Throughout Canada, there is an increasing demand for mental health support, yet limited access to care is proving to be a significant barrier for the population. This critical issue highlights the necessity for collaborative efforts between employer benefit plans and the public health system to address the gaps in mental health services. Leveraging technological advancements, such as virtual care, is emerging as a crucial solution to enhance access, offer timely support, and bring notable benefits to employers by reducing productivity loss and yielding a return on investment.
The healthcare system in Canada, established by the Medical Care Act of 1966 and further reinforced by the Canada Health Act of 1984, ensures publicly funded healthcare accessible to all Canadians. However, mental health services receive limited coverage, particularly for community-based care such as counselling, psychotherapy, and psychological services. The resulting disparity in coverage has led to the reliance on employer-sponsored benefit plans and private insurance to address the gaps in funding for mental health services.
In an effort to improve access to mental health care, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) was formed in 2007, followed by the launch of the Mental Health Strategy for Canada in 2012. Despite these initiatives, the majority of mental health services are funded by employer-sponsored benefits, private insurance, or out-of-pocket payments, indicating the persistent challenges in addressing the growing mental health support needs in Canada.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened the need for mental health support, with approximately 30% of short- and long-term disability claims attributed to mental health issues. The prevalence of moderate to severe mental health symptoms increased from one in five adults before the pandemic to one in four by early 2022, highlighting the substantial impact of the pandemic on mental health in Canada.
Young adults between the ages of 18-24 have been particularly affected, with 33% reporting symptoms of depression. Moreover, marginalized groups such as 2SLGBTQ+ adults and indigenous peoples have experienced higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Financial strain due to rising inflation and high living costs has further contributed to deteriorating mental health, with nearly half of Canadians reporting sleep loss and one-third experiencing anxiety and depression due to financial stress.
Addressing the growing mental health needs, a shift towards virtual care during the pandemic has demonstrated promising outcomes, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional in-person care. Virtual mental health services have bridged the accessibility gap by eliminating travel requirements and improving affordability for individuals in remote or rural areas. This transition has been met with high patient satisfaction rates, highlighting the positive impact of virtual care on mental health services.
One case study by Dialogue on virtual mental health services in Canada revealed significant improvements in mental health scores among participants with moderate-to-severe symptoms, showcasing the effectiveness of this innovative approach. Virtual mental health services not only offer scalable solutions to address diverse mental health needs but also yield a high return on investment for employer-based programs.
As Canada continues to navigate these changes, innovation and collaboration are key to ensuring inclusive, efficient, and adaptable mental health care. The shift towards digital mental health solutions presents a promising path to enhance mental health support, making it more accessible to Canadians. By embracing technology and prioritizing mental health, Canada is poised to revolutionize its mental health services for the better.