Victoria Counsellors Launch Initiative to Enhance Mental Health Access

In a significant effort to improve access to mental health care, a group of counsellors in Victoria, Canada, has launched an initiative called Let’s Talk Access. Led by clinical counsellor Christa Martel, the project aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate mental health services effectively. The initiative emerged from Martel’s personal experiences and the realization that many people struggle to find appropriate care due to a lack of resources.

Martel’s motivation was sparked during a lengthy phone call with a friend facing a crisis while she was en route to Montreal. The conversation left her feeling alarmed and exhausted, prompting her to question the availability of resources that could help others in similar situations. “Do we really not have resources that teach people how to sort this out for themselves?” she reflected. This question laid the groundwork for the creation of the project, which focuses on what the team refers to as pre-therapy literacy.

The Let’s Talk Access initiative features a three-part podcast mini-series developed by Martel and her collaborators after receiving funding through a storytelling initiative. Each episode documents the real-time experiences of participants attempting to access therapy without guidance, highlighting the confusion and difficulties many face. Participants reported feeling lost in unfamiliar terminology and overwhelmed by various therapeutic approaches and pricing structures.

“People don’t know what they’re looking for. They end up in therapy that isn’t harmful, but doesn’t help,” Martel noted. The series also addresses financial barriers, emphasizing the stigma surrounding mental health care and the undervaluation of therapeutic work. Martel advocates for greater government involvement in subsidizing mental health services, comparing this need to housing support.

Podcast Structure and Educational Goals

The podcast is designed as both a narrative exploration and a practical guide. It is divided into three sections: the first focuses on understanding therapy, including an exploration of different therapeutic models, terminology, and how various life experiences shape mental health. The second section educates listeners on how to find and assess therapists, including searching effectively, reading profiles critically, and interviewing potential providers. The final section addresses what to expect once in therapy, including recognizing signs of effective care and knowing when to seek a different therapeutic relationship.

Each episode is paired with a written guide that offers summaries, reflection questions, and prompts for listeners to apply what they learn. Unlike automated matching systems used by platforms like BetterHelp, Martel emphasizes that this project aims to keep decision-making in the hands of the individual. She pointed out that when automated matches go awry, many individuals remain unaware that they can seek alternative therapists.

The project intentionally incorporates elements of Indigenous and Celtic storytelling traditions, fostering a collaborative environment with local communities and knowledge keepers. This community-driven approach was showcased during a benefit night held in Fernwood in December, supported by the Fernwood Community Arts Association. The event featured performances, donated artwork, and contributions from local businesses, raising both funds and awareness for the initiative.

If adequate funding is obtained, each participant in the recorded group will receive $2,000 to apply towards their chosen mental health support. Martel emphasized that this model has no recorded precedent in Canada, highlighting the initiative’s innovative approach to empowering individuals in their mental health journeys. “We try to give power back to people,” she stated.

Recruitment for the first recorded group is open until February 12, 2024, with eight participant spots available. Recording is set to commence in mid-February. Martel’s vision is clear: she aims to transform listeners into informed mental health advocates, helping to ensure that fewer individuals feel lost, overwhelmed, or trapped in ineffective care.