Vancouver Psychology Centre

Prescribing Nature: VPC Clinicians Now Offer PaRx Nature Prescriptions We are thrilled to announce that the entire team of Registered Clinical Counsellors and Registered Psychologists at Vancouver Psychology Centre (VPC) now has prescription privileges through the innovative #PaRx program - a nature prescription initiative developed in conjunction with the BC Parks Foundation. This means that along with traditional therapy, our clinicians can formally prescribe time in nature as part of your treatment plan. It’s a forward-thinking step that underscores our commitment to holistic, evidence-based care. PaRx is breaking new ground as Canada’s first national, evidence-based nature prescription program, and we’re proud to integrate this cutting-edge wellness offering into our practice for the benefit of our clients. What This Means for Our Clients: So, why is this update so significant for you? In practical terms, having PaRx prescription privileges allows our team to bridge the gap between mental health care and the healing power of nature. Current and prospective clients can now receive a personalized “nature prescription” – much like a prescription for medication, but instead it’s a tailored plan encouraging you to spend time outdoors for your mental and physical well-being. This is more than a feel-good recommendation; it’s an evidence-backed intervention that can complement your counselling sessions. Evidence-Based Mental Health Benefits of Nature ~ Why are we so excited to prescribe nature? Simply put, the mental health benefits of spending time in nature are remarkable. Decades of research have turned up compelling findings about how outdoor time boosts our well-being. Here are just a few of the evidence-backed benefits you can expect from a regular dose of nature: Boosts overall well-being Reduces stress levels Improves mood and mental health Enhances cognitive function Increases happiness Builds resilience (for all ages) Unique Perks with a PaRx Prescription ~ Thanks to PaRx’s partnerships, VPC clients who receive a nature prescription will enjoy perks such as: Free Parks Canada Discovery Pass – Access to over 80 national parks and historic sites for one year Our entire team is proud and excited to integrate PaRx nature prescriptions into our practice. We truly believe this initiative is a game-changer for holistic mental health care. By formally bringing the proven healing effects of nature into our counselling work, we’re enhancing the support we offer you – helping reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall quality of life in a way that feels enriching and empowering. We’re delighted to prescribe a little nature in your life. It’s an honour to help you tap into the restorative power of the natural world as part of your healing journey. Team VPC Lisa Ferrari Carla Fry PsyD, Registered Psychologist

VPC is pleased to share this terrific Medscape article featuring our Director's contribution to the discussion highlighting the BC Parks Foundation's Park Prescriptions + Vancouver Art Gallery collaboration. The #ParksPrescription known as PaRx is an innovative program wherein health providers can prescribe nature to patients in order to improve physical & or mental health. This prescription features a free annual pass to Canadian National Parks along with incredible perks such as entrance to the #VancouverArtGallery's Emily Carr Gallery. Please take a view of of this article penned by Marilynn Larkin which gives a terrific backgrounder on the unique experience available for patients to experience nature through art, in this case, the timeless art of Emily Carr, which features the forests and natural world of the west coast of British Columbia. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gqyp8xi2 (fyi - to read on Medscape you'll need to signup for a free account with them to read the article!), or see the attached. Melissa Lem Sirish Rao Paula Toledo Cindy Hayto Carla Fry PsyD, Registered Psychologist Lisa Ferrari

VPC is hiring a passionate Office Specialist for our clinic in Mt Pleasant in Vancouver, BC, Canada If you meet the qualifications, submit your resume and tell us how you would be a fit for our clinic: https://lnkd.in/gCJxgfJy