On April 2, Premier Doug Ford announced $12 million in funding to immediately expand online and virtual mental health supports.
A further $2.6 million will help hire new psychologists and other mental health workers to support OPP personnel.
“Dealing with an evolving crisis like COVID-19 puts a lot of stress on everyone, including people who are self-isolating, families with kids out of school, and the frontline health care workers and first responders who are keeping us safe each and every day,” said Ford.
“This very difficult situation will impact different people in different ways, but I can assure everyone we will be there to support you and help you cope in every way we can. Clearly, protecting our health and well-being is everything, and that includes our mental health.”
Officials say these services will help those experiencing mental health challenges, including those who are unable to access their regular in-person counselling supports.
The province says that mental health agencies will receive the emergency funding to hire and train more staff, and purchase necessary equipment, technology and additional licenses.
The emergency funding will immediately expand services, based on evidence-informed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), on a range of platforms including BounceBack, Kids Help Phone, Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) in English and French, iCBT targeted to frontline health care workers, training for brief CBT-based interventions, and hiring additional mental health workers for the OPP.
“The current COVID-19 outbreak reinforces how much we rely on frontline workers and why it is so important to look after their mental health and wellbeing,” said Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Solicitor General.
Michael Tibollo, associate minister of Mental Health and Addictions, stated, “Many Ontarians, including our dedicated first responders, are experiencing increased anxiety because of COVID-19 and are worried about their health, the health of their family and friends, and the future of their livelihoods.
“We continue to work with our partners across the mental health and addictions sector to fund more innovative services such as internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, ensuring Ontarians receive the high-quality care they expect and deserve.”
Those currently receiving mental health and addictions services and supports are asked to contact their service provider to learn about possible online and virtual care options.
