Ontario is adding more than 80 new mental health and addictions workers across the province to help almost 4,000 Aboriginal children and young people get better access to culturally appropriate mental health and addictions services. These new workers will provide counselling, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and a range of traditional health services, including traditional teachings and ceremonies. Services will be provided through 30 Aboriginal agencies across the province.
The investment is part of Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy. Aboriginal children and youth represent the fastest growing population in Canada. This investment builds on other supports that are helping Ontario kids with mental health challenges access timely and high-quality services as close to home as possible. Over 50,000 kids and their families will benefit from Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy. New investments will grow to $93 million annually at full implementation.
To read the news release, “Better Access to Mental Health Services for Aboriginal Kids”, visit the Ontario government website.