The provincial government is out with a new strategy to tackle mental health and addictions.
The plan follows extensive consultations with experts, grassroots organizations, health care providers, first responders, families and caregivers.
Minister of Health Christine Elliott says it centres around four main pillars.
1. Enhancing the quality of services across Ontario.
2. Expanding existing mental health and addictions services by investing in priority areas like wait times.
3. Implementing innovative solutions to fill gaps in care.
4. Improving access to services by making navigating the system easier for patients and families.
Elliott has also announced a new publicly-funded therapy program.
Elliott says ‘Mindability’ will launch this Spring.
She says the first-of-its kind in Canada program will provide evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy to equip Ontarians aged 10 and up with the lifelong skills they need to manage their mental health and overall well-being.
Elliott says after receiving an assessment from a trained mental health clinician, an eligible individual will be offered a therapy program that addresses their level of need to support their recovery.
The types of services available will include Internet-based modules, personal workbooks, telephone coaching and clinical counselling, as well as face-to-face, group and individual therapy.
‘Mindability’ will be funded just like OHIP with no out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Ontario unveils Roadmap to Wellness: A Plan to Build Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions System. This is a new cross-government plan that will lead to better supports for Ontarians experiencing #MentalHealth & addictions challenges. https://t.co/IluVj4YDQ8 pic.twitter.com/nO2yjYW8D7
— ONTHealth (@ONThealth) March 3, 2020
