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.

Barbara MacCallum Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association [email protected] Tel: [phone]