Introduction
The cost of psychotherapy and counselling can often be a barrier to receiving support but the good news is the government of Canada is finally making some changes. Effective June 21st 2024, the government has removed GST/HST on psychotherapy and counselling services through bill C-59(Government of Canada, 2024).
Why this is Important?
With this change, more Canadians will be able to afford psychotherapy services and receive support for their mental health. A 2021 Statistics Canada study in the field found that approximately one in five Canadians 12 and older disclosed the need for support with their mental health (Becken, 2023). In spite of this, many Canadians have been unsuccessful in getting support and one of the biggest barriers has been the cost as collectively people spend $950 million yearly on private practice psychotherapy (Moroz et al., 2020). Thankfully with this change, the Government of Canada has taken the first step towards making mental health services more accessible.
The Impact of Counselling and Psychotherapy on Mental Health
Vailadi et al’s (2021) study highlights that through the use of therapeutic techniques, psychological services work to support those with mental health issues by lessening the frequency of negative symptoms (mood swings, anxiety, flash-backs) and its aligned negative outcomes such as suicidality and hospitalization. Notably, when these symptoms and conditions are adequately managed, an individual's quality of life greatly improves as a result of the management of symptoms and support offered through mental health services (Vasiladi et al., 2021). So it goes without saying that mental health supports will greatly impact the overall mental health of those who seek support and establish a process that can help maintain the benefits that have been gained.
So if you're struggling with your mental health, there is help for you! If you need support, take advantage of the tax-free mental health services we offer here at Redeemed Counselling and Psychotherapy Services.
Click here to book a free phone consultation and get on the road to freedom, liberation, and healing.
To read more about Bill C-59, click here.
References
Becken, Bob. (2023, April). Demand for mental health service in Canada is climbing. So are wait times for specialists. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). https://www.cbc.ca/radio/check
up/mental-health-service-climbs-waitlists-too-1.6798601#:~:text=In%20a%20Statistics%20Canada%20study,unmet%20or%20only%20partially%20met.
Department of Finance Canada. (2024, June). Legislation to make life more affordable, build more homes, and strengthen economy for everyone receives Royal Assent. Government of Canada.https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2024/06/legislation-to-make-life-more-affordable-build-more-homes-and-strengthen-economy-for-everyone-receives-royal-assent.html
Moroz N, Moroz I, D’Angelo MS. Mental health services in Canada: Barriers and cost-effective solutions to increase access. Healthcare Management Forum. 2020;33(6):282-287. doi:10.1177/0840470420933911
Vasiliadis, H. M., Spagnolo, J., & Lesage, A. (2021). Public Funding of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for Common Mental Disorders: Increasing Calls for Action in Canadian Provinces. Healthcare policy = Politiques de sante, 16(3), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpol.2021.26437
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