Canada’s Counsellors and Psychotherapists Applaud the Mental Health Strategy for Canada
OTTAWA, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ – The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy
Association (CCPA) applauds the ambitious, practical, and flexible
priorities of the Mental Health Commission’s Report: Changing
Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada which
was released in Ottawa yesterday.
CCPA welcomes a National Health Strategy that promotes mental health in homes, schools and workplaces. The six strategic directions of the
Strategy are consistent with the culture and social justice advocacy
work of CCPA and the professional practice of its member practitioners.
The Strategy pinpoints actions that focus on recovery and rights;
improve access to services, treatments and supports; reduce disparities
and respond to diversity; recognize the distinct contributions and
mental health needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and mobilize
leadership across all sectors and all levels of government.
CCPA is encouraged by the recent public and governmental attention that
mental health care has received as a result of the Mental Health
Commission’s research and today’s Report. Lorna Martin, President of
the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association noted that
“Canadians deserve timely, open access to quality mental health care
across the lifespan, regardless of life circumstances, geographic
location, or socio-economic factors. Prevention, early intervention,
and ongoing support for all people affected by mental health and
wellness concerns should be a basic right in our nation. As
professional counsellors and psychotherapists, we are working to defeat
the stigma that has clouded people’s attitudes about mental illness and
raise awareness of the benefits of timely counselling and psychotherapy
services. The Mental Health Commission’s Report provides Canadians and
Canadian institutions with strategic direction to make a difference and
put positive change into action. Of particular concern to CCPA is that
Canadians have increased aware of and access to the appropriate level of service at the appropriate time.”
The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association was founded in
1965 and is the national professional voluntary association providing
leadership to counsellors and psychotherapists in all areas of
practice. Our 4,300 members are active in hospitals, community
agencies, schools, private practice, penitentiaries, long-term care
facilities, academia and industry. www.ccpa-accp.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association
