The Provincial Assessment Centre provides multi-disciplinary mental health services for referred individuals 14 years or older with a developmental disability and a concurrent mental health concern, or behaviour issue.
The Provincial Assessment Centre (PAC) is a 10-bed inpatient facility, located in Coquitlam, British Columbia.
PAC is part of BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services and is designated as a tertiary mental health service under the Mental Health Act. PAC was previously operated by Community Living British Columbia since 2005, and was transferred to BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services in fall 2023 following a review of services.
Individuals with developmental disabilities and concurrent mental health challenges have highly specialized needs. Under BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, which provides care to individuals with the most complex mental health and substance use needs in the province, clients have access to specialized assessment and treatment services and health care professionals.
We will develop and implement an assessment and treatment plan with the full involvement of the individual and their support needs. The length of admission is determined by PAC clinical team's assessment of the presenting issue; it may be two weeks to 90 days.
The care team includes the following health care professionals:
- Psychiatrists
- Physician
- Psychologist
- Nurses (RPN's, RN's, and nurse leaders)
- Behavioural analyst
- Occupational therapist
- Social worker
- Health care workers
- Dietician
- Art therapist
- Recreational therapist
- Indigenous wellness helper
PAC's clinical team develops and implements an assessment and treatment plan with the full involvement of the individual based on their support needs.
The PAC in-patient facility provides multidisciplinary evaluation, treatment plans, and recommendations for on-going support and care in an individual's home and community environments.
The multi-disciplinary team collaborates with individuals and their support networks to understand the person's mental health and behavioural needs, functional strengths and capabilities and support needs within the community.
The PAC assessment involves:
- Inpatient assessment. The duration of stay is variable; the maximum is 90 days.
- Psychiatric assessment and care.
- Specialized, multi-disciplinary care 24-hours daily.
- Reviewing community care plans and behavioural safety plans.
- Developing multidisciplinary care plans and safety plans.
- Utilization of evidence-based practice.
- Use of a developmental approach.
- Collaboration and transition planning with families and agencies.
- Defining and promoting realistic, achievable function.
- Building continuity of care.
Each individual at PAC has their own bedroom, and are encouraged to bring in items of familiarity and comfort, like a blanket, stuffed animal, etc. All valuables brought into PAC are catalogued at admission and kept in the care team station. All electronic devices are charged overnight in the care team station.
It is important for the individual to have their own money at PAC so that personal items can be purchased during their admission. Please bring cash, as PAC cannot cash cheques and does not process individual debit or credit cards.
Activities are implemented in between assessment programming, and include:
- Gym facilities both on unit and off unit, with access to a larger shared gymnasium on the first floor
- Secured outdoor courtyard for outside access and gardening
- Small library on site
- Art and craft materials available any time
- School learning is available and implemented when appropriate
Weekly progress reports are circulated by the PAC social worker or other clinician. An interim report is available at the interim meeting. A discharge report is provided at the discharge meeting.
Extensive reports from each discipline involved are sent to the facilitator/social worker and doctor/psychiatrist approximately two weeks after the individual's discharge.
The PAC multi-disciplinary team will assess the stability and safety of the individual. Most individuals will enjoy supported community outings and assessments during their admission.
Research shows that people benefit when they stay connected to their family members, caregivers, or loved ones when they are admitted to an inpatient unit. We encourage you to stay connected to your loved one during their admission to PAC. The social worker or other clinician will provide regular updates to family and caregivers throughout the individual's stay.
Phone calls and visitation are allowed and encouraged based on each individual's progress and stability. Off unit privileges are determined on a weekly basis during clinical team meetings with the individual's psychiatrist. Please call PAC to make arrangements for visits with your loved one.
