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Access to Quality Mental Health Care
Overview|Resources
What is the issue?
People in Canada who live with a mental health problem or illness should be able to expect timely access to high-quality services — on par with those available for physical illness — no matter where or when they need them.
High-quality mental health services are
- stigma free
- recovery oriented
- evidence informed
- culturally safe and linguistically appropriate
- equitable and inclusive.
What are we doing?
We are part of several initiatives, undertaken with other health-care organzations across Canada, that seek to increase access to high-quality mental health services.
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The quality mental health framework In partnership with HealthCareCAN, we are leading the development of a framework for quality mental health care through the Quality Mental Health-Care Network, a group representing more than 10 Canadian health-care organizations. |
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E-mental health solutions As an effective and complementary option to face-to-face mental health support, the internet, mobile apps, and other technologies can be used to deliver timely, effective mental health services and provide the right care solutions when and where people need them. Learn more on our E-Mental Health page. |
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Increased access to psychotherapies The Psychotherapy Policy Implementation Network (PPIN) is a pan-Canadian group of policy makers, researchers, clinicians, persons with lived and living experience, and other relevant experts. In seeking to expand access to psychotherapies, the PPIN works to align key stakeholders, support knowledge sharing, build consensus, and develop recommendations. Go to our Expanding Access page to learn more. |
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Supporting immigrant, refugee, ethnocultural, and racialized (IRER) populations We are supporting a demonstration project to develop culturally adapted cognitive behavioural therapy (CaCBT) to improve mental health outcomes for persons of South Asian descent. This collaborative project includes the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Moving Forward Family Services (Vancouver), Punjabi Community Health Services (Toronto), and Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre. Learn more about our work to support IRER populations. |
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Reducing structural stigma in health care We assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives to reduce structural stigma in health-care organizations. Learn more on our structural stigma page. |
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Better outcomes through recovery-oriented practice The Guidelines for Recovery-Oriented Practice, developed through partnerships with diverse stakeholders, is Canada’s first comprehensive reference document for understanding recovery-oriented practice. A toolkit to support the implementation of these guidelines is forthcoming. Visit our Recovery page to learn more. |
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Addressing psychosocial factors specific to health care When health-care workers experience mental health problems or burnout, they may find delivering quality patient care more difficult. Preventing illness and promoting well-being is crucial to achieving quality mental health care. Learn more on our Psychological Health and Safety within Healthcare Settings page. |
RECOVERY: Hope Changes Everything
A video produced by the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society.
A tool for starting conversations about recovery and recovery-oriented mental health services.