Morneau Shepell Ltd. is partnering with the Ontario government to provide its online cognitive behavioural therapy program to Ontarians aged 16 and over during the coronavirus pandemic.
The program will be offered as part of a suite of mental-health supports now available to Ontarians for free.
“During this time, people’s mental health and well-being are strained due to the many necessary changes to our lives, high anxiety and an increased risk of isolation given physical distancing practices,” said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer at Morneau Shepell, in a press release. “It’s more important now than ever to focus on mental health and overall well-being, We are pleased to partner with the government of Ontario to offer mental-health support to Ontarians and encourage all those who need help to seek support.”
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Through the AbilitiCBT program, professional therapists ask questions and guide people through modules. It addresses anxiety, depression and anxiety symptoms related to the uniquely challenging aspects of pandemics, such as uncertainty, isolation, caring for family and community members, information overload and stress management.
“The combination of online modules and ongoing guidance and support from a therapist is what drives the clinical efficacy of the program,” said Nigel Branker, president, health and productivity solutions at Morneau Shepell, in the release. “People complete the modules at their own pace, while the therapist monitors progress and regularly checks in along the way. This structured approach can help create a sense of normalcy in these otherwise uncertain times and enable people to build skills they will need to adapt to the new normal.”