General FAQs - Interpreter FAQs - Community Education FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions - General

1. What services does the Well-Being Program provide?

Therapy
Individual, family and group therapy addressing many different issues, provided through the Well-Being Program by Registered Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, and Clinical Counsellors. Some examples of issues are depression, sexual abuse, anger, and violence. Psychological and psychiatric assessments are provided when needed.

Social Work
Support Workers provide life skills development, advocacy, case management, community liaison and supportive counselling, both one-to-one and in group settings. Staff also provide expertise in areas of Deaf issues, and cultural diversity.

Mental Health Interpreting
The Well-Being Program provides interpreting services for clients attending therapy sessions. All interpreters specialize working in the mental health field.

Education and Training
Workshops are planned with and for consumers and professionals. Workshop topics deal with personal, professional and community issues.

Support/Discussion Groups
Support and Discussion Groups are planned with and for consumers and professionals. Some group topics deal with personal, professional and community issues while others provide an opportunity for social interaction.

Productions
We are currently working on a revised Directory titled: Access IV: Directory of Services Accessible to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind People in BC. Availability will be posted on this web site.

Other Productions produced by the Well-Being Program include:

The Evolving Process of a Therapist/Interpreter Team
WBP Substance Abuse Report, 2003
WBP Client Satisfaction Report, 2003

Videotapes produced by the Well-Being Program are:

Well-Being and You
Caring for Yourself
Teamwork: The Role of the Interpreter in Therapy

2. How much do your services cost?

All services are provided with confidentiality and are free of charge.

3. Do I qualify for assistance from the Well-Being Program?

The Well-Being Program provides therapy for people who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind and their family members in BC.

4. Do you provide services for adults and children?

The Well-Being Program provides services to people of all ages from children to seniors.

5. Who do I need to talk to to get counselling/therapy?

In order to access the Counselling/Therapy services, you would need to contact Lucille Laurin, Intake Worker, at the Well-Being Program. She will ask for information from you in order to set up a file fr you and to contact the right therapist/counselor for you.

6. Does the Well-Being Program offer interpreting services?

The Well-Being Program provides interpreting services for clients attending therapy sessions.

7. Is the Well-Being Program safe and confidential?

All services are provided with confidentiality.

8. Is the Well-Being Program connected to an other deaf programs?

The Well-Being Program is a government funded mental health service, under the auspices of the Vancouver Community Mental Health Serivces within the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. The Program works in partnership with various community service providers and maintains a neutral position within the Deaf community.

9. Can your program help me find a job?

The Well-Being Program does not offer vocational training. The Well-Being Program provides mental health and community support only.

10. Where can I learn Sign Language?

If you are interested in learning Sign Lanugage, there are various community colleges and Continuing Education programs which offer a wide range of courses and training.

11. Where can I find out more information regarding equipment such as: hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, doorbell flashers, etc?

The Well-Being Program deals with mental health and community support issues. All technical and equipment-related questions should be directed to the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

12. How do I learn about and sign up for Community Education Workshops and/or Groups?

Workshops and Groups are regularly posted around the Deaf community as well as on this web-site. If you are interested in greater detail or would like to sign up, please contact us via TTY, fax, or e-mail: wbp@vrhb.bc.ca.