By: Yasmin Hassan, Staff writer
Right now, about 17% of BC residents are experiencing issues with mental health and substance use. If you’ve ever considered therapy or counselling, have you wondered if you’ll have to pay out of pocket? Psychotherapy services are not covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) unless prescribed by a psychiatrist. Even then, treatment typically only covers a limited number of sessions, and wait lists span up to two years. The government should subsidize mental health services that are essential to the wellbeing of so many people in BC.
The BC government states MSP doesn’t typically cover services from counsellors or psychologists outside hospital settings. There are some non-profit organizations that offer low-cost or free counselling, but the problem lies in the scarcity of treatment. And even with extended benefits such as those offered by SFU, coverage includes a very limited number of sessions. SFU’s free counselling only includes “three to four appointments” on average, and the Studentcare health plan covers up to $600 a year in mental health services. Counselling sessions range from $50–240, so even extended benefits only cover a handful of sessions. According to Global News, covering the cost of psychological services prevents mental health issues from “escalating to more severe cases.” This would in turn lead to “cost savings,” on top of “decreased wait times” in emergency rooms.
Preventative care comes in different forms depending on each person, ranging from developing healthy habits to talk therapy. When possible, assessment and treatment should be implemented before people reach mental health crises. This would lessen the load on hospitals and allow people to live their lives without worrying if the next paycheck will be enough to cover counselling sessions. Incorporating psychotherapy into the public healthcare system would encourage early intervention for mental health conditions, preventing them from escalating into more severe conditions.
A recent proposal would put psychotherapy under the provincial government’s oversight. This could provide a framework for public funding. While there are some low–cost options from organizations across the province, that “low cost” can still be debilitating at $25–80 a session, especially with the cost of living in the Lower Mainland. People shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for essential services, and mental health is essential.
While there are some low cost options from organizations across the province, that “low cost” can still be debilitating.
When I think about public healthcare, I think about long lines at the walk-in clinic because hardly anyone has a family doctor anymore. It’s clear our healthcare system needs fixing, and mental health care isn’t any better. For example, there are limited options for adult ADHD diagnoses in the public system, let alone the high costs that come with them. When one woman tried to get assessed for ADHD through the public system, she was told it’d take up to two years. Imagine how many other BC residents breathe a sigh of defeat upon seeing that kind of waitlist.
It’s no secret the Canadian healthcare system is a bleak thing to marvel at. Extreme waitlists, family doctor and staff shortages, consequent burnout of staff and patients — you name it, most people have experienced it. Many have spoken about how federal and provincial governments must invest in fixing our broken healthcare system, considering Canada spends less on public healthcare than many other countries. But, it’s not enough to only fund physical health. Mental health directly impacts your physical health — if left untreated because of inadequate access, those serious cases of depression or anxiety could sprout into actual physical ailments.
Dr. Karine Gauthier, president of the Coalition of Québec Public Network Psychologists, said psychologists in Canada have a “lack of professional autonomy and salary recognition.” On top of lower salaries, psychologists in the public sector also have lower benefits and pension plans. So, while we as the receivers of care need to be taken care of, so do our caregivers. Mental health professionals should be fairly compensated for the services they provide, otherwise they may move to the private sector.
As we engage in discussions about improving the Canadian healthcare system, mental health should also be a consideration. Something that’s incredibly important is encouraging preventative care, and subsidizing that would be nothing short of beneficial. Easy access to psychotherapy has physical health benefits, reduces mental health crises, and helps people stay engaged with their communities. Reaching out for help can be daunting, but it shouldn’t be a financial setback.
