HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID

A $5 million investment towards mental health and addictions services in primary care across 10 postsecondary institutions will support students in Ontario.

Mental health projects will provide learners in underserved communities in northeastern, eastern and south-central Ontario with care from trained mental health professionals.

“This funding will ensure those students in underserved communities can receive the high-quality mental health care they need, directly from their school,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities.”

The investment will support hiring nurse practitioners, social workers, psychotherapists, traditional counsellors and healers to provide mental health and addictions services to treat and care for students. Funding will also fill large gaps in services and even provide clinical mental health care in places where none currently exist.

“Our government is taking action to ensure postsecondary students across Ontario can conveniently connect to the mental health care they need, where and when they need it,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment builds on the steps we have taken to support students to thrive in their studies while promoting and building healthier campuses and communities.”

To ensure each project meets the unique and diverse needs of their students, institutions are working in partnership with community-based non-profit organizations and local postsecondary institutions to develop and deliver their mental health projects. 

“Students across Ontario deserve reliable and accessible services to support their wellbeing, resilience, and learning,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Providing timely and high-quality mental health care for students in partnership with local community agencies aligns with the goals of the Roadmap to Wellness to fill the gaps in care and expand the availability of mental health and addictions services for everyone in Ontario.”

A few quick facts:

Earlier this year, Ontario introduced a suite of measures to stabilize the province’s colleges and universities, including nearly $1.3 billion in new funding. This funding contains $23 million to enhance mental health supports for postsecondary students, including $8 million for the Postsecondary Mental Health Action Plan over the next three years.

The province is also introducing the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024. If passed, the bill will require all colleges and universities to have robust policies in place relating to mental health and wellness supports and services, helping to enhance well-being and positive experiences for postsecondary students.

In 2023-24, Ontario invested over $32 million to support the mental health of all postsecondary students, including funding provided directly to colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes.