Minding the Gap: A Conversation on Access to Mental Health Care

The conversation included brief talks from individuals representing three organizations in Toronto that engage in the delivery of mental health services or facilitate the delivery of these services to vulnerable populations: Ms. Kate Scowen (Hard Feelings), Dr. Anthony Levitt (The Family Navigation Project) and Ms. Criss Habal-Brosek (Progress Place). Another speaker was Mr. Bryan Meerai, an individual with lived experience of mental illness who has benefited from the innovative services provided by Progress Place.

Speakers addressed the strengths and challenges of our public health care system, barriers, and facilitators to receiving care, and the ways in which they are working to address them. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Scowen on the ways in which organizations and individuals can work together to improve the ability of people in need to access the mental health care they require. 114 individuals participated in the conversation which included an opportunity for networking and refreshments in the Atrium. The final event in the Minding the Gap series takes place on October 10 (World Mental Health Day) and will be a Conversation on Mental Health & Treatment Innovation.