EHN Guardians Atlantic

While we all may face challenges when we go to work, what the average person experiences each day cannot compare to what you as veterans, first responders and military service members experience. And this can often lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), moral injury, and substance abuse.

In fact, 90% of first responders will be exposed to hundreds of potentially traumatic events over the course of their careers* and up to 32% of Canadian military service members and first responders will suffer from PTSD in their lifetimes**. This can, in turn, lead to increased rates of addiction to drugs and alcohol.

It’s this truth that led us to create the EHN Guardians Atlantic, EHN Canada’s treatment centre offering trauma and addiction programs in Nova Scotia – close to home for Atlantic Canada’s military, veterans, and first responders.

In tranquil Annapolis Valley, we offer you the chance to return to life and work – through our evidence-based treatment from a passionate and caring team. It also allows you to share with and learn from their peers who have shared experiences and understanding.

As an extension of EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia, addiction and mental health treatment services are available for civilians at our Annapolis Valley location. Click here for more information about EHN Bellwood Nova Scotia.

*Wounded Warriors Canada, 2017.  **Medavie Blue Cross, 2019.

Innovative, effective, and compassionate treatment for trauma and addiction to drugs and alcohol

EHN Guardians Atlantic in Nova Scotia is open to clients experiencing concurrent mental health and substance use disorders – exclusively to those in the following fields:

• Active military service members
• Military veterans
• Paramedics
• Firefighters
• Regional and provincial police officers
• RCMP
• Emergency dispatcher
• Correctional officers
• Border and immigration professionals

Our unique, effective treatments include:

• Our team of highly qualified mental health professionals and on-call psychiatrists
• Psychotherapy including CPT, CBT, DBT and ART
• Individual and small-group therapy
• Integrated care (yoga, meditation, fitness, nutrition, sleep hygiene, art therapy)
• 24/7 medical care and nursing support
• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): to treat major depressive disorder and several other psychiatric conditions
• Ketamine Treatment: Effective treatment for depression that has not improved with antidepressants
• Detox and withdrawal management, if applicable
• Relapse prevention strategies that work
• Comprehensive discharge planning, involving community care providers
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) like 12-Step and SMART Recovery
• Online recovery tools using the EHN Online app
• Family therapy
• Access to Thrive, our lifelong alumni network

Unique programs designed to get unique results

Trauma Programs

• Specialized services to treat PTSD, mood disorders, sexual trauma and chronic pain with or without substance use disorders
• Includes detox, stabilization, psychoeducation, skill-building and relapse prevention
• Includes Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), individual and group therapy, and trauma-informed yoga

Family Treatment Support Program

• Designed to help family members understand the disorders that their loved ones are dealing with while engaging in their own recovery work
• Participants learn to regain balance and establish boundaries within the family dynamic
• A combination of presentations, workshops, and counselling sessions

Continuing support for ongoing recovery

Support from EHN Guardians Atlantic does not end once you step out the door. We believe that ongoing recovery requires ongoing care. That’s why Aftercare is an important part of your recovery.

• One year of Aftercare is included for all eligible clients who complete treatment.
• Clients build on the skills developed during treatment.
• Offers clients the chance to listen to, and share with, people with similar experiences.
• EHN Online offers both virtual counselling and a helpful app to set goals, track progress, and monitor triggers.

Continuum of Care: A Lifetime of Support

At EHN Canada, we minimize the chance of relapse with our Continuum of Care, an ongoing process that extends beyond inpatient or outpatient treatment. After intensive treatment, you can participate in an extended care program, receive continuing care near home, and connect with our supportive alumni network. We are with you for as long as it takes – no matter what – as you navigate your journey to recovery.