.

How to access it

Contact program coordinator based on the program or service you’re interested in, to learn more

Available by

In-person / Phone / Virtual

Location

Across Nova Scotia

The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program comprises multiple services and interdisciplinary teams. The cornerstone of care is an organized, programmatic approach to multidisciplinary assessment, treatment and education for survivors of traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries and their families:

• ABI Ambulatory Care Services
• ABI Day Program – Offers outpatient therapy groups for people who have an acquired brain injury.  The program is for people who want to learn more about their injury, take part in meaningful activities, explore their strengths, and learn skills and strategies to manage symptoms. More details >
• ABI Outreach Team – A community based health care service for people who have an Acquired Brain Injury. More details >
• Concussion Education Sessions – A 2 part concussion education session is a group information session for persons who have sustained a concussion within the past 6 months. The session is for people who want to learn more about what to expect following a concussion. More details >
• District Stroke Program
• Driver Evaluation Program – In Nova Scotia, doctors are responsible for deciding whether you are okay to drive or not. If they are unsure, they may refer you to the Driver Evaluation Program offered by a team that includes a trained occupational therapist and a certified driving instructor. The program’s cost is not covered by public health insurance, although private or extended health insurance plans may cover the cost, so check with your provider. (The program has a funding coordinator who may also be able to help you with options.) More details >
• Inpatient Rehabilitation – (NSRAC) Specializes in adult rehabilitation. Houses inpatient and outpatient care through a variety of clinics and services. More details >
• Neuropsychology – Neuropsychology is part of the interdisciplinary approach with Nova Scotia Health ABI Services. Psychologists also work in private practices and may be covered by your private or extended health insurance plan. To find a local psychologist with experience in brain injury, visit the Association of Psychologists in Nova Scotia website, select Find a Psychologist and choose “brain injury” under Area of Practice.
• Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy is part of the interdisciplinary approach with Nova Scotia Health ABI Services. Occupational therapists work at most sites within Nova Scotia Health in both mental health and physical medicine settings. Occupational therapists are primary care professionals. For referral forms and telephone numbers of locations across the province, visit the NS Health Occupational Therapy website. Suppose you have private or extended health insurance coverage. In that case, you can search the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS) website to find an occupational therapist in private practice near you.
• Physiotherapy – Physiotherapy is part of the interdisciplinary approach with Nova Scotia Health ABI Service. In NS, physiotherapy is paid for by the province’s health care system and available as an outpatient service at your local hospital without a health care provider’s note. For local contact information for publicly-funded physiotherapy, visit the NS Health Physiotherapy website. Physiotherapy is also available privately by calling your local physiotherapy clinic. While you won’t need a health care provider’s note if you are paying for physiotherapy yourself, if you were injured at work or covered by a private or extended health insurance plan, you might need a note. In some cases, you may need to see a physiotherapist at an approved clinic. To find a local private physiotherapist, call 211 or visit the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association website or the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists website.
• Social Work – Social work is part of the interdisciplinary approach with Nova Scotia Health ABI Services and a vital piece of the puzzle in providing counselling and education and connecting you with local community resources. For publicly-funded social workers under Nova Scotia Health, referrals can be made by patients, family members, friends, community agencies, or any member of your interdisciplinary health care team. To find a local publicly-funded social worker, visit the NS Health Social Work website. Social workers also work in private practices and may be covered by your private or extended health insurance plan. To find a local social worker with experience in acquired brain injury, contact the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers – 902-429-7799. In Halifax, the Dalhousie Social Work Community Clinic is an excellent resource (see Dalhousie Social Work Community Clinic in directory)

What they do

Contact program coordinator based on the program or service you’re interested in, to learn more.

How to access it

Contact Native Council of Nova Scotia directly.

Available by

In-person / Phone / Virtual

Location

Across Nova Scotia

Offers several community programs to connect stroke and ABI survivors with a network of support to reclaim their independence, sense of community and ability to thrive. At the time of printing, the following programs are offered virtually at no cost across Nova Scotia. However, in-person programs, when available, are limited to Halifax only: Conductive Education, PERK, Graded Repetitive Supplementary Program, Exercise program based on TIME principles, and Social Connect. See website for a list of Stroke Clubs by province.

What they do

Stroke recovery support, online peer groups, and educational workshops.

How to access it

Online registration, call or email for more information.

Available by

In-person / Virtual

Location

Across Nova Scotia

Offers monthly Expressive Cafés across Nova Scotia and other programs such as a ‘Health Choir, Singing for Talking’ with Antonia Pigot, Neurologic Music Therapist.

What they do

Support, education, and resources for individuals living with aphasia, families, and speech professionals.

How to access it

Self-referral or contact directly.

Available by

In-person / Virtual

Location

Across Nova Scotia

What they do

Directory to find registered psychologists specializing in brain injury or neuropsychology.

How to access it

Click “Find a Psychologist” on website and filter by practice area.

Available by

Online Directory

Location

Across Nova Scotia