Sea to Sky

The RAAC supports people in the Fraser Health region who use substances. The rapid access clinic provides quick access to an appointment with a psychiatrist and nurse from your community mental health and substance use centre. The psychiatrist will provide your family doctor or nurse practitioner with recommendations for your treatment, medications and/or your diagnoses. Usually an appointment will be scheduled with a psychiatrist within two to five weeks from the time your referral is received.

The RAAC can also start clients on medications to treat opioid addiction. The three commonly used OAT medications in B.C. are Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), Methadone, and Kadian (a slow release oral morphine). After initial stabilization, RAAC clients will return to their primary care provider in the community for ongoing treatment, monitoring, and support. For clients without a regular health care provider, the RAAC will assist in linking them to one. The RAAC also provides clients with harm reduction supplies, including safe sharps disposal, as well as training and distribution of Take Home Naloxone.

At the RAAC, addictions staff, including physicians, nurses, and social workers, are on-hand to assess clients for any substance use, including alcohol. The RAAC accepts referrals from community providers, physicians, nurses, and social workers, and people can also drop in without an appointment or referral.

The RAAC in New Westminster is open for walk-in service Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is also an adult Day, Evening, Weekend (DEW) Treatment program for individuals who would like a more intensive outpatient program that includes psychoeducational sessions and goal setting.