My son is
twenty years old and suffers from depression. For the longest time he has been
in a very dark place, not willing to accept that he could possibly be suffering
from a mental illness. What are his options for treatment? Well for starters,
he works in a local fast food chain, earning minimum wages, and doesn’t have
health insurance coverage to be able to seek the services of a psychiatrist of
his choosing. He doesn’t have a family doctor so he either has to go a hospital
emergency room or visit the local walk-in clinic in order to get a referral slip
to see a psychiatrist, which could take months due to the long wait lists. No
matter what, it will be a long time before he sees a doctor and receives
treatment.
Statistics Canada released a study in September, 2014 that revealed the following data with regard to young people with mental illnesses.
Statistics Canada released a study in September, 2014 that revealed the following data with regard to young people with mental illnesses.
- Since 2002 there has been an increase of about 10% of Canadians aged 15 and older who are experiencing a mental health issue.
- The total number of 12 to 19 year olds in Canada who are at risk for developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million.
The study also
revealed how inaccessible it is in Canada to get psychiatric and/or
psychological treatment. Only 1 out of 5
children needing mental health services receives them.
A diagnosis entails both psychiatric and psychological assessments. Psychiatric services are covered under the public health insurance program, but psychological services are not, unless the doctor works from a hospital. That is, services from a psychologist practicing in a private office, outside the hospital, are not covered by the public health insurance program; therefore, patients must pay out-of-pocket. However; with a private health insurance plan, a patient can afford counselling sessions as well as any prescribed medications.
When I think of the troubling issues my son is facing, I also think about the many others who, like him, will not have easy access to treatment. While Canada’s health care system has many advantages, there are areas where it falls short, and too many young people pay the price.
A good healthinsurance plan can go a long way in allowing you treatment options and helping with the costs of prescribed medications should you need them.
A diagnosis entails both psychiatric and psychological assessments. Psychiatric services are covered under the public health insurance program, but psychological services are not, unless the doctor works from a hospital. That is, services from a psychologist practicing in a private office, outside the hospital, are not covered by the public health insurance program; therefore, patients must pay out-of-pocket. However; with a private health insurance plan, a patient can afford counselling sessions as well as any prescribed medications.
When I think of the troubling issues my son is facing, I also think about the many others who, like him, will not have easy access to treatment. While Canada’s health care system has many advantages, there are areas where it falls short, and too many young people pay the price.
A good healthinsurance plan can go a long way in allowing you treatment options and helping with the costs of prescribed medications should you need them.
