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Ontario expands mental health services for children and youths

Part of plan to build a comprehensive mental health and addictions treatment system
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(via Pexels)

Ontario has pledged more than $24 million to hire more people and to increase access to counselling and therapy for young people struggling with stress, depression, anxiety and addiction.

Details were announced Wednesday by Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo, and Associate Minister of Children and Women's Issues Jill Dunlop.

"I know this has been a challenging period for many of our kids and young people, but by making these targeted investments our government is making it easier for them to access the mental health and addictions services they need," said Ford. 

"As Premier, I want to make sure there is always someone there ready to listen and provide expert help. We need to support and help each other in order to get through this pandemic and start us down the road to recovery together."

The $24.3 million is part of the $176 million investment announced earlier this year in the provincial Roadmap to Wellness plan aimed at building up a fully connected mental health system in Ontario.

Part of the spending will include $11 million for more than 80 providers of youth mental health services, which will mean hiring additional staff for counselling and therapy, crisis services and family support for families and caregivers of children and youth with mental health challenges.

An additional $5.8 million will be directed to 10 Youth Wellness Hubs across the province. These agencies provide walk-in access for young people aged 12 to 25.

The announcement also revealed that more than $3.7 million will be provided for a new eating disorders program, and will provide an intervention program for young people up to age 25, who are struggling with that challenge.

"Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen thousands of individuals and families reach out for help and we know that many continue to face mental health and addiction challenges today," said Associate Minister Tibollo. 

"By significantly expanding access to mental health and addictions supports for our children and youth, we are taking another step towards building a mental health and addictions system for the future, where people and families across Ontario are fully supported in their journey towards mental wellness.”


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