New data from the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) shows there is "a consistent and growing demand" for psychological services throughout Ontario.
The OPA said this follows the development and launch of a groundbreaking digital solution in January 2021, gathering data on access to mental health care and facilitating personalized patient-provider matches.
"After three years, the results underscore a consistent and growing demand for psychological services throughout Ontario revealing regional nuances. Unfortunately, many Ontarians without extended health benefits or financial means to afford healthcare were left underserved, emphasizing the imperative for increased funding to address this inequity," said the OPA news release.
Some of the key findings were as follows:
− As of November 30th, referral volumes surged by an impressive 27 per cent between 2022 and 2023. − Seniors witnessed the most substantial percentage increase in referrals compared to the previous year.
− A notable shift occurred as Ontarians increasingly favored in-person care over virtual options, reversing the trend observed from 2021 to 2022.
− Southern Ontario cities, particularly Waterloo, experienced heightened demand compared to other regions.
An OPA infographic provided additional data. It said anxiety is the primary issue across all age groups. The OPA said depression ranks second among adults and teens, while children primarily face challenges related to emotion regulation. Trauma is a significant concern for adults, whereas ADHD is prevalent among teens and children, ranking third. School-related issues hold the fifth position for teens and fourth for children.
The graphic also revealed information on patient preferences. It said although 35 per cent of Ontarians had no specific preference with regards to their psychologist, many indicated low wait times and the clinician’s gender as most important.
Richard Morrison, CEO of the Ontario Psychological Association said the new data is important in helping the OPA better understand the concerns of patients.
"The invaluable insights gleaned from the data collected through askforhelptoday.ca are revolutionizing our association’s approach to meeting the diverse needs of our communities. This comprehensive dataset not only empowers our understanding of Ontarians' evolving psychological requirements but also enables us to guide and enhance the adaptability of the psychology workforce.
