February is Psychology Month!

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — February is Psychology Month, where we raise awareness about the role psychology plays in our everyday lives, the benefits of using psychologists to help overcome obstacles, and the barriers to accessing psychologists. We do this by hosting a series of free presentations for the public, and by encouraging the public to join us as we advocate for improved access to psychological services.

Psychologists are regulated health professionals who are trained in understanding how we behave, think and feel. Sadly, a survey conducted by Nanos in September of 2020 found that 42% of British Columbians consider stigma to be a barrier to accessing psychological services. That same survey revealed that 77% of British Columbians listed the cost of a psychologist and lack of provincial health coverage as a significant barrier to accessing services. Reducing the barriers of stigma and cost is needed. Accessible and stigma-free resources should not only be available to the few British Columbians who can afford them.

The system needs to change, and the BCPA has the solution: Decades of research shows that integrating psychologists into the primary healthcare system saves lives and saves money.

Throughout February 2022 the BCPA is running a series of workshops to offer the public access to helpful psychology information. This workshop series includes FREE talks on:

• Anxiety;
• Trauma;
• Psychological safety in the workplace;
• Mindfulness.

You can register for these talks on our Events Page.
The BCPA offers a province-wide free psychologist referral service. British Columbians can search for a Registered Psychologist by visiting https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/find_psychologist or by calling 604-730-0522 or 1-800-730-0522.

About The BC Psychological Association:
The BC Psychological Association (BCPA) has been a voluntary body representing psychologists in British Columbia since 1938. BCPA is committed to advancing psychology and the psychological well-being of all British Columbians. With initiatives such as Psychology Month, the BCPA promotes the value of psychological health and wellness in every aspect of our lives.

The British Columbia Psychological Association
Media Contact:        Alejandra Silvera         communications@psychologists.bc.ca