Margaret Frazer House Demands Action on Reducing the Financial Barrier to
Healthcare for People with Mental Illness
"We are launching a petition campaign today, at our community bar-b-que, to include the cost of psychotherapy services for all Ontarians conducted by a registered psychotherapist under the existing Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)" said
For individuals who face economic hardships and are predisposed to mental illness, losing stabilizing resources, such as income, employment, and housing, for an extended period of time can increase the risk factors for mental illness.
Experiencing a mental illness can seriously interrupt a person's education or career path and result in diminished opportunities for employment and a lack of secure employment, in turn, affects one's ability to earn an adequate income. As a result, people may eventually drift into poverty. The cost of one hour of psychotherapy treatment ranges from
"The Ontario Government has an opportunity and must act to reduce the financial barrier to mental health services," said Flis. "If not, we know the long term financial cost to society is immense." Flis said.
MFH is a community mental health agency in
For further information: For further information: Elaine Flis, MFH Board Chair, (416) 258-2264
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