Free, universal coverage of psychotherapy for all Quebecers would cost nearly four times less than government inaction on mental health, a new study argues.
“It would be much more profitable to set up such a program,” said Force Jeunesse President Simon Telles.
On the eve of the provincial elections, he urges the political parties to opt for this solution.
5 billion dollars
Supporting figures, the Force Jeunesse study commissioned by actuarial firm PBI, show that universal coverage for up to 20 state-funded psychotherapy sessions would cost approximately $5 billion a year.
However, she estimates that the true cost of mental health inaction is $18 billion in public finances. A “conservative” figure based on the 2010 study by Canada’s Mental Health Commission, says Mr. Telles.
If it offered universal coverage, Quebec would follow in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, Australia and soon France, which have such programs.
For example, the Australian and UK programs would cost $1.3 and $2.6 billion, respectively, if Quebec were to emulate them, again according to the Force Jeunesse study.
According to him, this is the “big electric shock” Quebec needs after more than two years of a pandemic that has exacerbated Quebecers’ mental health problems and a glaring lack of resources on the ground.
Great inequality
“There is a big gap, he points out, in terms of access to mental health services in the healthcare network. I don’t think we as a society want access to mental health care to be dependent on our job and private insurance. »
He recalls that as early as 2018, the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services of Quebec (INESSS) estimated the economic impact to be around $2 for every $1 invested in psychotherapy.
The various investments announced by the CAQ government in recent years are no longer sufficient, continues Mr. Telles.
He is particularly concerned that young people aged 18-34 are over-represented on indicators of poor mental health.
“It’s urgent in Quebec [la psychothérapie pour tous], but especially for men,” argues the psychiatrist and researcher Alain Lesage. The latter are less likely to seek help and more likely to commit suicide, he argues.
” As soon as possible “
According to him, having psychotherapy covered for everyone “as soon as possible” will also improve access for patients.
Quebecers will no longer be limited to a few psychologists on the public network, in CLSCs. As with universal supply of medicines, all citizens go to the same pharmacy.
And thanks to advances in remote consultation, a Montrealer could consult a Gaspé psychologist, he illustrates.
“It’s for the common good and because it makes economic and human sense,” says Dr. reading
The cost of free psychotherapy for everyone
Force Jeunesse has cost 5 scenarios for Quebec, currently priced at $120 per session.
$1.1 billion
Comprehensive coverage for major depression only
$1.6 billion
Implementing a program similar to the Australian Better Access model, ie 12 individual or group sessions per patient with a diagnosed mental disorder
$3.1 billion
Implementing a program similar to the UK model Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, ie 14 to 20 sessions of individual therapy or teletherapy for people with anxiety and depression disorders
$2.9 billion
Coverage of 12 annual psychotherapeutic care sessions for people with mental distress
$4.8 billion
Coverage of 20 annual psychotherapeutic care sessions for people with mental distress
Source: Youth Force
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