Participant FAQs
Welcome!
Maybe you are here because you have heard about our program from a friend or your doctor. Or, you are here because you have been referred, in a group, or just completed a group and you have some questions. Whatever reason got you here, you are in the right place for answers to your questions. If you are interested to join a group, have been referred, or need information about your workbook or next steps, refer to our Q and A section below.
%
of completers report confidence in their ability to manage their mental health symptoms
INTERESTED IN A GROUP
I would like to join a group. What do I need to do?
Fill out the highlighted sections of the referral form, including the this PHQ9 questionnaire, and go to your family physician, nurse practitioner, or a walk-in clinic to determine if our Mind Space programs are suitable for you.
All participants must be connected to a primary care provider who can respond to individual needs that may arise while participating in the group programs. If your primary care provider is able to do this, and assesses you as suitable for the programs at this time, they can then forward the referral to the doctors who run CBT Skills Groups, and you will receive an email with the list of upcoming groups from which you can choose.
What are the groups like?
The groups are a classroom setting of up to 16 participants. Most groups are being offered virtually with some in-person groups available in select regions. You will receive a workbook and/or handouts that the facilitator will teach from each week. Most of the classroom time will be spent learning the concepts and practicing the skills, with minimal personal sharing. Each class you will be assigned homework for you to complete for the following week.
Who are the facilitators?
What is the time commitment?
Our foundational level 1 groups (i.e., CBT Skills Foundations, Raising Resilient Kids Parenting, and Skills for Success: ADHD Strategies) are 8-10 week series of either 90 or 120 minute weekly sessions. There is also 10-60 minutes of home practice each week. The length and duration of the group will be available at the time of booking, so you can choose the time commitment that works best for you.
Our level 2 groups vary between 4-8 week series of either 90 to 120 minute weekly sessions.
Will I have to share personal information?
The program involves skills training, not psychotherapy, so personal sharing is limited. Each week each participant briefly shares about their learning each week. Most people say learning from other participants is the most powerful part of the group.
If you are taking a course at the same time as a close personal contact, such as a partner or roommate, it is recommended that you do NOT enrol in the same group, as we have found this makes for a better experience.
How much does it cost me?
The facilitators are paid by MSP, and the cost to you is an initial $65 as an attendance deposit that is returned to you if you attend all the sessions, or miss only one. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact us at hello@mind-space.ca to explore options to participate in a group.
We provide you with a pdf and online version of the workbooks and/or handouts at no cost. You can choose to purchase a hard copy of your course workbook at the time of registration, but this is not required to participate.
Once you are registered for a group, you will be able to modify your booking up until two weeks prior to the group start date.
When do your next groups start?
Groups start every month of the year except December.
What are the wait times for getting into a group?
We offer groups on a rolling basis. The link to our registration page and group schedule is offered to participants by email 1-2 weeks after their referral is processed.
When and where are the groups held?
The groups are run days, evenings, and even weekends. Most groups are being held virtually, with some in-person groups for select regions.
What is the virtual course like and how is it different from the in-person group?
The virtual course is like a virtual classroom setting with up to 16 participants. Instead of being in a physical room together, you are in a virtual room as a zoom meeting. To ensure psychological safety for everyone, all participants will be on video throughout the session. Sessions remain to be between 90 minutes to 120 minutes in length. You will obtain a workbook that the facilitator will teach from each week. Most of the classroom time will be spent learning the concepts and practicing the skills, with minimal personal sharing. You will be assigned homework for you to complete the following week.
What are the minimal on-line requirements to participate in an online course?
To participate in the program, and make it a positive experience for you, please check you have the following minimum on-line requirement:
- A PC with Windows 10 or an updated Mac are devices on which Zoom works well and may make it easier to see all the group members on the larger screen. However, if what you have available is an iPad or handheld device, these can also work. Whatever your device, you will need to download the Zoom app.
- Functioning camera and microphone
- Fast, reliable, and password-protected internet connection
We recommend connecting directly into your router to strengthen internet connection and if you are using wifi please ensure you have an updated wireless router.
Ensure that you can have your device plugged in for the whole class.
The Zoom meeting platform works best within the browser Google Chrome. If you use Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or another browser, some features may not work for you.
All participants are required to have their videos on throughout each session, and to be present in front of the screen to participate in the session. This is to promote confidentiality and security for you and your fellow participants. You are required to be within the province of BC to join the virtual group.
Will someone be able to support me with the technology to participate online?
Yes. The Mind Space admin team will be able to support you to get set-up to join us online. Contact hello@mind-space.ca with your questions and we will help you.
I HAVE BEEN REFERRED
A referral was sent by my doctor, when will I hear from you?
You should receive an email from our hello@mind-space.ca within 7-10 days. If you haven’t received an email, check your junk folder and trying type “Mind Space” in the search bar in your emails. If you still can’t find it, then email us again indicating you have checked your junk mail and we will look for your referral and respond to your email.
How do I register once I receive my offer email?
Follow the private link on your registration offer email. You will be able to view a list of groups available to choose from. If you are looking for a specific group (e.g., Skills for Success: ADHD Strategies for Adults), you can use the filter at the top of the page to display only those groups. Please see the Registration video in your offer email for tips on navigating our system.
Does my referral expire?
Yes. If you do not start a group within 12 months of your referral, please ask your physician for a new referral so that you can continue to be contacted with future group offerings.
If you have engaged in a group, your referral is still valid until 12 months after the last date of your most recent weekly session.
Do I have to wear a mask for in-person groups
You are only required to wear a mask if the space hosting the group requires them. This is made clear on our booking page when booking an in-person group.
REGISTERED IN A GROUP
Can I join my group from outside British Columbia?
Our policies require that you join the online group from a location within the province of BC.
When will I receive the zoom link to access my online group?
You will be emailed the zoom link, login information, and link to the virtual workbook 2 days before your group starts. Please review the video to How to Prepare for your Online Group sent in this access email. This has valuable zoom tutorials and information to help you feel prepared.
How do I set up Zoom on my device?
To participate in the program, and make it a positive experience for you, please check you have the following minimum on-line requirement:
- A PC with Windows 10 or an updated Mac are devices on which Zoom works well and may make it easier to see all the group members on the larger screen. However, if what you have available is an iPad or handheld device, these can also work. Whatever your device, you will need to download the Zoom app.
- Functioning camera and microphone
- Fast, reliable, and password-protected internet connection
You can also view this Zoom instructions & troubleshooting document for more information.
How do I cancel my group registration?
Please contact us at hello@mind-space.ca to cancel your registration. If it’s before the two-week cut off we will refund your fee and you will be removed from the group. If it is past the 2-week cut off we will retain the deposit and you will be removed you from the group. **If you are withdrawing we request that you make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible to update them on your withdrawal and to discuss alternative resources so that you are not without support.
Can I register for more than one Level 1 group at a time?
No. Due to the workload and focus on concepts required for a Level 1 group, we do not allow participants to register for more than one level 1 group during the same time frame. However, once you complete a Level 1 group, you can register for another one.
How do I switch my group registration?
Please contact us at hello@mind-space.ca to change your registration. If it is prior to the 2-week cut off your deposit will transfer over to the new group booking. You will receive a confirmation email of the change.
Please note if it is past the 2 week cut off you will have to put down a new deposit.
Do I have to purchase a workbook to participate in the group?
No, we will provide a pdf and flipping version of the workbook you can use. However, many participants find it helpful to have a hard copy of the workbook and use it as an on-going resource.
I have already registered but would now like to purchase the hard copy of the workbook. Is this possible?
Yes! Please note we only offer the hard copy of the workbook for our:
- CBT Skills Foundations
- Skills for Success: ADHD Strategies for Adults
Please email hello@mind-space.ca for the link. You can choose whether you would like to pick up your workbook from one of our pickup locations (Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley, Campbell River) or have it shipped to your home for an additional shipping fee. You will receive a confirmation email which includes pickup locations.
Program Feedback & Complaints
Feedback sent to our program on a specific group and/or facilitator through our hello@mind-space.ca email will be forwarded directly to the facilitating Physician.
Alternatively, if you want your feedback to remain anonymous please wait for your mid-week or final survey to provide your insight.
COMPLETED A GROUP
When will I get my $65 no-show deposit refund?
Refunds can take up to 4 weeks after the group ends to be processed. If you qualify (only missed one session) you will be emailed as soon as the refund has been issued.
What if my credit card number changes?
All deposits are issued back to the credit card that was provided. If your card number changes, but it is still with the same institution, the refund will go through as your accounts are still attached.
We do not have the ability to refund a new card.
I have finished my group and I would like to participate in another group. Can I do this?
Yes, if you would like to participate in another group we recommend you take another group with a different facilitator. We will continue to send you opportunities to participate in a group until 12 months after you completed your last group. After that, your referral will expire and you will need to be re-referred by your primary care provider.
Does my referral expire?
Yes. Your referral will expire 12 months from the date of your last session attended. If you do not start a new group within that time frame please ask your physician for a new referral so that you can continue to be contacted with future group offerings.
I have heard about level 2 groups. What are these and how can I participate in one?
You are able to participate in a level 2 group if you have completed the CBT Skills Foundations (i.e., attended 6/8 sessions). If you did, you will automatically be sent the schedule for the level 2 groups. *please note at this time all Level 2 offerings are virtual
Check out what we offer here!
Can I register for more than one Level 2 group at a time?
Yes. You can register for more than one Level 2 group, however, you should ensure that the groups are not held on the same weekday when registering.
I want to register for a level 2 CBT Skills for Insomnia group but it is not offered.
We no longer offer Level 2 CBT Skills for Insomnia groups. Due to popular request, we have modified our Level 2 group to become a Level 1 group. You can now register for the CBT Skills for Insomnia group without having to complete the Level 1 CBT Skills Foundartions Group first.