Mental Health Access Should Not Depend on Your Postal Code

All people in Canada deserve timely access to qualified, affordable, and insured mental health care, no matter where they live. Mental health is a fundamental part of overall health, yet access to quality counselling and psychotherapy services still varies greatly across the country. 

In provinces where the profession is unregulated, individuals face inconsistent standards of care and reduced insurance coverage. Even in regulated provinces, insurance recognition remains inconsistent. This patchwork approach creates inequity that leads to longer wait times, higher costs, and worsened outcomes for millions of Canadians. 

CCPA advocates for a fair, consistent system where counselling therapists, psychotherapists, and Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) are recognized and insured across all provinces and territories. 

One Canadian Economy. One Standard of Care

A healthy economy starts with healthy people. Access to mental health care is economic policy, is a must, and should be a priority. 

Mental health fuels workforce productivity, social well-being, and national prosperity. Yet, a fragmented system that leaves some Canadians behind weakens our collective capacity to recover, grow, and thrive. The economic cost of mental illness is estimated at $51 billion annually and it affects workers across every industry and region. 

Our vision is simple: every Canadian, in every province and territory, should have access to the same high-quality mental health care. Whether you’re a truck driver in Manitoba, a nurse in Nova Scotia, a student in British Columbia, a hunter in Yukon, or a teacher in Nunavut, mental wellness powers Canada’s future. 

Together, we can build one Canadian economy, grounded in one standard of care

Current Advocacy Priorities

Include CCCs, counselling therapists, and psychotherapists in all health insurance plans to ensure consistent, affordable access for all Canadians

Support consistent provincial regulation to guarantee quality standards and promote labour mobility

Reinstate Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) under federal and Indigenous health programs and ensure recognition across unregulated provinces

Reform federal Indigenous mental health programs through Indigenous-led governance and restore access to qualified counsellors

Maintain GST/HST exemption for counselling and psychotherapy services nationwide

Encourage employers and benefits providers to expand mental health coverage for Canada’s workforce by recognizing CCCs in unregulated provinces, and psychotherapists and counselling therapists in regulated provinces

Improve mental health services and well-being of those living in designated rural, remote, and northern communities and increase their participation in the workforce by extending the existing student loan forgiveness programs to counsellors/psychotherapists/counselling therapists through Canada Student Loans

The federal government must enact the Mental Health and Substance Use Health Care for All Parity Act and commit to sustainable funding

Mental Health is Health: A National Imperative

Canada is facing a leadership gap in mental health policy. The removal of a dedicated Minister for Mental Health and Addictions signals a concerning shift away from prioritizing mental wellness at the federal level. 

While the government focuses on economic growth, it risks ignoring the foundation of that success – the health and wellness of our workforce. Mental health is not optional. It is essential and must be a part of the dialogue to solve both the healthcare crisis and Build Canada. Now is the time to recommit to mental health as a national imperative. 

Featured Advocacy Campaigns

Turning Advocacy into Action

Through dedicated advocacy, CCPA has delivered meaningful results, such as securing the GST/HST exemption for counselling and psychotherapy services. 

We continue to advance federal and provincial policy change, promote equitable coverage, and push for a unified national framework recognizing the essential role of CCCs, counselling therapists, and psychotherapists in Canada’s mental health system. 

Join the Movement for Mental Health Access

Your voice can make a difference. Join CCPA’s nationwide advocacy for equitable, insured mental health care for everyone in Canada. 

Ways to Get Involved: 
– Subscribe for advocacy updates 
– Share campaign messages on social media 
– Write to your MP using our advocacy toolkit 
– Become a CCPA member to strengthen our collective impact 

Vicki-Anne Rodrigue – National Advocacy Lead

The CCPA has long been involved in advocating for the professions of Counselling and Psychotherapy, engaging various stakeholders at local, regional, national, and international levels. Key recent efforts include removing HST/GST from counselling services, increasing inclusion in insurance and employee assistance plans, and reinstating CCCs in the NIHB program in unregulated provinces—efforts spanning nearly a decade. In recognition of the need for dedicated advocacy, Vicki-Anne Rodrigue, M.Ed., CCC, was hired to lead these initiatives. Vicki-Anne often solicits her Member of Parliament, Marie-France Lalonde’s permission to regularly attend Question Period to remain abreast of the political landscape and areas of focus that could interest CCPA members. A long-term CCPA member, seasoned communicator, and strong advocate for fair, equitable, and comprehensive access to mental health care for all Canadians, she brings valuable insight to the national advocacy efforts. Vicki-Anne can be reached at [email protected].

Kathy Offet-Gartner – Regional Advocacy Lead

Given the broad scope of national and international issues, the CCPA National Board created a Regional Advocacy role to address local needs. Kathy Offet-Gartner, a Registered Psychologist and former CCPA President, is the first to hold this position. She will focus on member engagement, regional advocacy, regulation, and emerging trends. Kathy works closely with Vicki-Anne and is eager to connect with members on regional matters. She can be reached at [email protected].