Expand MSP to cover mental health in BC

It's never been more clear that mental health is vital to our wellbeing, so why isn't mental health care covered by our medical services plan (MSP)?

By the age of 40, half of British Columbians will need mental health care for stress, anxiety, depression and/or mental illness.

Challenging life events impact people of all ages from all walks of life, and a number of factors can result in a person's need for mental health care including losing a loved one, divorce, financial strain, becoming a parent, bullying and abuse, and unemployment.

Even if you don't need mental health care yourself, it's likely someone you love does. From addiction and homelessness to suicide and violence, the impacts of untreated mental health are far-reaching.

Today, the pandemic has amplified the need for access to mental health care.

In fact, BC doctors are already recording a rise in patients seeking care for their mental health. Unless we take action soon, a mental health crisis is just around the corner.

Even a few visits to a counsellor can make a huge difference for a person's mental health. But long wait lists, lack of coverage and expensive fees create unnecessary barriers for British Columbians seeking mental health care. Price should never be a barrier to accessing mental health care.

With BC's upcoming election on October 24, the power is in your hands.

The BC Greens believe that mental health care should be covered by MSP. Do you? Pledge your support today to show our government that mental health matters to you.