Exploring Mental Health Services and Depression Counselling in Canada
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Across Canada, awareness of mental health care and services has become more common. Still, depression remains one of the most common mental health challenges that Canadians face. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), roughly 5% of Canadians over 15 years old have experienced a major depressive episode in the last year, while around 11% of adults will fit the criteria for major depressive disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Thanks to increased public awareness, campaigns designed to reduce stigma, and expanded availability of mental health services, more Canadians are now seeking support for their mental struggles. Even so, gaps in availability, affordability, and flexibility remain.
Depression counselling is one of the most widely used approaches to treating depression. It offers a space for individuals to explore their feelings, identify coping strategies, and work toward improved emotional well-being. In Canada, these services are delivered through a mix of public health care, nonprofit programs, and individual practices, sometimes supplemented by virtual counselling services that make help more attainable. Mental health supports for low mood, such as online resources or counselling sessions provided by a doctor or counsellor, can make a significant difference in an individual’s mental health.
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Understanding depression counselling in Canada
Depression counselling in Canada is designed to help individuals navigate emotional distress by providing a safe, supportive space to explore symptoms, life events, thought patterns, and behaviours in an attempt to understand and treat depression and anxiety. Counselling is not limited to severe cases. It can also be beneficial for people dealing with mild or moderate depression symptoms, especially if those symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks. Supports like toll-free hotlines staffed by volunteers who have completed a training program may also be available to individuals in Ontario and other locations.
Evidence-based therapy and mental health care approaches for mental health challenges
There are several evidence-based therapy methods that can be used by mental health professionals to address depression in their clients, including:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured form of therapy intended to help individuals process and work through problematic or unhelpful thought patterns, unhelpful behaviours, and problematic core beliefs in an effort to find better ways to cope with them.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of therapy intended to help individuals learn better ways to manage their emotions.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT is a form of therapy dedicated to addressing interpersonal issues and improving an individual’s social functioning to treat depression.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT is a form of therapy intended to help individuals recognize and accept their thoughts and feelings, which can sometimes lead to anxiety and depression relief.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a form of therapy intended to help individuals address traumatic or distressing experiences from their past, such as domestic violence or sexual violence, in an effort to reduce their impact on mental health.
Each of these approaches can be tailored to a person’s specific experiences and needs. With the help of a mental health professional, Canadians who experience depression may find relief through one of the above-mentioned forms of therapy.
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When to seek mental health counselling for depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles
Counselling may be recommended to address depression when symptoms start to have a significant impact on daily life. Symptoms like low energy, lethargy, despairing mood, difficulty concentrating, trouble with sleep, or withdrawal from activities that once brought joy can have an impact on an individual’s life, and depression counselling can help. People experiencing mental health difficulties due to grief, chronic illness, trauma, or significant life changes may also benefit. Even without a formal diagnosis, depression counselling can provide tools to help individuals manage distress and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns
Many people experience substance misuse alongside depressive symptoms, and supports are available for people who are struggling with the misuse of alcohol, medications, or other substances. While some forms of treatment for alcohol or substance use disorder, particularly medical interventions, must occur in person, mental health support for these conditions is also available online.
Mental health services and resources available in Canada
Canada’s mental health services are supported by a blend of government-funded care, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives. While hospital-based psychiatric care is sometimes covered under the public health care system in Canada, counselling coverage varies by province and territory. One option is to consult your doctor, who may provide a referral to a professional who supports people with similar concerns or can otherwise help you find resources. Many support options are available online or via phone.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide organization with 330 community locations that promotes mental health and helps individuals recovering from a mental health condition.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is the largest mental health teaching hospital in Canada, offering a wide array of mental health services, including programs and services dedicated to:
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety disorders and major depression
- Mood and personality disorders
- Trauma and stress disorders
- Virtual urgent care
- Mental health research
Local and community-based mental health services
In an effort to make mental health resources more attainable, many provinces, territories, and communities offer locally provided mental health services, like peer support, walk-in clinics, and group therapy programs.
Online therapy and counselling services
Through organizations like BetterHelp, Canadians can receive depression counselling from mental health professionals from the comfort of their own home or a location of their choosing. This widespread availability is especially helpful in bridging the gaps among flexibility, availability, and need.
Support for Indigenous peoples and diverse communities
Supports are available for Indigenous peoples, First Nations individuals, and members of other diverse communities in Canada. For example, the Hope for Wellness Helpline is available in multiple languages for people in need of immediate mental health support and crisis intervention. The helpline is staffed by culturally competent counsellors who can help Indigenous people in a way that takes their backgrounds and beliefs into account.
Help for children, families, and young people
Children, young people, and their families can often request counselling services for low mood and other mental health concerns through schools, youth programs, and public health networks. If a child is struggling with their mental health, another option as a parent is to speak to their pediatrician about the appropriate supports for the situation.
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Reaching mental health professionals in Canada
Mental health professionals in Canada include psychologists, clinical counsellors, psychotherapists, and social workers. Each mental health profession has unique qualifications and scopes of practice, with licensing regulated at a provincial level.
Public mental health services may require a referral from a primary care provider, while those from an individual practice may not. Wait times can vary, depending on the location and time of day. In some areas, non-emergency, local counselling services may require several days or months to fulfill an appointment. That is why many individuals choose to seek virtual depression counselling.
The benefits of virtual counselling services and online options
Virtual counselling services have grown rapidly in the last ten years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual therapy has existed for some time, but its adoption by the general public and healthcare providers was relatively slow-moving until the need for online services became overwhelming. Now, there are options available for almost any individual, no matter their location or needs.
Availability of online therapy
Virtual counselling removes geographic barriers in rural or remote communities where local mental health providers might be scarce. Individuals are free to connect with therapists and psychiatrists across provinces, often with shorter wait times compared to in-person services.
Something similar can be said about the availability of mental health services in urban areas. While the number of local providers may be higher, that doesn’t necessarily alter the availability of those services. Due to traffic concerns, schedules, and travel limitations, individuals in urban areas may find it difficult to connect with an in-person counselor or therapist. Fortunately, online therapy services are available.
Discretion and comfort
Online counselling may feel more comfortable for those concerned about the stigma of mental health struggles or any individual who prefers a familiar environment when discussing their mental health. Flexible online scheduling and little-to-no commute also benefit individuals trying to balance work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.
Is online counselling as effective as in-person counselling?
This is a topic that has been researched extensively since online therapy became viable, and the studies continue to illustrate that online counselling and therapy are just as effective as in-person therapy for treating mental conditions, including depression. While some individuals may benefit or even prefer in-person counselling, online therapy is available for those who want or need it.
Addressing barriers to mental health care in Canada
Even with increasing awareness, some Canadians continue to face barriers to depression counselling, including:
- Affordability: While psychiatrists are covered under public health insurance, most non-public counselling services require payment or extended health benefits.
- Geography: People in remote areas may have limited connections to specialized care, and people in urban areas sometimes have scheduling limitations that make receiving in-person mental health support and crisis support difficult.
- Stigma: Common misunderstandings about mental health conditions and mental health care can discourage individuals from seeking help.
- Language and culture: Services may not always be offered in a person’s preferred language or with respect to a person’s cultural values, which can reduce an individual’s desire to seek counselling.
With the availability of online counselling through telephone and online chat, many of these barriers can be solved.
How families and support networks can help individuals who experience depression and anxiety
Family members, friends, and other trusted individuals often play a central role in mental health and major depression recovery. Recognizing warning signs such as withdrawal from social activities, persistent sadness, lethargy, trouble sleeping, or feeling hopeless can help loved ones intervene early and help individuals seek support. Support networks can help by:
- Encouraging individuals to seek mental health services
- Offering practical help, like arranging transportation to appointments
- Providing emotional support during treatment and recovery
- Learning about depression to better understand and empathize with a loved one’s experience
How to integrate counselling into daily life
Counselling can be more effective when paired with a holistic approach to mental health. Lifestyle adjustments such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, hobbies and social activities, mindfulness meditation, journaling, community engagement, and healthy sleep habits can complement online depression counselling. These strategies can also benefit other mental health conditions, including anxiety and PTSD.
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How to integrate co-occurring mental health challenges with depression counselling in Canada
For individuals managing complex or co-occurring mental health challenges, depression counselling can be integrated into other services, like support groups, trauma therapy, or treatment programs for substance misuse, to create a comprehensive plan for long-term stability. The first step to getting help is speaking to a mental health professional.
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Takeaway
Depression counselling in Canada is delivered through public programs, individual practice, nonprofit organizations, and virtual services. While affordability, location, and wait times can be obstacles to receiving help, an expanding network of mental resources, including online therapy, is making support more available.
Seeking help is a personal decision, but for many, it can be an important first step toward managing depression, improving their well-being, gaining valuable tools, and building a more hopeful future. Taking advantage of available supports can start the journey to recovery.
What type of counseling is best for depression?
Whether you're living with major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or another form, it can be crucial to find support. One of the most common modalities of counseling for this type of mental illness is cognitive behavioral therapy. While there are many risk factors for developing depression and not just one single cause, psychotherapy can usually help most people experiencing symptoms.
Is mental health counseling free in Canada?
Mental health counseling is not generally free in Canada unless it's deemed medically necessary, though you may be able to find mental health support for a lower cost in some places. Also keep in mind that crisis intervention lines for those in urgent distress or immediate danger of self-harm or suicide, like 9-8-8, are free and available 24/7.
How to deal with depression in Canada?
The recommended approach if you're living with depression in Canada is to find mental health support as soon as you can. Clinical depression is a serious mental illness, and it will typically not resolve without professional treatment.
How much does a counselling session cost in Canada?
The cost of a counseling session in Canada can vary significantly. In-person sessions could run upwards of $100–200+ CAD.
What are 5 coping skills for depression?
Coping skills can be a core part of working toward mental wellness for young people, adults, and older adults with depression. Five examples include:
- Finding a trusted mental health care provider you can talk to (such as having a culturally competent provider for Indigenous women, other people of color, or 2SLGBTQIA+ people)
- Cultivating healthy ways to reduce stress, such as exercise and meditation
- Building strong and supportive social relationships
- Caring for your physical wellness through healthy habits
- Reaching out to online resources for crisis intervention if needed, or going to the nearest hospital
Why is therapy so expensive in Canada?
Those of any age who have an interest in seeking therapy may wonder why sessions can be so expensive. There are many systemic reasons, including a shortage of providers.
How to get therapy with no money?
People of all ages have the potential to improve well-being through therapy, including people of youth ages, those in adulthood, and older adults. However, affording therapy can be difficult. For those who are facing financial challenges, asking providers about financial aid or seeking out a charity that provides free therapy could be next steps worth exploring.
Is counselling covered by insurance in Canada?
In many cases, mental health counseling is covered by Canadian workplaces as a part of employee benefits. However, it may be worth inquiring with your insurance company to see what your specific plan may cover.
Does depression count as a disability in Canada?
Depression may count as a disability in New Brunswick and other parts of Canada if it meets certain legal stipulations. For example, it typically must significantly impair your daily functioning most days or every day for a year or more.
Is counseling cheaper than therapy?
In some cases, counseling may be cheaper than therapy. One reason for this is that, although they are qualified providers and can act as valuable resources, counselors may not be required to have as many qualifications as therapists. Therefore, they may charge less for their services.
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