For Dr. Matthew Halstead, mental health care is more than just a specialty—it’s a fundamental part of every aspect of medicine. As the coordinator for the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) Mental Health and Addictions Medicine Family Doctor Group (MHSUGP), Dr. Halstead ensures that psychiatric patients receive the physical and medical care they need while also addressing the growing challenges of addiction medicine.
His journey into mental health care began during medical school when he realized that every field—from cardiology to orthopedics—had a psychological component. He saw firsthand how mental health was often overlooked, not just in patient care but also in medical training. Determined to bridge this gap, he pursued additional training in psychiatry, addictions, and chronic pain during his residency.
When Dr. Halstead joined KBRH in 2017, mental health patients often struggled to access primary medical care. By 2020, he was leading the newly formed MHSUGP, which now provides 24/7 psychiatric and addiction medicine support—a vital service that was previously unavailable. The impact of this initiative has been profound, helping patients with complex mental health conditions receive necessary physical care, diagnosing previously unnoticed medical issues, and providing local, evidence-based addiction treatment.
“There have been numerous cases where patients admitted for psychiatric concerns were later found to have underlying medical conditions—urinary tract infections, brain tumors, electrolyte imbalances—that were responsible for their symptoms,” he shares. “In one case we supported a patient struggling with both diabetes and addiction. After repeated hospital admissions, we were able to connect them with the right treatment, and they are now in recovery.”
Dr. Halstead has also witnessed firsthand how mental health care needs have evolved in the community. Economic pressures, the pandemic, and rising costs of living have contributed to increased stress and mental health struggles. Yet, despite the growing demand, mental health resources have not kept pace with other medical fields like cardiac care or surgery. That’s why the Mental Health Matters Campaign is so important—it’s a long-overdue step toward modernizing mental health care in the Kootenay Boundary Region.
The campaign will provide essential upgrades to an aging facility, including modernized treatment spaces, new equipment, and better resources for both patients and healthcare providers. “The space we work in hasn’t been renovated since the 1970s. At one point, our office lights stopped working because the wiring wasn’t designed for modern fixtures,” he explains. “Even our patient beds are still the original crank beds from decades ago.”
For Dr. Halstead, this campaign is about more than just upgrades—it’s about ensuring that mental health and addictions patients receive the same level of care as any other medical specialty.
“To the donors and community members supporting this campaign, I want you to know that this is a game-changer. We have the expertise, we have the dedication, but we need the physical resources to match. Mental health care affects every single aspect of medicine, and by supporting this campaign, you’re improving healthcare for the entire community.”
When he’s not working (which, he jokes, is rare), Dr. Halstead enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, embracing the beauty of the Kootenays. But his heart remains firmly in his work—ensuring that mental health and addictions care continue to evolve, providing hope and healing for those who need it most.
Donate today and help us transform mental health care in our community.
