In anticipation of Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 24, Bell has announced a generous $300,000 donation from Bell Let’s Talk to St. Mary’s Hospital Centre. The donation aims to support the expansion of mental health services within the St. Mary’s Department of Psychiatry.
This substantial gift from Bell Let’s Talk will specifically fund the creation of a new initiative, the Giving Resources and Support to our Patients (GRASP) program. The GRASP program is designed to address the growing demand for mental health services by offering group therapy sessions. These sessions aim to reduce wait times, combat social isolation, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals seeking mental health support.
The surge in demand for psychiatric services has placed a considerable strain on the mental health system. St. Mary’s Hospital’s Psychiatry department has witnessed a noteworthy increase in requests for psychotherapy services, with numbers more than doubling since 2019. The prolonged wait times, ranging from 6 to 24 months for some individuals, underscore the urgency of providing timely and vital care.
Currently, St. Mary’s Department of Psychiatry relies on two dedicated psychologists to deliver psychotherapy services to patients. With the introduction of the GRASP program, St. Mary’s will expand its services to include group psychotherapy sessions. This initiative represents a significant step towards meeting the escalating mental health needs of the community.