The emergence of online/ virtual treatment services
As the Covid-19 pandemic began to impact Ontario, there was an abrupt disruption to in-person treatment services in Ontario. Some services temporarily closed, others limited the services they could offer, and others began to offer services virtually or by phone.
BounceBack (bounceback@ontario.cmha.ca) is an example of an available online option.
BounceBack is an evidence-based, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skill-building program for adults and youth 15+ across Ontario. Through one-on-one telephone coaching, workbooks and online videos that participants can do from home, they learn CBT skills to help them better manage their symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
In the spring of 2019, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provided funding to new initiatives in an effort to have services available to individuals virtually. Funding was given to two service providers to offer Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). These programs allowed people dealing with depression and anxiety to connect online with a counsellor, and receive ongoing therapy.
The two services that became available in the spring of 2019 were iCBT – Morneau Shepell (iCBTMorneau Shepell) and ICBT – MindBeacon (iCBT-MindBeacon). Virtual counselling options enabled individuals to continue receiving treatment help and support during the pandemic, when there was a reduction in the amount of in-person help available.
Morneau Shepell offers AbilitiCBT, which is an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program that can be accessed at any time. CBT works by helping individuals understand and change the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are causing them problems. AbilitiCBT works virtually and offers a special program to help address anxiety symptoms related to the uniquely challenging aspects of pandemics: uncertainty, isolation, caring for family and community members, information overload and stress management.
MindBeacon offers BEACON guided digital therapy. Through secure digital messaging, and tailored readings and activities, individuals work 1-to-1 with a registered therapist. The Beacon therapy can be completed at the individual’s own pace, and most people complete their personalized course in 6-10 weeks. A course of BEACON therapy includes: Personal Assessment, Personalized Course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 1-to-1 relationship with a therapist, and continued access to an individual’s history and resources for 12 months.
Participants in iCBT therapy need to have internet access. The programs are designed for those with mild to moderate anxiety and depression, not for those with more complex diagnoses.
However, these virtual therapies allow individuals to seek help, or continue with support, during a pandemic time when face-to-face services have been reduced or temporarily closed altogether. They also offer easy access, as people can work on these programs from the comfort of their own home. So, for individuals who have transportation issues, they can increase ease of access. For individuals who are vulnerable from a health standpoint, utilizing these services also helps to reduce their risk of having to go out and potentially expose themselves to Covid-19 by meeting a therapist in an office. As well, these services are beneficial for people who are simply more comfortable interacting with and receiving assistance from a program virtually than they are with seeking services face-to-face.
To discover mental health, substance abuse or problem gambling services available in Ontario, contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600, or, to contact by email or live web chat, go to www.connexontario.ca.