Our mental health is something that has been overlooked and neglected for decades; but now that people are more focused on wellness than ever before, it’s finally getting the attention it deserves.
It’s a subject that has been deeply misunderstood by generations past, and we still have a lot to learn. But, research is being done, studies are being completed and we are learning new things about ourselves every day.
The healthcare system in Canada is not a perfect one. There’s always room for improvement - one of which is how mental health care is perceived by the public.
Many Canadians would automatically assume that mental health care is out of their reach and is associated with universal coverage, but this is not always true.
If you feel your mental wellness needs some attention but are unsure where to start, this is the complete guide to affording the mental health care you deserve, from therapy to rehabilitation centres and everything in between.
Getting Started
The mental health journey can be a very different experience for many people; some will notice a gradual decline related to things happening in their lives, that slowly begin to worsen and affect what feels like everything.
Others will have a rapid episode or significant event that takes hold with immediate effect and controls huge portions of one's life; some will not experience either of these journeys. There is no way of predicting it and no way of ignoring it.
Sometimes we just need help.
For those experiencing severe anxiety related to events and traumas, seeking care right away would be the best option. There are specialist anxiety centres across Canada that can provide you with the professional care and support that you need. Whilst some of these centres specialize in addiction, there are plenty out there who deal with depression, anxiety, and trauma.
For those who aren’t at the stage where they feel like a rehabilitation centre is necessary, a great place to start is seeing a therapist. It’s commonly said that every single one of us could benefit from therapy, no matter what stage of life we are in, but it often feels like an expensive luxury.
Thankfully, this is not always the case.
How to Get Therapy in Canada?
If you’ve already researched therapy in Canada, you may feel a little overwhelmed. It’s a convoluted and complex world, but don’t panic; there are options out there for you.
Here’s a breakdown of the places you can look for help:
Publicly Funded Therapy
In most cases and most provinces, across Canada therapy sessions with psychiatrists are covered under provincial health care plans if you have a referral from a family doctor.
The only issue with taking this route is that it can involve longer waiting periods due to high demand, so be sure to assess your needs and work to a timescale that suits you.
Private Therapy
If you wish to skip the long wait times and get right to treatment, private therapy is an option. Although it does come at a cost meaning it’s not for everyone.
In some cases, your employer’s benefits plan may cover a portion of the fees so it’s worth checking with your employer if they can help before you do anything else.
If you don’t have private insurance, try searching for private therapists who offer sliding scale fees based on your income.
If you're thinking of taking this route and can afford a couple of private sessions, it’s important to remember that this is likely not something that can be solved quickly; therapy is a long process so be sure you can do more than just a few sessions.
Online Therapy
In this digital age, it makes perfect sense that online therapy has become a valid, affordable and incredibly effective tool for treating mental health issues.
Licensed therapists can be more flexible with their schedules and can offer reduced rates compared to in-office sessions, meaning a much wider range of incomes can consider therapy. For those living rurally, which is approximately 18% of Canada’s population, this can be a great solution.
Community Services
Various non-profits and community-based organizations provide free or low-cost mental health options for members of their communities, but you have to be the one to find them, they often don’t have the resources to reach out to you.
If you need help don’t be afraid to reach out to any one of the great services for help in a time of crisis. Group therapy sessions, workshops, and phone-in chat lines are hosted by these great organizations and can make all the difference when you need the help the most.
For those asking ‘Is therapy free in Canada?’ the unfortunate answer is no. We have a long way to go before we see any kind of care like this; however, there are options out there, you just need to know where to look.
Mental Health Coverage in Canada: What to Expect
Understanding the extent of your mental health coverage can put you in a better place to receive the help you need, as well as allowing you to plan for the costs of therapy and other forms of care.
However, it’s worth noting that mental health coverage varies wildly from province to province. It’s also dependent on individual healthcare policies and governmental enforcement; it’s easy to see why so many struggle to get the help they need.
Here’s a general outline of the things you can check in your area to see where you are covered if you can secure any funding for your care, and if the government can help you; many people could receive help but don’t know what their insurance covers, or whether they have access to money to aid with recovery.
Provincial Healthcare Plans
We have briefly touched upon provincial health care plans already, but checking your plan and ensuring you know what is covered is a crucial step in getting help.
Many will cover consultations with psychiatrists who can prescribe medication and provide limited therapy under the terms of your plan. It is often the case though that coverage does not extend to psychologists or counsellors leaving many to pay for themselves; be sure you know what you’re covered for!
Employer Benefits
If you need help it’s always worth checking with your employer to see if you qualify for any benefits through your job.
Many are eligible for mental health counselling, therapy and other services with contributions from an employer.
Review your plan and be sure you know exactly what is covered, as some companies will only cover a limited number of sessions.
Government Programs
Depending on your location, you may qualify for additional mental health programs like Ontario’s OHIP+ or BC’s MSP, both of which offer partial or full coverage for certain services related to mental health.
Programs like these often have strict eligibility criteria, so be sure to explore your province’s offerings.
Navigating Financial Support for Mental Health Care
As we know, it can be difficult to navigate the financial landscape of Canada’s bureaucratic system, but there are some ways to alleviate the burden of finding help.
Utilizing the services of a health insurance broker is a great way to ensure that you are getting the coverage you need on your next health insurance policy.
Not only will you reap the rewards of better transparency and have better access to professional industry knowledge, but you could end up saving an awful lot in the long run.
If you’re a self-employed person looking for support with mental health then be sure you keep the receipts for any medical expenses as you could be eligible to claim them on your next tax form and receive a sizable deduction.
Some medical expenses can lead to big discounts on your tax bill, but this can be province dependent so be sure you know what to expect.
As we already know, you can check with local programs that offer services for those in need and there can be no shame in reaching out to these organizations.
All they are here to do is help where the government and healthcare system cannot. There is no judgment and, in many cases, no bill; just help from good people looking to make a difference.
Programs like Ontario’s BounceBack exist specifically to give people the tools they need to recover from mental health issues and rebuild the life they want, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Mental Health Care Shouldn’t Be a Luxury
It’s terrible to feel as though there is no help out there, and that only those with money can get the help they need.
There are plenty of problems with the system and it cannot be denied that those with higher earnings won’t suffer in the same way as those at the bottom of the ladder, but this does not mean there is no one out there for you.
Don’t be afraid to pursue the help you need. Be sure to chase every avenue to find the affordable support you need:
- Community support
- Government programs
- Insurance policies
These can be great ways to make therapy, or any other care you need, as accessible and affordable as possible.
Try not to let cost be the barrier between your recovery and your current state; by understanding your options and reaching out for help you can find the care you need without breaking the bank.
