Mental health services in Canada: Barriers and cost-effective solutions to increase access

Abstract

In this article, an overview of the barriers to accessing mental health services in Canada is provided and the recent federal funding commitments toward increasing the availability of evidence-based and cost-effective solutions to improve access to mental health services are highlighted. Barriers pertain mainly to costs, not knowing where to get help, excessive wait times, and insufficient funding. Through the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities agreement, action is being taken by all jurisdictions in Canada to increase community-based mental health promotion programs and early interventions, especially those targeting children and youth. A growing body of evidence is demonstrating how specific community and primary care-based interventions are both effective and cost-effective. These integrated community solutions, shown to be effective for increasing access to appropriate services for patients while saving costs to the healthcare system, would benefit from the recent funding investments put in place by the federal government.