What We Offer
Programs & Services
NBDHHS/SSMNB is a provincial organization offering services in English, French, American Sign Language, and Langue des signes québécoise. With over 40 years of combined experience, we provide support, advocacy, and direct services to Deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing individuals and their families across New Brunswick.
“Strong foundations, thriving future: building resilience today to create equity for tomorrow.”
Programs
Services
Support Mental Health
Mental Health Services
The goal of this program is to provide accessible Mental Health Services to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-blind people in New Brunswick. The ultimate goal is to have Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind people understand and be in charge of their own mental health needs and goals.
Individual Counselling Services
Sometimes also called psychotherapy, talk therapy, or treatment, this is a process through which clients work one-on-one with a Mental Health Professional (i.e. Clinician, Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Counsellor) in a safe, caring, and confidential environment.
Couples & Family Counselling Services
A speciality that is focused on the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours of couples and families in relationships and in the broader environment in which they function. Couples and family counselling sessions are confidential.
Group Counselling Services
In group counselling, there are several clients and at least one Mental Health Professional. Group counselling is roughly defined as at least 5 clients, a maximum of 15 clients. Group counselling sessions are confidential.
Case Management Services
Case Management is a dynamic process that assesses situations, implements and coordinates plans, and then monitors and evaluates progress in order to improve and empower clients' outcomes and experiences. Case management services are confidential.
Consultation Services
To provide mental health information and advice to other Service Providers and/or families/caregivers to build capacity and support problem-solving. For example, instructions on how to find and book ASL-English interpreters and how to work with ASL-English interpreters.
Mental Health Program
Dr. Elizabeth Locke
Psychiatrist, Mental Health Program
Dr. Elizabeth Locke is a psychiatrist with the Mental Health Program at New Brunswick Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (NBDHHS). She contributes her psychiatric expertise to the organization's mental health services for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals across New Brunswick. Through her involvement with the program, Dr. Locke supports NBDHHS's commitment to improving access to mental health care and promoting mental well-being within the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Contact Mental Health Services
Book an Interpreter
ASL Interpreting Service
For your convenience, all bookings are done through our centralized scheduling centre.
Book an InterpreterPhone (business hours)
(506) 633-0599 Ext. 3
Business hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30
After hours / weekends / holidays
(506) 333-4515
After hours (4:30 pm to 8:30 am), weekends and holidays: voice calls only.
Our Interpreters
NBDHHS coordinates a team of qualified ASL–English and LSQ–French interpreters serving communities across New Brunswick.
Jennifer Hunter
Tammy Pyper
Rebecca Schirato
Erin Oliver
Lauren Molloy
Programs
Life Skills
Our Life Skills program supports Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in building the practical skills needed for everyday independence, confidence, and community participation.
Mentorship
Our Mentorship program connects Deaf and hard of hearing individuals with experienced mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and support as they navigate personal and professional goals.
Employment Support
Our Employment Support program helps Deaf and hard of hearing individuals access the tools, resources, and guidance they need to find and maintain meaningful employment.
Transition Support
Our Transition Support program assists Deaf and hard of hearing youth and adults as they move between stages of education, employment, and independent living.
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education program supports Deaf and hard of hearing children and their families during the critical early years, promoting language development, inclusion, and school readiness.
Interpreter Internship Program
The Interpreter Internship Program supports the development of American Sign Language (ASL)–English interpreters in New Brunswick through mentorship, supervised practical experience, and professional development opportunities.
The program aims to strengthen interpreting skills, build professional confidence, and increase the availability of qualified interpreters to support accessible communication for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals across the province.
Emily Cameron
Interpreter Intern
Emily Cameron is involved in NBDHHS's Interpreter Internship Program, an initiative focused on developing interpreting skills through mentorship, practical experience, and professional guidance. The program supports the growth of ASL–English interpreters and helps strengthen accessible communication services throughout New Brunswick.
Services
Community Outreach
Our Community Outreach workers support Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and families across New Brunswick by connecting them with services, resources, and community activities that promote inclusion and independence.
Employment Counselling
Our Employment Counsellors work with Deaf and hard of hearing clients to explore career options, develop job search strategies, and access employment resources tailored to their needs.
ASL Classes
NBDHHS offers American Sign Language classes for families of Deaf children, newcomers, and community members who wish to communicate more effectively with the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Advocacy and Awareness
NBDHHS advocates for the rights, accessibility, and inclusion of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals across New Brunswick, working with government, service providers, and the broader community.
Family Support Services
Our Family Support Services help families of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals access information, resources, and guidance to better support their loved ones and navigate available services.
What Is Deaf Culture?
Deaf culture is a rich, shared community identity centred around the use of sign language, common experiences, values, social norms and strong sense of pride in Deaf history.
Sign Languages
ASL and LSQ are fully developed natural languages providing accessible communication to the NB Deaf community. Signed Language is central to culture, community and identity.