CMHA celebrates National Psychology Month

CMHA-WECB joins health professionals across the country to celebrate Psychology Month in February.

Led by the Canadian Psychological Association, Psychology Month is an annual national campaign to raise awareness about the role psychology plays to help individuals and communities flourish.

CMHA recognizes structured psychotherapy as an effective intervention for treating anxiety and depression, which afflicts an estimated three million Canadians.

CMHA-WECB offers a Counselling and Treatment program which provides one to one counselling and/or treatment and psycho-educational groups for individuals with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression with the goal of symptom reduction, improved coping and wellness. The type of treatment (individual and/or group), treatment modality (i.e. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) as well as number of sessions and length of stay are determined based on the needs of the client. Average length of stay is estimated at 6 to 12 months. Referrals can be made by other community agencies and health care providers. Self-referrals are also accepted.

In a recent pre-budget submission, CMHA Ontario Division asked the provincial government for a significant investment in improving access to psychotherapy services for all Ontarians. An increased investment would reduce wait times and provide greater access to psychotherapies which can be delivered widely and by many different health care professionals.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in Psychology Month by sharing on social media how psychology has improved their lives with the hashtag #PsychologyWorks.