Our History And Background

In 1991, Vancouver psychologists at what was then University Hospital developed an evidence-based group program for patients who had recently been discharged from inpatient care. The intent was to provide information on effective care strategies that the patients could put into practice themselves.

An evaluation of the program revealed that 8.1% of the participants were rehospitalized within six months -- relative to 30% of those who did not go through the program. On this basis, the program was given ongoing funding and a dual mandate:

1. To provide the program on an ongoing basis for seriously depressed individuals in the Vancouver area.
2. To provide training in the use of the program for the staff of three other agencies.

The program was revised, taking into account the results of the program evaluation. A Clinician's Guide was written, and a two-day training seminar for mental health professionals was developed. The seminar and materials were then offered to agencies across British Columbia. The results were better than anticipated: dozens of agencies signed up to take the workshops, and over 40 communities in British Columbia saw the establishment of Changeways-based programs.

To date, the staff of over 450 agencies in 5 countries (Canada, England, the United States, Australia, and China) have attended the workshops, and the program has been provided to thousands of clients. Therapists have adapted the materials for use with various populations, including caregivers for Alzheimer's patients, impoverished single mothers, and college students. The materials for clients are available in both English and Chinese.

Additional programs have been created as well, including protocols for assertiveness training and relaxation training, plus a diversity awareness program. Two books based on our experiences have been published by New Harbinger Publications: The Assertiveness Workbook and Your Depression Map.

In the fall of 2002 Changeways Clinic became a free-standing agency in its own right. Since that time, we have opened our doors as a centre for one-to-one evidence-based psychotherapy (predominantly cognitive behaviour therapy). We have also inaugurated The Depression Course, the first of an anticipated series of public education programs.

It has been an exciting and eventful 12 years. We look forward to continuing the development of innovative and practical mental health education, training, and therapy programs.

Our Staff