Kristin Pardy, who lives in a rural community in Newfoundland and Labrador, faces many obstacles to getting care for bulimia and anxiety. (Credits: The Canadian Press/HO-Canadian Mental Health Association)
Kristin Pardy struggled with bulimia for over a decade, keeping it hidden from those around her. When she finally sought help at a local clinic in Cartwright, a small community in southern Labrador, the nurses were supportive and referred her to an outpatient eating disorders program in St. John's. However, St. John's is more than 1,400 kilometers away, and as a working mother, Pardy couldn't afford to leave her children or her job for an extended period. Additionally, the financial burden of paying for accommodations and daily expenses while attending the program made the treatment out of reach.
Pardy's experience highlights a widespread issue in Canada, as many people face barriers to accessing necessary mental health care. According to the State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 report, released by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 2.5 million Canadians are unable to receive the mental health services they need. The report attributes this gap to factors such as a lack of available services, the high costs of seeing many mental health professionals, and the financial strain of paying out-of-pocket for treatment.
The report also notes that 57% of young adults aged 18 to 24 with early signs of mental illness are unable to access care due to affordability issues. Mental health in Canada has worsened significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the need for services at its highest. Access to care is especially limited in rural and northern parts of the country.
Pardy's struggles with mental health deepened during the pandemic when she developed postpartum depression following the birth of her third child. She was later diagnosed with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although she was prescribed medication for her anxiety, her husband's health insurance provider cut her off from coverage upon learning of her diagnoses, citing the higher risks associated with her conditions.
For over two years, Pardy managed without formal treatment, relying on the lighter workload in her small community. However, last June, she started a new job as an emergency medical responder with the provincial government, which gave her access to benefits that included some mental health support. Despite this, she continues to piece together her care, with limited access to therapy through her employer's program, which only covers eight sessions.
Sarah Kennell, the CMHA's national director of public policy, explained that the primary issue lies in Canada's healthcare system, which does not include mental health services under the universal coverage that applies to medical care. Most mental health services, such as counseling, psychotherapy, and treatment for eating disorders, are not publicly funded, forcing individuals to either pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance. This system places an undue financial burden on many Canadians, especially those without insurance.
Kennell emphasized the need for reform, calling for the federal government to amend the Canada Health Act or introduce new legislation to make mental health care universally accessible. The current system, she said, is effectively a "pay-to-play" model, where only those who can afford treatment receive care. This has led to difficult choices for many, such as deciding between paying for rent or therapy.
The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 report urges governments to allocate 12% of their total health budgets to mental health, a significant increase from the current national average of 6.3%. This recommendation is based on the mental health spending in countries like France, Germany, and the UK, where higher percentages of health budgets are dedicated to mental health.
The report, which is the first of its kind by the CMHA, will serve as a benchmark to track progress on mental health access and care across Canada in future reports.
