PSR/RPS Nova Scotia Chapter was initiated at a founding development meeting in November of 2004 in Truro, NS. About 134 people participated in that education and networking day. At that meeting participants supported the development of an Atlantic Chapter of PSR-RPS Canada. In attendance were the then president and vice president of PSR RPS Canada – Carole Eaton and Vicky Huehn.

The founding members of the Chapter included Linda Alderson, Donna Pineo, Dorothy Edem, Avis Faulkner, and Janice MacKillop. Linda Alderson took on the role of the president of the interim board of directors. The interim board initiated the chapter activities including work around increasing and maintaining membership in Atlantic Canada, developing and coordinating conferences and educational opportunities, advocating for persons with serious and persistent mental illness, and promoting PSR and Recovery in Atlantic Canada.

In June 2005, PSR Atlantic Chapter hosted a PSR Canada National Conference in Halifax. This was the first time PSR Canada conference was held in the Atlantic Provinces. The conference was a great success and a sold out with 350 participants including forty consumers.

The first AGM of the Atlantic Chapter was held at the National Conference in Halifax, June 2005. At that time a board was selected to coordinate the activities of the chapter. The board of directors included Donna Pineo (President), Dorothy Edem (Vice president and treasurer), Avis Faulkner (Secretary) and Linda Alderson as the past president. The following year, Janet McBean, Garry Wilson, and Cathy Stevens joined the board.

In 2006, the name of the chapter was changed to PSR/RPS Nova Scotia and membership is welcomed from the other three Atlantic Provinces.

In June 2007, PSR/RPS Nova Scotia Chapter celebrated the success of its first inaugural biannual conference “Supporting Choices for Wellness and Recovery”. Over 200 participants attended the conference including forty-two consumers. Key note speakers included Patricia Deegan, Keri-Lynn Calp and Ardath Whynaught. The Wellness Fair was another highlight of the conference.

PSR Nova Scotia continues in its effort to promote psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery-oriented practices in Nova Scotia.