09/24/2026
Our trauma care team may include a psychologist, psychiatrist, physician, peer support, family member, registered social worker, psychotherapist, and sometimes WSIB. However, WSIB can hinder recovery by questioning identity.
As a WSIB provider, we joined late. In February 2026, WSIB launched the Mental Health Program of Care, asking existing providers in April to join quickly, with new providers needing to defend their credentials later.
The program includes a caseworker, OT, RN specialist, and return-to-work specialist, aiming to help first responders recover faster.
The key issue isn’t the qualifications of WSIB providers but ensuring outcomes meet first responders’ unique needs.
In our clinical practice, we offer psychoeducation to prevent rushed recovery. PTSD symptoms are unpredictable, fluctuating hourly, daily, and weekly, challenging those trained for the unknown, as recovery has no set limits.
As new WSIB providers apply for the Mental Health Program of Care, remember that non-participating providers aren’t unqualified; it was a timing issue.
In the first responder community, timing can be beyond our control, but our responses in recovery and understanding matter. Quality of care is more important than speed.
Support. Strength. Thrive.
***dePreventionMonth
Disclaimer: The professional and/or lived experiences presented are within legal and ethical boundaries. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and/or legal content.
