CMHA is ‘there for people’

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This article was published 17/07/2024 (749 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Knowing where to go when you need help is essential, and maybe never more so than when it comes to mental health. Consultations with family doctors can result in appointments with a psychiatrist — whose services are covered by Manitoba Health — or private practice therapists, counsellors or psychologists, whose services may require the payment of fees through private or group insurance plans or by the patients themselves.

Going online to find resources is a good alternative. The Canadian Mental Health Association of Manitoba and Winnipeg’s Service Navigation Hub provides an overview of the services available to those seeking help.

“When people go to our website they will have the opportunity to find their region of Manitoba,” said Stephen Sutherland, fund development manager of CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg. “As they look at the programs and services, we encourage people to connect to our service navigation program, where our recovery specialists are equipped to listen and determine possible next steps within our programs and services. In the event that there is not a fit at CMHA, we know that there is something with our long list of community partners.”

Sutherland notes that Manitobans face worrying levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness, heightened by social inequality, an affordability crisis, ongoing climate concerns and food security.

“We cannot talk about mental health — mental health challenges and mental illness — without including substance misuse and substance abuse disorders. The silver lining is the pandemic has given us all a collective experience, where mental health challenges and illness have led people in all walks of life the need to access support. More people are attempting to access help,” Sutherland explained, adding that, ironically, this is where stigma breeds unnecessarily.

“The expectation is that (I) would be seen swiftly, listened to, provided a treatment plan and have ongoing supports by provincial or federal health care systems and services,” Sutherland said.

“Unfortunately, people attempting to access services for the first time, and others, realize that mental health services are difficult to navigate, overburdened, understaffed, and are left feeling alone and helpless in their unmet needs.

“The fact is that mental health services, unless delivered by a physician and/or in a hospital setting, are not considered ‘medically necessary’ within the Canada Health Act. This means that people have to pay out of pocket to meet their basic mental health needs, and countless others are unable to access services altogether,” he continued, noting that mental health needs to be viewed as a priority and a basic human right.

Making it easier for people to ask for help requires creating a space that is safe and free of judgment, Sutherland said. He cited feedback indicating that over 92 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that they ‘feel listened to when accessing services at CMHA.’

“This creates an environment where our participants can begin their journey in recovery… We care about people. At CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg we believe it’s possible to thrive.”

CMHA’s programs and services are available at no cost. Some programs are in-person and others are virtually or done over the phone.

Visit cmhaacrossmb.ca for more information.

People are welcome to visit the CMHA at 930 Portage Avenue during business hours, email: hub@cmhawpg.mb.ca or call 204-775-6442.