Reducing the Barriers to Mental Health Care in British Columbia

Prepared by: Allison Short

Capilano University, School of Business
BADM 460: Business & Society Research Project
Professor Laurie Prange
December 5th, 2025

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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: ........................................................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 4
METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................. 4
THE SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW PROCESS .................................................................. 4
FINDINGS ........................................................................................................................... 5
LIMITATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 12
OBSERVATION ................................................................................................................... 18
RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................ 19
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................... 23
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 24

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Executive Summary

This report intends to provide a thorough analysis on the barriers contributing to the mental
health crisis in British Columbia. A systematic literature review was conducted to collect and analyze
data, which led to the identification of multiple gaps present within healthcare systems, ultimately
limiting the necessary treatment and care for British Columbia’s residents. Both qualitative and
quantitative data were extracted and analyzed to fulfill the study’s purpose of recognizing and finding
solutions to close the gaps within BC’s healthcare systems. A mixed methods search methodology was
conducted to effectively meet the objectives and scope of this project. The findings of this research
highlight the continuous barriers that are present today including, long wait times, insufficient resources,
limited service accessibility and socioeconomic challenges that prevent people from receiving proper
treatment and care. Additionally, stigma, cultural misconceptions and racial profiling are factors that are
increasing the number of mental illnesses occurring throughout the province. Based on the data
collected, this report will provide insight and recommendations to improve the health care systems to
ensure the proper treatment is being provided. Strategies such as increasing funding for community
based support, utilizing technology to enhance digital mental health care services and further expanding
the education on mental health will be identified to mitigate the risk of the current barriers persisting. By
identifying the current gaps present today, this report aims to support health care professionals,
government bodies and policy makers with making informed decisions based on data, to improve the
quality of care for BC residents. Finally, this research was conducted to educate, and inspire people to
take the next steps to create a better future for our province.

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Introduction
Mental Health is becoming more prevalent everyday within British Columbia and affects people
on a daily basis. Mental illnesses have a severe impact on the way individuals function in all aspects of
life such as socializing, working or their general well-being. This report examines the current state of
British Columbia’s health care systems, with a focus on identifying existing gaps and understanding how
these deficiencies impact communities across the province. Additionally, respected views and insight
from healthcare professionals will be analyzed in this research study to provide a well-rounded
understanding of the issues present. The primary objectives for this research study include: gaining
insight on how to effectively close the gaps in healthcare systems resulting in barriers for treatment
and care, to analyze the effectiveness and strategy of current healthcare programs, procedures and
policies regarding mental health care and to develop evidence based recommendations reflecting the
qualitative / quantitative data collected. Finally, the findings gathered through this research will be
expanded into recommendations and strategies aimed at improving the mental health services
available to British Columbians.

Methodology
The Systematic Literature Review Process
A systematic literature review process was conducted, as this method allows for an extensive
and structured examination of the research scope. This process requires a thorough analysis on
researching existing studies that support the primary research topic. All quantitative data measuring the
impact of mental health and accessibility was found through Statista. To gain more data, databases
provided insight and information to back up the statistics. Data was then extracted to identify any

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patterns or similarities. Lastly, data was selected for this study based on its relevance and alignment with
the research objectives.

Findings
The mental health crisis is rapidly increasing and is affecting people around the globe. There are
many factors contributing to people not seeking the help they need, stigma being one of the biggest
components. “Stigma embarrassment and shame are obstacles that prevent many people from seeking
treatment and having a chance for recovery. The harsh reality is that they suffer in silence” (Tognazzini
et al., 2008). It is disheartening to see that stigma has such an immense influence on the decisions and
actions of people deciding to get professional help, which could ultimately change their life for the
better. Mental illness can deeply affect the quality of life which demonstrates the importance of getting
the right help and personalized treatment plan. “Stigma is a complex term that encompasses concepts of
prejudice and discrimination, in our society, people living with mental illness are stereotypes through a
discriminatory and prejudicial lens because of prevailing social beliefs: people with mental illness are
dangerous; they do not have the ability to make their own decisions; they are not trying hard enough to
fight the disease; they use certain behaviours to get other needs met” (Tognazzini et al., 2008). Stigma is
formed from a lack of education and an overall understanding on the severity of mental illnesses. Stigma
can occur from anywhere, it is common within big social groups, belief systems as well as healthcare
providers. “Mental illness-related stigma, including that which exists in the healthcare system and among
healthcare providers, has been identified as a major barrier to access treatment and recovery, as well as
poorer quality physical care for persons with mental illnesses” (Knaak, et al., 2017). Patients who are
struggling with mental health are in a vulnerable state and deserve to be respected and not criticized for
their battle with mental illness. “Qualitative research has found that for many healthcare providers, it is

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only through the experience of receiving anti-stigma training that they become aware of the subtle and
unintended ways certain beliefs and behaviours may have been contributing to stigmatizing experiences
among their patients” (Knaak, et al., 2017). This demonstrates the power and influence that education
serves to create a more aligned and inclusive society.

In addition to stigma, other barriers such as a lack of resources and long wait times create a gap
within British Columbia’s healthcare systems. As the need for adequate mental health care is
continuously rising, ensuring the proper resources are accessible is essential. “With growing demand for
mental health services and associated high costs to Canada’s healthcare system, there is an urgent need
for cost-efficient delivery approaches, particularly for youth and remote populations” (Moroz, et al.,
2020). This showcases that the demand for mental health services has exceeded the capacity of British
Columbia’s health care systems, causing factors like long wait times and limited access to the services
available. “Documented barriers to accessing MHA services across Canada include not knowing where to
go for help, long wait times, shortage of accessible mental health professionals, lack of mental health
service integration and government oversight, culture and language barriers, concerns about stigma,
inequities due to demographics and costs not covered by insurance plans” (Moroz, et al., 2020). In order
to have a successful system where everyone has their health needs met, all of the resources have to be
acquired as building blocks to allow for future enhancements in the system. Without the necessary
components, the system will have gaps. “As a front line physician, I see the effects of these delays and
failures firsthand. I treat patients who dramatically benefit from the right medication, yet they are often
stuck in limbo waiting for approvals, struggling with unaffordable costs, or being prescribed inferior
alternatives due to the lack of access to appropriate medication” (McIntosh, 2024).

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This graph represents the “Percentage of Canadians who perceived their mental health as fair or poor
from 2015 to 2023” (Statista, 2023). This chart showcases the gradual increase in the number of
Canadians perceiving their mental health as fair or poor.

Figure 1

Another gap that is identified within British Columbia’s healthcare systems is marginalized
communities not having equal access to treatment like the rest of the population. Additionally,
immigrants are challenged with facing stigma and limited access to mental health care. “Immigrants and
minorities are less likely to get treatment for mental health problems in Canada and in BC, experts are
chalking it up to the inability of healthcare providers to adapt their services to meet different cultures’
needs” (Chua, 2013). Dealing with various forms of discrimination, stigma and limited help on top of

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managing mental illness is very difficult and mentally draining. The world is constantly evolving and
despite the ongoing changes, we as humans should be aligned and supportive of our individual
differences whether that is age, race, ethnicity, gender, background etc. Dr. Jane Sun, a psychologist at
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services states that “one of the often overlooked yet damaging
effects of racism on mental health is people internalizing it. They start to hate their own ethnicity and
have negative thoughts about their own body or personal appearance. All of this chips away at selfworth and self-esteem and impacts well-being.” Racial profiling and discrimination cause trauma for
individuals that can turn into serious mental health problems down the road. “Among individuals in
marginalized communities, this underutilization might be exacerbated by a ‘double stigma’ – stigma
related to being from a racialized or immigrant background exacerbated by a person’s perceived stigma
toward mental health and service use” (Ruo Ying Feng, et al., 2023). The migrant community comprises a
significant portion of Canada’s population, which all individuals should have the proper access to the
care they need. “On average, over 300,000 new international migrants come to Canada annually and this
number continues to increase” (Garasia, et al., 2023). Getting the proper access and treatment to care is
considered a basic human right as taking the steps to care for your health is so important. “Reduced
coverage for migrants maty result in an increase in patients seeking emergency care as a last resort for
conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or mental health issues that could have been addressed at
earlier stages. Medically uninsured migrants with children often experience delays in surgeries, lack of
adequate care for mental health issues and inability to access support for developmental disabilities”
(Garasia, et al., 2023). It is important to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical
health as they are linked. Experiencing a mental illness that causes stress on your body, can have a long
term impact on your physical state, therefore taking immediate action to handle your mental health is
critical. Without treatment, individuals may resort to harmful coping mechanisms such as substance
abuse or alcohol which will greatly impact their quality of life and general well-being.

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This chart represents the “12 month prevalence of mental disorders among racialized and nonracialized Canadians aged 15 and older, 2022” (Statistics Canada, 2022).

Figure 2

This chart indicates that the racialized groups in Canada, aged fifteen and older, have a higher
percentage of struggling with mental disorders compared to non-racialized groups. There can be several
factors affecting these results, the first being socio-cultural implications. Individuals immersed within
different cultures or religious groups can be influenced a certain way that might alter their decision to
seek professional help. There may be religious expectations or beliefs that mental illness is not believed
in or supported, therefore people who comprise those groups may feel obligated or pressured not to
take the steps for recovery. Additionally, stigma has been proven to result in the outcome of individuals
reluctant to put their needs first and seek help, due to the shame they face.

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As rates of anxiety, depression and stress continuously rise among youth in British Columbia, the
importance of youth mental health highlights the urgent need to mitigate any barriers preventing
support to care. “Mental health conditions affect 1.2 million children and youth in Canada and this
number is increasing” (McCabe, et al., 2022). There is a gap within British Columbia’s healthcare systems
when it comes to knowledge, education and services accessible for youth struggling with mental health.
“While patient engagement in adult health research is becoming well-established, the momentum for
youth patient engagement appears to be lagging” (Mawn, 2015). Mental illness can have a negative
impact on both youth’s professional and personal lives, affecting their ability to succeed. “Addressing
mental health problems early in life can lead to decreases in emotional and behavioural problems,
functional impairment, and contact with all forms of law enforcement. It can also lead to improvements
in social, behavioural adjustment, learning outcomes and school performance” (Kutcher, et al., 2008).
Early intervention, especially regarding youth mental health is a critical step to avoid the risks of no
treatment. To evade stigma surrounding youth mental health, it is important to educate youth on the
severity and implications of mental illnesses. Less judgement is likely to occur when people have a solid
understanding of what others are struggling with. “Embedding mental health literacy into existing school
curriculum can potentially reach all students, normalizes mental health as everyday activities and
engages teachers to become literate in youth mental health as part of their professional activities”
(Mcluckie, et al., 2014). By openly educating students across British Columbia, this will promote self-care
and well-being, reduce stigma towards mental health, reduce bullying and will encourage students to
talk to one another and be transparent about their current struggles. “Now more than ever, all
universities and postsecondary institutions must advocate for and prioritize significant investments in
mental health and well-being. This will require support from both governments, and the recognition that
just like funding for learning and skills acquisition, this is not a cost but an investment” (Bacon, 2024).

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This will allow for schools to create a culture of empathy, compassion and acceptance towards one
another.

There are many deficiencies that are causing the result of gaps and are counterproductive to the
mental health crisis. “The primary healthcare system has been reported to be lagging behind all other
health system sectors and harbors numerous problems that act as barriers to accessing mental health
services. These barriers include: a lack of accessible information regarding mental healthcare; long wait
times to access mental health resources; a shortage of accessible mental health professionals; and a lack
of government oversight. It is important to note that many primary healthcare physicians do not feel
adequately prepared to handle mental health concerns, and few supports or resources are offered to
these physicians” (Murray, et al., 2023). The healthcare systems represents a ladder and the policies,
procedures and protocols have to come from government officials and the provincial ministry of health.
Within these policies and procedures, it is crucial that all organizations and healthcare professionals are
equipped with the required resources, education and training to perform their jobs effectively, and make
a positive impact for society. Without trained and qualified front end physicians, the overall treatment
and care being provided will fall short of expected standards. “Eighty percent of Canadian respondents
were concerned with the access they have to mental health care and eighty one percent of Canadians
were concerned at the state of their overall mental health” (Statista, 2023). It is evident that the majority
of Canadians, have had negative experiences with accessing mental health services which was
showcased in the results of the chart. Additionally, the chart demonstrates the large percentage of
people who are genuinely concerned about their mental states and general well-being.

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This graph represents the “percentage of Canadian adults who were concerned or very concerned with
select mental health issues as of 2023” (Statista, 2023).

Figure 3

It is important to recognize that British Columbia resides on traditional Native land.
“Indigenous peoples, in what has briefly been known as Canada, have historically and continually
undergone complex, layered and intergenerational traumas. As a result, many communities grapple
with mental health and suicide crises” (McGuire, 2022). There are many different Indigenous
communities throughout the province of BC. There have been concerns that Indigenous Peoples

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aren’t receiving the proper mental health care. “As a result of these inadequate and inaccessible
health services, many communities have resorted to issuing states of emergency in response to high
rates of suicide. There is a need for a comprehensive national plan to address the social
determinants of health for Indigenous peoples – and to take responsibility and make reparation for
Canada’s role in contributing to the mental wellness of Indigenous peoples” (McGuire, 2022). There
have also been concerns for Indigenous peoples safety regarding stigma and discrimination towards
their culture and beliefs. “Cultural safety in an Indigenous health context calls upon health
providers and health service organizations to acknowledge and address the individual,
organizational and systemic barriers to building trusting and effective relationships with Indigenous
clients and communities” (Greenwood, et al., 2017). It is critical to respect Indigenous culture,
beliefs and traditions as a recognition for history. “Many Indigenous emerging adults do not have
access to culturally safe mental health programs and services that respect the beliefs and traditions
of Indigenous populations. Like other Indigenous peoples, Metis people view wellness, including
mental wellness holistically and possess inherent knowledge of how to heal themselves. It is
therefore important to approach wellness from a Metis-specific lens and recognize that there are
distinct, traditional Metis ways of knowing that Meis people can draw from to get and stay well”
(Murray, et al., 2023). Storytelling is a big part of Indigenous culture and there are many stories that
could educate society today on holistic approaches to physical and mental well-being. Additionally,
there are geographic concerns for accessibility for Indigenous Peoples who live in rural areas. “Many
Indigenous emerging adults live in remote and rural regions such that geography limits accessibility
to most mental health services and supports” (Murray, et al., 2023). This is something that needs to
be considered for enhancing mental health services and offerings that it can reach all the people in
the province no matter where they are located. Location shouldn’t be the reason why people can’t
have access to mental health services that could improve quality life.

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Technology is constantly evolving and is said to be the way of the future. There have been
advances with incorporating digital technology into the mental health industry, however there is still
room for further enhancements. “Digital mental health care takes different forms, from online modules
for psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural theory (CBT), to chatbots, which are computer programs
using artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing to determine the intent and engage in
conversations with text or text to speech” (Gratzer et al., 2020). British Columbia is an innovator when it
comes to utilizing technology and its various capabilities. “What is exceptional is BC’s head start as an
established health technology leader. The prior acceleration of digital health solutions resulting in direct
benefits to our pandemic readiness and response, and it is important for BC to continue to invest and
strengthen this industry sector, along with our overall innovation economy” (D’Arcy, 2020). In British
Columbia, virtual therapy platforms, mobile apps for self-management and AI powered tools are
available for mental health care, however, there have been concerns that the current digital technologies
offered, aren’t meeting the requirements to provide effective treatment. “AI chatbots may be great for
brainstorming and idle chatter, but generative AI chatbots aren’t a substitute for qualified mental health
services. In fact, for people experiencing a mental health or mental illness, chatbots can cause more
harm than good” (Brown University, 2025). Virtual and augmented reality are becoming more prevalent
throughout various industries. British Columbia has started exploring the capabilities these technologies
offer as well as the impact they can serve. “Virtual and augmented reality are becoming more potent
instruments in the treatment of mental illness. VR and AR may provide safe, regulated venues for
therapeutic interventions by improving real-world settings with digital aspects or by building immersive
virtual worlds. Treatments for ailments including anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder
might benefit greatly from this kind of technology” (Insight Clinic, 2024). Additionally, technologies such
as tele-psychiatry and virtual care have are being utilized to explore the outcome they serve on helping

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mental health disorders. “Virtual care platforms and telepsychiatry represent a fundamental advance in
mental health treatment. By utilizing technological tools like online video conferencing, these systems
provide remote patient engagement between mental health doctors and patients, therefore overcoming
geographical boundaries” (Insight Clinic, 2024). There are many benefits to digital technology as it is
widely accessible and available for anyone. “For many patients, tele-psychiatry also creates a more
private and comfortable setting by enabling them to receive care from the comfort of their own homes.
This simplicity of use frequently encourages patients to attend therapy and can significantly lessen the
stigma attached to receiving mental health care” (Insight Clinic, 2024). Considering the advancements
made in digital technologies to aid mental health, there is a need for improvements regarding in person
care and treatment plans. “Despite these potential benefits, critics argue that most digital mental health
technologies are not yet clinically validated and tend to provide vague and substandard services that do
not take into account the complexity of mental disorders” (Abdelragman et al., 2023). Mental illness can
come in many different forms and healthcare professionals need to be equipped with the right resources
to effectively treat patients, especially with complex cases that technology may not be able to resolve.

The graph below represents “the share of respondents who agreed with the following statements that emental health services in Canada, 2022” (Statista, 2022).

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Figure 4

This showcases the impact that e-mental health technologies have on Canadians. Eighty-eight
percent of respondents acknowledged that the platforms and apps used for virtual care were easy and
accessible to navigate through. Accessibility and user friendly elements are big factors to satisfy patients
using these technologies. Eighty-four percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the care they
received virtually. Eighty-four percent of respondents acknowledged that the virtual visit helped them
with their mental health concerns. Seventy-eight percent of respondents admitted that they avoided in
person services for mental health care as a result of having access to digital technologies. Seventy-four
percent of respondents said that digital mental health technologies helped them in a moment of crisis
that would’ve led to severe events if they hadn’t intervened. Lastly, sixty-three percent of respondents
states that they would not have sought care if virtual options were available. This demonstrates that

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digital technologies are making a positive impact for people with being accessible, user friendly and
ultimately serving as a tool for early intervention for mental illnesses.

Limitations
Numerous barriers were identified and analyzed in this study, however, limitations influenced
the scope of the results. A primary limitation of this research is that it did not examine the mental health
care systems across the rest of Canada. Without provincial comparison, the study lacks insight on how
BC’s barriers differ or align with other provinces. Examining other provinces with stronger mental health
care systems and strategies could have highlighted specific practices and recommendations that British
Columbia could have implemented to strengthen their current systems. Additionally, mental health
statistics and data are constantly being updated or altered. There was a small level of availability for up
to date data this year. To ensure reliability and accuracy, data was used from recent years and studies.
Lastly, this research examined several populations including, youth, immigrants, Indigenous
communities and other marginalized groups. However, a limitation of this study was the inability to
analyze all relevant populations present in society. For example, LGBTQ+ communities and people
experiencing homelessness were not examined or analyzed within this study.

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Observation
Based on my findings, there are many barriers identified that need to be addressed to
strengthen the mental healthcare systems in British Columbia. However, I noticed the enhancements
that are being made to further improve the quality of care. The barriers that were revealed through this
research are as followed: excessive wait times, cost, stigma affecting marginalized groups, a lack of
health care for immigrants and Indigenous communities, accessibility issues, not enough healthcare
professionals, a lack in training and lastly, the need to implement the technology that has evidently
made a positive impact on people’s journeys dealing with mental illness. All of these findings were
crucial to the research study to better understand what steps should be taken to close the existing gaps.

Despite the gaps identified, there are advancements that are being made to better mental
health care in BC. “Seventy-three million will go toward keeping health and clinical support workers in
rural areas and giving signing bonuses for those who fill high-priority health vacancies, while another
sixty million will be set aside for professional development supports and mental health and wellness
services for workers. The province also said in a news release that its rural retention incentive program,
which provides up to eight thousand a year to health-care workers in small communities, is being
expanded to fifty-six more locations” (CBC, 2024). It is important to recognize the needs of front line
mental health workers to avoid burnout or large turnover rates. “It will take some years to undo that
neglect to the specialized services within the health-care system. These initiatives will make a real
difference and will move us further in the right direction” (CBC, 2024). There have also been
advancements with money being allocated to support mental health care. “The 2023 BC provincial
budget includes one billion for MHSU funding over the next 3 years. However, it is essential that funds
are spent wisely to ensure they are tied to evidence based frontline services. Since every system is

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perfectly designed to get the results it gets, it’s time to treat structural stigma as a quality of care
indicator and a health equity issue and to prioritize system redesign” (Grimminck, et al., 2023).

Recommendations
After thoroughly analyzing the results of this research study, recommendations have been
created to help strengthen health care systems in British Columbia. The first recommendation being
Medicare should cover all mental health expenses for not only residents in BC, but all of Canada. It has
been proven that many people can’t receive the help they need due to financial hardship and the
current state of the economy and inflation. If people can’t afford to get the personalized treatment plans
they need, the mental health crisis will keep increasing. Additionally, there needs to be consistency from
all levels of government regarding mental healthcare funding, protocols and procedures. “This lack of
cohesion within Canadian government policies, bureaucracies, infrastructure and services validates our
hypothesis that the lack of cohesiveness between the federal, provincial and territorial governments of
Canada will continue to pose a major barrier in providing proper mental health resources and treatment
to emerging adults” (Murray, et al., 2023). Moving forward, it is crucial that there is alignment between
government bodies to eliminate barriers present.

In addition, there has to be further education implemented to educate people on the severity of
mental health, to create support groups and mutual understanding of mental health implications to
reduce the amount of stigma that occurs. In school systems specifically, there needs to be resources for
students who are struggling but don’t know the steps to take to address their mental health concerns.
“Incorporating trauma-informed practices into schools is not just about understanding the impact
trauma has on one’s ability to learn; it’s about fostering a culture of empathy, understanding and

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resilience. It’s about recognizing that every individuals brings their own unique experiences to the
classroom and creating a safe space where they feel valued and heard; a space where every individual
feels like they belong simply by showing up as their most authentic selves” (Ilcyn, 2024). Ensuring every
student has resources accessible to them is critical for their personal and academic development and
well-being. “Ensure students have access to appropriate support services, and resources to address their
mental health needs. Collaborate with school counsellors, social workers and other mental health
professionals to provide interventions and support tailored to student needs” (Ilcyn, 2024). When more
people are educated on mental health, the more supportive and understanding they will be. It is
important to ensure equality on the diverse populations and groups present in society.

Furthermore, more resources available to society at a low cost to none such as support groups
need to be advocated for. “There is strong, scientifically rigorous evidence which shows the effectiveness
of professionally facilitated, family-led support groups, psychoeducation carers support groups, and
professionally facilitated, program-based support groups for people living with mental illness” (Worrall,
et al., 2018). Community support groups are an amazing initiative as they encourage people to support
one another along with making meaningful connections.

Another recommendation for British Columbia is to reevaluate their current mental health
procedures to ensure they are culturally sensitive. A gap that is persistent is groups of people are being
discriminated against based on their culture, religion, race, ethnicity and gender. Everyone is entitled to
receive the proper treatment for mental illness. As stated by the Mental Health Commission of Canada,
“many young and emerging adults can face difficulty finding service providers and professionals that
share their racial, ethnic, religious cultural and linguistic backgrounds and culturally safe and appropriate
support can be hard to find.”

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A factor that contributes to the excessive wait times is that British Columbia is facing a shortage
of trained health care professionals who are equipped with the skills and education to care for severely
mentally ill patients. “The specific reasons for shortages in these professions vary, but generally arise
from recruitment and retention challenges ignored for more than a decade, including lack of provincial
post-secondary training capacity, competition with the private sector, heavy workload, and professional
burnout” (Health Sciences Association, 2021). Excessive wait times is a barrier that needs to be mitigated
as some people require urgent medical care dependent on their situation. “The 2023 wait time
represents a one hundred-ninety five percent increase from 1993. Individuals who experience waiting
times to access healthcare services often face adverse physical and mental health outcomes” (Hajizadeh,
et al., 2025).

Furthermore, there is a lack of healthcare professionals due to the pay grade for front line
workers. “Other provinces are attracting BC Health Science Professionals with higher wages and signing
bonuses” (Health Sciences Association, 2021). In order to close this gap, the Ministry of health as well as
the BC Mental Health and Substance User Services need to align to comprise a plan to retain front line
mental health workers. To entice workers to stay in BC to carry out their careers, things like consistent
pay reviews, signing bonuses, and good benefits plans are something to consider. Mental health care is
as important, if not more important that physical health. There are trained specialized professionals in
healthcare systems across BC that provide exceptional care for physical health conditions. There is a
need for the mental health sector to be receiving the same care and treatment results. “While many
people may consider physical health to be the foundation of a productive life, if you examine the
chemical effects of the mind on the body, it is clear that mental health is the driver of your physical

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health “ (Hanscom, 2020). This showcases how crucial it is that every individual monitors and takes care
of their mental health to prevent any physical health problems arising.

The final recommendation to enhance BC’s mental health care systems is to utilize digital
technologies that have been proven to have a positive outcome on treatment. Technologies such as AI
chatbots have their advantages, however, have been found to not be effective with providing adequate
mental health care. AI advantages include accessibility, efficiency and low cost to implement. However,
AI lacks the human connection that a nurse, psychologist or therapist would be able to provide to
patients. Virtual and telehealth care are making more of an appearance in the mental health sector.
These technologies allow patients to directly converse with professionals over a trusted device. This is a
great way for people who live in rural areas or can’t commute to physically see their therapist, to still
receive their personalized therapy sessions. A popular tool to deal with anxiety is cognitive behavioural
therapy, which is now being offered online as well as in person. Privacy is a big concern for some people,
and having the opportunity for people to receive their treatment in the comfort of their own home
would be appealing. British Columbia has the budget to expand on these technologies as well as to
budget costs for research and development. Technology is constantly evolving and in the next few years
there might be a new cutting edge technology specifically tailored to mental health care that BC will
invest in. “As I see it, the future of mental health care will be increasingly data-driven, with organizations
leveraging big data to create personalized interventions. This trend is already emerging in the form of
mental health apps that monitor user’s moods, sleep patterns, and stress levels. I think we’ll see more
wearable devices, mobile apps and online platforms that collect data on individuals’ mental health”
(Sokoler, 2024). It is crucial that the BC government, spends the budget wisely on resources, treatment
plans and investments that will positively impact the mental health crisis.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, British Columbia has the potential to reevaluate and redesign the current
healthcare systems to provide better quality of care to both mental healthcare workers and people
battling mental illness. The province has access to the resources needed to strengthen the systems.
Collaboration and communication are necessary between government bodies, and healthcare policy
makers to ensure there will be no gaps moving forward. This research intends to be the first step in
addressing and acknowledging the steps needed to move forward. The ultimate goal is to have all
services and resources accessible to anyone who resides within British Columbia. If new systems are
redesigned in the future, there should be no confusion with where to receive help. The new systems
should be straight forward, easily accessible and most of all inclusive so everyone has the chance to
acquire the help they need. I believe that with further research and extensive teamwork, we can change
the lives of many people and be united as a province.

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References

Bacon, B.-A. (2024, November 6). Universities must lead in addressing the growing mental health crisis University Affairs. University Affairs. https://universityaffairs.ca/opinion/universities-must-leadin-addressing-the-growing-mental-health-crisis/

Canada Health Infoway. (March 29, 2023). Share of respondents who agreed with the following
statements regarding e-mental health services in Canada in 2022 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved
November 30, 2025 from https://www-statistacom.ezproxy.capilanou.ca/statistics/1304074/satisfaction-with-e-mental-health-services-in-canada/

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