Barriers to Care

By Caroline Henson MSW, RSW | February 2nd

Telling someone to “just get help” is much easier said than done. Despite increased conversations around mental health, access to care remains guarded by financial, geographic, and cultural barriers. Whether it is internal or external barriers that are preventing someone from accessing services, there are many reasons why it is not easy to “just get help.”

Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services

Long waitlists

There has been an increased demand for mental health services which has led to fewer available appointments and longer waitlists. Free/low-cost mental health services often have the longest waitlists due to rising costs in services.

Not knowing where to start

Trying to navigate the mental health system can feel intimidating. Not only are you trying to find someone who can address your specific needs, but you are also trying to find someone you can build a strong therapeutic relationship with.

Overall cost of services

While some mental health services are free/low cost, many individuals find themselves needing to pay out-of-pocket which is a significant barrier due to the cost of services.

Geographical limitations

There is a shortage of mental health services offered in rural and remote areas. Individuals may feel forced to travel long distances to seek the care they need. Others may be unable to access services if they are not available by local public transportation.

Cultural and linguistic barriers

Many individuals face language barriers when trying to access services, which holds them back from seeking help. Mental health is also viewed differently in each culture, which can negatively influence how a person feels about mental health services, despite wanting support.

Stigma

While it may appear that stigma around mental health has changed, there are still many negative perceptions surrounding people who access mental health services, which can prevent people from getting the help they need.

Misconceptions surrounding therapy

There are still misconceptions surrounding therapy that prevent people from accessing services. For example, there is a myth that therapy is only for serious issues or for people with severe mental health issues. This is not true. Therapy is for everyone and can be a great tool to help people navigate their everyday life.

Ultimately, barriers to mental health care do more than limit access to services, as they prolong feelings of hopelessness and isolation. By acknowledging and actively addressing these barriers, we can provide a more compassionate care system that values mental health

What Is Self-Worth?

April 10th

What Is Self-Worth?

By Christina Forde, RP {Qualifying}

Who am I? What do I believe about myself? What do others think about me?
We all ask ourselves these questions. We all have stories we believe about our identities.
But what do we do when the answers to these questions seem to be negative? What do we do when these beliefs lead us to think that we don’t have a lot of self-worth?

What is Psychotherapy?

September 26th

What is Psychotherapy?

By Candice Chiu, M.Ed Counselling and Psychotherapy, RP {Qualifying}

Psychotherapy is a form of mental health treatment typically conducted by talking with a professional about emotional or cognitive distress. These conversations can be in a group setting or one-on-one. While most types of psychotherapy involve talking, other modes of communication include art therapy and expressive arts therapy. No matter the mode, the goal of psychotherapy is to help relieve the mental suffering of the individual seeking it.

Understanding the Cycle of Anxiety

June 19th

Understanding the Cycle of Anxiety

By Stephanie Kolaski (Bowen), RP, PMH-C

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It often manifests as a cycle of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that can feel overwhelming and difficult to break.

One key component of this cycle is rumination, a pattern of repetitive, unhelpful thinking that can increase anxiety symptoms.

In this blog post, we'll explore the cognitive and behavioural cycle of anxiety, with a specific focus on the role of rumination.

What is Trauma?

November 29th

What is Trauma?

By Candice Chiu, M.Ed Counselling and Psychotherapy, RP {Qualifying}

What pops into your mind when you hear the word trauma?

Perhaps you see a violent battlefield during wartime. Or you may be visualizing a major plane crash. Maybe it’s a weapon being pointed directly at you.

If you saw one of the above or anything similar, you’re not alone. Most people think of trauma as a life-threatening experience. These dangerous situations can definitely be traumatic for many. However, if you ask most mental health professionals, they will define trauma differently. Dr. Gabor Maté, a leading specialist in the field of trauma and addiction, says that trauma is, “not what happened to you; it is what happens inside of you as a result of what happens to you”. In other words, trauma is not a situation, but an internal experience.