Winning alternatives in mental health services

The current reality of our mental health service network worries many. A survey developed by Statistics Canada in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada specifies that from last September to December, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 21% of Canadians aged 18 and over screened positive for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This represents an increase that shows one in five Canadians received a mental health diagnosis during that period. Accessing a psychologist for these assessments has become very burdensome in both public and private services. The current pandemic period has exacerbated several psycho-affective issues within the population, including a considerable increase in anxiety.

We recently asked ourselves: why do the majority of people, when experiencing personal, emotional, or other difficulties, first turn to a psychologist?

To try to answer this question, we spoke with two experienced psychologists, Ms. Johanna Jagodowicz and Mr. Jacques Prince-Boies, both private practice psychologists at FAMILIO.

The impact of psychology

Key findings

Two important observations emerge from our research and discussions: First, psychology has a long history and is well ingrained in the habits and customs of the Quebec population.

Second, we note that people know little about the range of psychosocial services available to them within our networks that could also support them in moments of distress, instead of waiting for a psychologist to be available.

Society's valuation throughout history

For decades psychology has been recognized for its benefits and has always been the first reflex of our physicians when it comes to their referrals for difficulties related to emotions and mental health. Certainly, psychology/psychotherapy is highly valued and well known in our society; it is supported and regulated by a rigorous professional order that has become a reference for other practitioners. As a result, people know this practice and turn to it first because it has been part of the culture for a very long time.

In addition, psychology can address many issues with some more comprehensive approaches, but one of them distinguishes it from other services: psychotherapy. This practice is reserved for psychologists/psychotherapists and physicians. According to the OPQ,psychotherapy aims to bring about changes in attitudes, behaviors, ways of thinking or reacting in a person, in order to allow them to feel better, find answers to their questions, resolve problems, make choices, and better understand themselves. This treatment goes beyond assistance aimed at coping with common difficulties or a relationship of advice or support.So, a deeper, more structured and recognized approach.

But is that what everyone needs when facing an emotional or family difficulty? Do we always need a psychologist or therapy to manage our anxiety, for example?

Which professional to consult

We believe that several factors influence the answer to these questions and we often find that individuals seeking help have difficulty finding their way. When one is overwhelmed by emotion and affected by their situation, it is simpler and more direct to request a psychology consultation. It is also true that other mental health professions may be less known to the general public; notably services offered at FAMILIO, such as psychoeducation, social work and others. These professions can, among other things, respond to your situational or more occasional needs!

Psychoeducation

The area of expertise of psychoeducation is understanding the development of certain behaviors that, over time, become inadequate. Psychoeducators have the relevant tools to achieve modulation of these behaviors and help the individual or parents in their interventions. Psychoeducation is beneficial for both children and adults, but it may be important to specify that for children, given that their capacity for mentalization is still developing before about age 10, the psychoeducational approach remains a first-line alternative. Because of this, many psychologists will reflexively refer you to their colleague if your child is too young because the intervention will be better adapted!

Social work

Social workers focus on the different relational dynamics a person maintains — with their loved ones, colleagues, their environment, for example. When a person feels that their mental state impacts various spheres of their life, social workers are the right professionals to properly analyze the person's needs, break down the issues and intervene appropriately. The analysis and understanding of systems, such as a family for example, is their area of expertise and the help they provide will benefit several individuals. We can also call on social workers to help us better manage our anxiety, our depression, our relationships, our emotions and also our interactions with children!

It is important not to forget other professions such as guidance counselors who are in high demand during this pandemic, special education, animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, which offer other intervention approaches but have the same objective: to enable people to understand their situation and develop different ways to feel better!

So before you start searching for an available psychologist, find out whether your need can be met by another qualified professional who often have more availability! If you have difficulty finding the answer, we will be happy to support youto find it within our interdisciplinary team!

Johanna Jagodowicz, psychologist

Hugo Lambert, clinical director

Jacques Prince-Boies, psychologist