What are alternatives therapies?

Alternative therapies are unconventional treatment options for mental health well-being. These therapies are often used as a substitute to medical treatment but can also be used in conjunction with conventional approaches. 

Examples:

• Nature therapy
• Acupuncture
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Art
• Dance
• Spiritual/cultural practices

With mental health challenges increasing everyday, there is high demand on Ontario's healthcare system to provide adequate and accessible services to its residents. According to the Canadian Mental Health Institution, there are areas to address in terms of mental health, addictions, and substance use: "While Ontario is close to the Canadian average for access to services, the need for better access is evident: in 2021, Ontario Health reported a 47% increase in emergency department visits and a 23% rise in the hospitalization rate for MHASU health care. In particular, the hospitalization rate for youth ages 14-17 with MHASU concerns has increased by 136%" (Mental Health Ontario, 2024). 

The Ontario Healthcare Intervention Plan (OHIP) covering alternative therapies would provide individuals the opportunity to explore treatment options that fit their unique and individual needs. According to the Ontario College of Family Physicians, there are 2.5 million Ontarians who do not have a family physician (Scull, 2024), resulting in barriers to services such as psychiatric referrals and access to medication. 

Alternative therapies help reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, and contribute to a positive well-being which fosters a stronger community. However, accessibility remains a challenge, particularly for individuals experiencing financial strain. Although resources are limited depending on the therapeutic approach, the main accessibility concern is the lack of coverage from OHIP.

We are asking for:

• OHIP to cover alternative mental health and addictions treatments
• Training medical professionals to refer patients to these treatments
• Design healthcare services that provide these treatments

Halton Healthcare and Conservation Halton are implementing nature prescriptions by partnering with a B.C.-based foundation to provide patients with free access to local conservation areas (Rosas, 2025). Patients who specifically choose Conservation Halton for their treatment may receive up to 10 free visits to their conservation parks (Rosas, 2025).These actions are a progressive approach to improving public health that healthcare providers are implementing within Ontario already.

The province’s efforts to prioritizing mental health shifted when Ontario Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, implemented a $1.9 billion investment into mental health and addiction services under the Roadmap to Wellness strategy. Covering the costs of alternative therapies would align with these efforts, ensuring a variety of treatment options are available to meet the diverse needs of Ontario’s residents.