COVID-19 Worsening New Brunswickers’ Access to Psychologists

4 December 2020 – COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the psychological health of New Brunswickers.

“COVID-19 has impacted the psychological health of New Brunswickers who were already faced with a shortage of psychologists. Access to necessary psychological support was difficult before – and the need for the services of licenced psychologists continues to grow. Without policies, programs, and services in place we cannot meet this impending demand,” said Mandy McLean, Executive Director of CPNB.

“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 mental health.”

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

Access to Care

  • 58% of New Brunswickers (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

  • 71% of New Brunswickers (71% nationally as well) 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 New Brunswickers. CPNB is committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government, employers, and insurers so that New Brunswickers receive evidence-based care where, and when, they need it.

Provincial results, in detail, are available at NB Covid-19 CPA CPAP Nanos Surveys  and national results, in detail, at www.cpa.ca.

About Us
The mission of CPNB is to protect the public by regulating the professional practice of psychology and to advance the practice of psychology in New Brunswick.

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 (203 New Brunswickers) 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
Mandy McLean
Executive Director
College of Psychologists of New Brunswick

(506) 382-6748

mandy.mclean@cpnb.ca

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