The PCN Interprofessional Team (IPT) includes 5 different areas of allied health support.
PCN Allied Health Services
As part of the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Vancouver, Primary Care Providers (Family Doctors or Nurse Practitioners) can refer patients to allied health professionals also known as the Interprofessional Team (IPT). The IPT works closely with Primary Care Providers to help patients with mild to moderate health care needs. These are care needs that are less severe and can be supported by the IPT in a limited number of appointments.
How Do I Access These Services?
To access PCN Allied Health Services, you must be attached to a Vancouver-based Primary Care Provider (Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner) who can refer you to the program, and continue to support you once you have completed your care. These services are free of charge to patients who are eligible. Our IPT Clinicians speak a variety of languages and can also access interpreter services in over 150 languages through Provincial Language Services.Speak with your Primary Care Provider in Vancouver to see if they have access to IPT services, and if the services are a right fit for you.
Not all clinics based in Vancouver currently have access due to resource limitations.
You are eligible for these services if:
- You are attached to a Primary Care Provider in Vancouver who has access to the program
- Your Primary Care Provider feels your care needs are appropriate for the program
- Your care needs are appropriate for mild to moderate, short term duration support (approx. 2 – 8 sessions)
- You are 19 years of age and older
- You cannot access similar allied health support through your Extended Health Benefits
- You are not attached to another care team that can provide these supports (e.g. Home Health, Mental Health Team, etc.)
- You do not require outreach support (someone to visit you in your home) or long term/complex trauma therapy
- You are not experiencing active psychosis/suicidal ideation, or at risk of harm to self or others
- You are not accessing these allied health supports through an ICBC or WorkSafeBC claim
Discover PCN Allied Health Services
Social Workers
PCN Social Workers provide information and referral services to help manage a variety of emotional and social concerns.
Clinical Counsellors
PCN Clinical Counsellors provide short term services to support mild to moderate mental health concerns.
Registered Dietitians
PCN Registered Dietitians provide short-term nutrition therapy and care services to improve health outcomes.
Occupational Therapists
PCN Occupational Therapists focus on helping people participate in the daily activities they need or want to do (occupations).
Clinical Pharmacists
PCN Clinical Pharmacists contribute medication expertise to optimize the on-going care, health and well-being of people with more complex conditions.
Virtual and In-Person Care
Currently the IPT conducts primarily virtual appointments. If needed, there are in-person appointment options available at two locations in Vancouver.
Three Bridges Community Health Centre
Downtown Vancouver #209 – 1128 Hornby St. Vancouver, BC
Oak Care Centre
South Vancouver 700 West 57th Ave. Vancouver, BC
Collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Health
The Vancouver Division of Family Practice and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) are working collaboratively to manage PCN Allied Health Services. Allied Health Clinicians are employed and supported by VCH to work with Vancouver Primary Care Providers to support their patients.
