Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine
For mental health and addiction emergencies:
- Dial 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department
- Dial HealthLine 811 for 24/7 confidential health and mental health and addiction advice, education and support
Accessible addiction medicine for Saskatchewan
Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine (VAAM) provides virtual, timely access to physicians, nurses, and counsellors who specialize in addiction medicine. Our goal is to make treatment easier to reach, especially for people in rural and remote areas who may not have a local prescriber.
The initial phase of Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine will provide service to Lloydminster, Nipawin and Cumberland House as well as to clients in detox and recovery treatment centres in the province.
Who can access the Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine Program?
Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine is open to individuals who:
- Are living in Lloydminster, Nipawin or Cumberland House; and/or
- are attending a detox or recovery treatment center
- Are 18 years or older
- Want help with substance use (eg. opioid, alcohol, stimulant, or benzodiazepine use)
- Are open to discussing treatment options, including medication
- Don't currently have a prescriber (The Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine team may also provide a prescription between care settings)
What we Do
Our team provides holistic care for individuals with substance use disorder that includes:
- Timely assessment and prescriptions for addictions medication
- Virtual appointments with physicians, nurses and counsellors
- Screening for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
- Brief counselling and connection to community supports
- Stabilization and transition to local care when possible
- Culturally safe and trauma informed care for all clients
How it Works
- Call or connect online - speak directly with our addiction medicine team.
- Assessment and treatment - a prescriber evaluates and starts treatment, if appropriate.
- Medication access - prescriptions are typically available same day.
- Follow-up and support - Clients may continue with the Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine program or transition to local clinics.
Supporting a Client or Family Member
To help someone connect with Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine:
- Ensure they have a quiet, private space to talk
- Provide a phone, tablet or computer (video optional)
- Make sure there's a reliable way to reconnect if the call drops
- Phone number: 1-844-449-8226
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week - including statutory holidays
- Online Access: Available through The SK Virtual Visit App - talk to our team to today to learn more
- Access to Services: Individuals can call the VAAM program directly to connect with supports. No medical referral is necessary.
Featured Page
In-Person Clinics
Interested in connecting with an in-person clinic? Please see our Opioid Agonist Therapy and Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine Clinic listings.
