Increasing Access to Mental Health Services
Significant funding will help support people from all walks of life during these difficult times
Our PC government is laser-focused on making sure high-quality mental health and addictions services are available to those who need help, when they need it – whether that be in their community or online.
To that end, we are providing an additional $14.75 million to increase access to innovative mental health and addictions services, and expand in-person, virtual and online services, including internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT).
“From downtown Toronto to rural and remote communities in Ontario’s Far North, the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt right across this province, especially among those living with mental health and addiction challenges,” said Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “That’s why we’ll continue to enhance existing supports while exploring new and innovative services through ground-breaking research.”
This investment, which is provided through the Supporting People and Jobs Fund, will help community-based mental health and addictions programs meet increasing service demands and will be distributed as follows:
- $7 million to safely expand in-person mental health and addictions services, including community-based services, congregate living and supportive housing;
- $4.75 million to support culturally safe services for Indigenous communities; and,
- $3 million to expand virtual and online services including addictions supports, Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) and an online peer support community for mental health.
Our PC government is also investing $2.9 million to fund eight research projects that focus on a wide variety of areas, including supporting the mental health and well-being of families and children, assessing the long-term health effects of COVID-19, and the development of an app to better manage the care of patients.
We want you to know that we have your back. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to some of the amazing mental health and addictions agencies in your local community.