Abstract
Mental health includes one’s psychological, social, and emotional well-being. People need to maintain their mental health since it helps with the way they function in how they feel, act, and think. Different life events can negatively impact an individuals’ mental health resulting in the genesis of a mental illness(es). In Canada, there is a rise in the number of Canadians suffering from a mental illness(es). Individuals suffering from a mental illness(es) generally seek treatment through mental health services and supports. In Canada mental health services and supports can be obtained from a family doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, etc. However, public health insurance only provides coverage for physician administered services. Meaning mental health services and supports obtained from a family doctor or psychiatrist is covered. Unfortunately, to obtain a referral from a family doctor to see a psychiatrist or receive treatment from a psychiatrist has excessive wait times. This prompts many Canadians to seek help from non-physician mental health professionals such as psychologists. Most Canadians feel that psychologists are qualified to provide treatment, but the costs associated in seeing them as well as lack of coverage from provincial and territorial public health insurance plans pose as barriers in accessing their services. As a result, the mental health needs of Canadians are not met, contributing to the economic, physical health and social consequences to Canada.
