COVID-19 has impacted our College and University students, many with mental health challenges, in unprecedented ways. Equally devastating is that graduate students’ ability to pursue their training to become psychologists is in jeopardy due to their inability to assess and treat patients as part of their training program requirements.
The need for psychological services has dramatically increased in recent years, and the impact of COVID-19 likely heightens the need for such services. This problem compounds knowing Ontario is second to last in terms of psychologists per capita in Canada. Given this disparity, things will only get worse if we can’t support our students’ training needs.
The Ontario Psychological Association is proud to partner with Get A-Head® on a digital delivery platform that provides a virtual care solution that equips trainees, their supervisors, and clinical programs with the tools they need to stay on track during COVID-19 and beyond.
During challenging times, leadership and collaboration are critical. The OPA and Get A-Head are working with forward-thinking organizations, including post-secondary institutions and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, to construct a new opportunity to deliver mental health care to students, while supporting their clinical development as future practitioners. This is another example of strong provincial leadership and a bright future for Ontarians.
“Delaying the training requirements of hundreds of graduate students will not only negatively impact trainees but will also strain the mental health workforce at a time when we need more qualified psychologists practicing than ever.” Dr. Diana Velikonja, President, OPA.
"Get A-Head recognizes the critical role psychologists play in our health care system, and we are happy to do our part in supporting the clinical development of future practitioners. Get A-Head® provides a robust digital platform enabling access to mental health care through secure text, audio, and video sessions while facilitating virtual clinical training and supervision. The OPA-Get A-Head partnership provides a unique opportunity for students at large who may have mental health challenges to tap into Ontario's best-kept secret: high-quality care from doctoral students under supervision and psychologists." Ahad Bandealy, Founder, Get A-Head.
We are thankful to Minister Tibollo, Minister for Mental Health and Addictions, and his office for initiating this relationship with the OPA, as we can now create innovative opportunities to support both those receiving and providing care.
For media requests, please contact: Drew Scherban Alchemy Communications Inc. drew@alchemycommunications.ca 403.472.6784
About Ontario Psychological Association The Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) is a professional organization representing psychology in Ontario. The OPA provides leadership to promote the mental health and well-being of Ontarians, and to inspire excellence in the profession of psychology through research, education, clinical excellence, and advocacy. The OPA strives for a healthcare system in which psychological services are accessible to all Ontarians, where psychologists can practice to their full potential, and the value of the professional healthcare services psychologists provide is widely and properly recognized.
To learn more about OPA, contact Mr. Richard Morrison, CEO of OPA at Richard@psych.on.ca. Please visit www.psych.on.ca.
About Get A-Head GAH is a digital platform connecting those in need of mental health support with a diverse range of service providers, right from your smartphones through secure text, audio, and video sessions. Developed through the lens of both those seeking and providing mental health care, we have made it easy to connect with someone relatable, access notes and recorded sessions, and facilitate collaborative care. What is unique about our platform is its versatility. For example, you can receive digital care from one counsellor, receive care from a Counsellor-in-Training and their Supervisor, or receive care from a collaborative team of professionals.
To learn more, contact Ahad Bandealy, CEO of Get A-Head at ahad@geta-head.com Please visit www.geta-head.com
