Counselling & Healthcare Navigation

 

A notice to our valued clients

Counselling services with Parkinson Society British Columbia are temporarily on pause while we recruit a new counsellor. During this transition period, we want to ensure you continue to have access to emotional, mental health, and practical supports if needed.

The resources provided to you by following the button below are available to you during this time.

You are welcome to explore any options that feel supportive or relevant for you.



Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) recognizes that one’s journey with Parkinson’s disease is multifaceted. A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be challenging for both the individual living with the neurological disorder and their loved ones. To help navigate these challenges and support resiliency, PSBC is pleased to provide counselling and healthcare navigation services free of charge for British Columbians. Our experienced clinical team offers a holistic approach through three service pathways that address emotional, educational, and practical healthcare needs.

The Service Pathways

Portrait of a home caregiver with senior patient outside

Short-Term Psychotherapy

Short-term psychotherapy is tailored towards each individual and their family, offering a safe and confidential space to navigate the emotional complexities that may arise with Parkinson’s. Our social worker and clinical counsellor work closely with clients to address emotional challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and grief. Through evidence-based therapies with a client-centered approach, individuals are empowered to improve their emotional well-being and feel more confident in self-management.

Doctor listening to senior woman patient heartbeat

Psychoeducation

Education is a vital component of managing Parkinson’s disease. This pathway focuses on psychoeducation—support that helps people understand Parkinson’s disease and navigate its day-to-day impacts. Through accessible information and practical strategies, psychoeducation supports self-management, informed decision-making, and confidence in daily life.

Psychoeducation may include webinars, group education and support sessions, curated resources such as workbooks and videos, and practical tips for managing symptoms, treatments, emotional well-being, work, relationships, and lifestyle changes.

healthcare professional and elderly lady on stairs

Healthcare Navigation

Navigating the complex healthcare system can be overwhelming. Our experienced team is here to ease the burden by providing support adapted to individual needs. This could include advocating on an individual’s behalf, explaining complex medical information in simpler terms, connecting people with community resources, providing guidance through long-term care planning steps, or facilitating the application process for disability benefits, among others.

Accessing these services

The Society is proud to offer counselling and healthcare navigation free of charge to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease in BC. A PSBC staff member will evaluate your unique needs to determine the appropriate pathway(s).

Call 1-800-668-3330 or email us at info@parkinson.bc.ca

About our Counselling & Healthcare Navigation Team

Tricia Wallace, MACP, RCC

Tricia has practiced as a registered nurse in hospital and community settings since 1988. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master’s of Nursing (MSN) from the University of Victoria. In June 2019, she completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University.

Tricia has extensive experience working with adults of all ages in the field of mental health. She has worked as case manager for those 55 and older who live with co-occurring disorders, clinical educator on mood and neuropsychiatric inpatient wards, and counsellor for individuals and groups in a residential substance abuse recovery program. Drawing on this diverse background, Tricia recognizes the importance of a strength-based, holistic approach to managing Parkinson’s disease that includes emotional support and skill-building for individuals and their families.