Directed to: The Government of Ontario and the Minister of Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but not everyone has equal access to the support they need. For individuals and families living on a low income, paying for private counselling or therapy can be difficult, especially when they are already struggling to afford basic necessities such as rent, groceries, and transportation.

Lawrence Heights is a diverse community in North York with a long history of social and affordable housing. Although organizations such as Unison Health and Community Services provide mental health support and other resources, affordable counselling options remain an important issue for residents who may face financial barriers.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, many Canadians continue to experience unmet mental health care needs. This highlights the importance of making mental health services more accessible, especially for people who cannot afford private treatment.

Ontario offers programs such as Ontario Structured Psychotherapy, which provides free treatment for eligible individuals experiencing depression and anxiety-related concerns. However, these programs do not cover every mental health condition or type of ongoing support that someone may need.

We are asking the Ontario government to increase funding for free and low-cost counselling, expand community-based mental health programs in Lawrence Heights and surrounding neighbourhoods, and improve access to ongoing therapy for low-income residents.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to receive mental health support regardless of their financial situation. No one should have to choose between paying their bills and taking care of their mental health.

Please sign this petition to help make mental health services more affordable and accessible for Lawrence Heights residents.

Sources

1. Canadian Institute for Health Information (2026)
https://www.cihi.ca/en/canadas-mental-health-and-substance-use-workforce/challenges-persist-in-access-to-mental-health-and-substance-use-care

2. Ontario Health – Ontario Structured Psychotherapy
https://www.ontariohealth.ca/clinical/mental-health-addictions/structured-psychotherapy

3. Unison Health and Community Services – Social Work and Counselling
https://unisonhcs.org/programs-services-other-programs-and-services/health-services/social-workers/