Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic continues to be the only women-only facility of its kind in Canada. We hope that with this proven success in operation and a clear need for similar facilities, others will feel inspired to broaden such services for women. With an 18% increase in admissions in 2024, it’s evident that similar facilities are needed more than ever.
Why Gender-Specific?
We found that offering a gender-specific facility helps individuals feel safe and improves their focus on treatment. It’s important to note that although we promote a gender-specific program, our services extend to non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals as well.
After 20 years of success with our men-only program, Sunshine Coast Health Centre, it cemented our theory of how successful gender-specific programs can be. With so many men and women coming to treatment with trauma and PTSD diagnoses, our clients need to feel safe and connected in a community of individuals on a similar path, and living in a residential environment can feel vulnerable. If a gender-specific facility is what someone needs to reach out to for help, we are happy to supply it.
A Day in the Life at GSWC
Breakfast is served daily at 8:00 AM; then it’s off to daily programming. Clients are shuttled from our Tidemark Residences to our Cliffside building, located at Sunshine Coast Health Centre grounds, for daytime programming. This building exists solely for Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic, and clients from our men’s facility are not permitted to enter the main areas. There is no crossover between the men’s and women’s programs at any time.
GSWC clients are at Cliffside for the day, participating in group therapy, workshops, and 1:1 sessions with counsellors and practitioners. The day ends a little before dinner time, and clients return to Tidemark for downtime or an afternoon activity/outing. Tidemark is across the street from a beautiful beach, and clients often enjoy an afternoon walk or reflective time by the ocean.
In the evening, activities like drumming, directed art expressions, Recovery Dharma and SMART meetings are held. Clients can return to their individual suites or spend time together in the common kitchen area or the Multipurpose Building, which has a TV, art supplies, puzzles, games, and a fitness area. While there is no programming on Saturday and Sunday, a pottery class and a DBT workshop take place over the weekend.
The Evolution of Our Services
Over the years, our services have evolved with the diverse range of clients we’ve seen. We have seen clients for occupational trauma (PTSD), drug and alcohol use, mental health, disorder eating, and process addictions. Our program is progressively adapting to client needs, and it’s a skill we take pride in.
A new addition to our passionate team of practitioners is our case managers. Our case managers have psychiatric nursing, social work, and counselling backgrounds. They conduct detailed assessments and arrange different treatments for each individual. This addition provides a point of contact for clients and bridges communication between clients and practitioners. One size does not fit all, and individualized treatment is vital to long-term success.
Assessments and treatment don’t start and end with our case manager. Our clients see a range of professionals throughout their stay, including nutritionists, massage therapists, kinesiologists, counsellors, and personal trainers. We have added new workshops that cover topics like DBT, meaning, and relationships.
Expansion of Aftercare Support
We are here to help, even after clients have completed programming. Clients who complete 30 days of treatment with us obtain alumni status, allowing them to access alumni services indefinitely. Our alumni team is comprised of mental health coaches who are available to clients at times of need or to have a quick check-in. It is based on the needs of alumni.
Additionally, our family services include weekly family support meetings. These meetings are educational and support family members of current clients or alumni. One of our case managers hosts them, and up to two family members per client can register at a time.
We Are Here for You
With five years of experience and success, we look forward to what another five has in store. Knowing that we have played a small role in the lives of Georgia Strait alumni fuels us to continue on the path ahead. We feel fortunate to offer our services to first responders, mothers, CEOs, and women from all walks of life.
Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic is an accredited facility that provides 24-hour medical care and certified professionals to help with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and substance use. Services range from medical withdrawal to family and aftercare support. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and/or addiction, get in touch with us today to discuss your options.
