Who handles mental health?
Mental Health
Mental health is primarily provincial, with federal funding and research support. Provinces deliver psychiatric care and community mental health services. Municipalities provide local crisis services and community wellness programs.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians (over 6 million people) will experience a mental health problem or illness each year.
- ● Mental illness costs the Canadian economy an estimated $51 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare costs.
- ● The federal government has committed $2.8 billion through the Canadian Mental Health Strategy and the Mental Health and Addiction Strategy.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Mental health research funding (CIHR)
- ● Indigenous mental health services
- ● 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (national)
- ● Federal mental health programs and transfers
💡 Example: Call 988 for crisis support, or contact your MP about mental health funding.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial psychiatric care and hospitals
- ● Community mental health services
- ● Provincial addictions treatment
- ● Mental health in schools
💡 Example: Contact your provincial mental health services, or your MPP/MLA about mental health access.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Community mental health programs
- ● Municipal wellness initiatives
💡 Example: Contact your local crisis line, or your councillor about community mental health.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your provincial MLA/MPP about expanding mental health services and coverage under your provincial health plan.
- ● Support mental health awareness initiatives in your community and reduce stigma through open conversations.
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Most provincial plans cover visits to psychiatrists and some psychologists in hospitals. However, most therapy sessions with psychologists, social workers, and counsellors are NOT covered by provincial plans.
Options include: your family doctor, provincial health services, employer benefits, community mental health clinics, telephone services (988 Suicide Crisis Helpline), and online therapy platforms.
The 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (launched 2023) provides 24/7 confidential support for people in emotional distress. Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counsellor.
Many employers offer Extended Health Benefits that cover therapy sessions. The Canada Mental Strategy encourages employers to provide mental health supports, but it is not legally required.
Launched in 2017, the Canada Mental Strategy is a $5-billion, 10-year plan to improve mental health services, reduce stigma, and increase funding for research and prevention.