Primary mental health care
Many residents in BC lack access to the mental health care they need. Costs are prohibitive for most without extended health benefits, and a shortage of mental health professionals means even those who can afford the supports they need could wait a long time to get them. It is time that our public health care system starts covering mental health services for everyone, taking a preventative, upstream approach to funding mental health services rather. Community Health Centres could play a key role in primary mental health care delivery, as could neighbourhood houses, immigrant and settlement organizations, and other community service organizations.