COVID-19 Worsening Albertans’ Access to Psychologists

COVID-19 Worsening Albertans’ Access to Psychologists

30 November 2020 – COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the psychological health of Albertans.

“COVID-19 has impacted the psychological health of Albertans who were already reeling from our economic downturn. Access to necessary psychological support was difficult before – and that need for the services of registered psychologists continues to grow. Without policies, programs, and services in place we cannot meet this impending demand,” said Dr. Judi Malone, CEO of PAA.

“We advocate for the needs of Canadian psychologists and they are voicing increasing concern for the people that they support”, said Christopher Cameron, Executive Director of the Council of Professional Associations of Psychologists (CPAP). “Psychologists, highly trained in evidence-based practices, play a vital role in assessing and treating health.”

What do Albertans and Canadians say about how they are managing their mental health and accessing psychological care?

Access to Care

• 57% of Albertans (and 56% of Canadians) report that COVID-19 has had a negative or somewhat negative impact on their ability to access mental health care by psychologists. Nationally, when psychological care was accessed during COVID-19 47% report it was provided through private insurance, 26% from the public health system and 26% paid out-of-pocket.

Virtual Care

• 73% of Albertans (71% nationally) say they are willing or somewhat willing to use technology – like telemedicine – to receive mental health care provided by psychologists.

We can avoid a psychological pandemic by investing in the psychological health and wellness of Albertans. PAA is committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government, employers, and insurers so that Albertans receive evidence-based care where, and when, they need it.

Provincial results, in detail, are available at 2020 AB COVID-19 CPA CPAP Nanos Survey and national results, in detail, at www.cpa.ca.

About Us
The mission of the PAA is to advance the science-based profession of psychology and to promote the well-being and potential of all Albertans
CPAP promotes collaboration and resource sharing among provincial, territorial, and national psychological associations.
CPAs’ mission is advancing research, knowledge, and the application of psychology in the service of society through advocacy, support, and collaboration

About this Survey
Nanos Research conducted a representative online survey of 3,070 Canadians (207 Albertans) 25 September – 2 October 2020 a sample which was also geographically stratified to be representative of Canada.  The research was commissioned by CPA and CPAP and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Contact
Dr. Judi L Malone, R. Psych (AB)
CEO
Psychologists Association of Alberta
(780) 424 0294
judim@paa-ab.ca