carepoint

Who’s Behind Your Care?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:15:06 GMT

You've finally decided to reach out for help with anxiety, low mood, or those intrusive thoughts that won't quit. It's a big step. But then the questions start rolling in:  Who will I actually be talking to? Are they qualified? Will they understand what I'm going through?  

These questions matter.

That's why we're pulling back the curtain on the  Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program . If you're an adult in Ontario struggling with anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, or obsessive-compulsive concerns, OSP offers free, evidence-based mental health support. But more importantly, you'll be working with a team of professionals who are specifically trained, closely consulted, and genuinely invested in your well-being. 

It's important to highlight that all team members receive training in Indigenous mental health, anti-oppressive care, gender-affirming care, and culturally responsive care.

Let's introduce you to the people who might be part of your care journey. 

Everyone Starts in the Same Place: Your Assessment Clinician  

Think of your assessment clinician as your mental health guide. This is the first person you'll speak with—by phone or virtually, so no pressure to show up somewhere new when you're already feeling anxious. 

Assessment clinicians are registered mental health professionals—specifically, registered psychotherapists or registered social workers. Their job is straightforward: listen to what you're experiencing, understand what you need, and connect you with the support that may be best for you right now. 

What makes them good at this? They receive extensive training in all the conditions OSP treats, are supported by clinical psychologists who provide clinical expertise on best practice, and work collaboratively with clients towards their goals.

Your Care Options: Six Paths, One Goal  

Depending on your need and preferences, you'll work with one of several types of providers. Here's who you might meet: 

MindBeacon Therapists: Support Through Your Screen  

If you prefer going at your own pace or your schedule doesn't allow for regular appointments, you might work with a MindBeacon therapist. These are master's-level registered professionals—mostly social workers, along with some psychotherapists and psychologists. 

Through secure messaging, they'll guide you through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programs at your own pace. You get 12 weeks of active support, plus continued access to materials after that. They're trained specifically in digital care delivery and receive regular consultation with psychologist clinical leads. 

BounceBack Coaches: Building Skills, One Call at a Time  

BounceBack coaches work one-on-one with you by phone to help you develop practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, and low mood. While they're not registered clinicians, they bring college diplomas or university degrees (often in mental health fields) and complete about 10 weeks of intensive CBT training before working independently. 

Coaches receive ongoing consultation from clinical psychologists, their sessions are regularly reviewed, and they have access to an on-call psychologist during every session. You're getting evidence-based tools delivered by someone who's closely supported by experts. 

CAB Clinicians: Registered Professionals, Focused Sessions  

CAB clinicians are registered mental health professionals regulated by Ontario colleges—think social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, or psychotherapists. They deliver CBT skills through regularly scheduled sessions designed to address your mood and anxiety concerns. 

New clinicians go through a supported onboarding process with close oversight, and all CAB clinicians receive ongoing consultation, session reviews, and have an on-call psychologist available throughout program hours. 

Tranquility Practitioners: Experience Meets Digital Delivery  

If you're paired with a Tranquility practitioner, you're working with a registered social worker or psychotherapist who holds a master's degree and brings at least three years of experience. They provide video calls and message support, delivering CBT skills through a digital platform. 

These practitioners are trained in CBT, as well as motivational interviewing and cultural competence, like all the coaches and therapists within the program. Quality assurance reviews and continuing professional development are built into their role. 

OSP Group and Individual Therapists: When You Need More Intensive Support  

Most commonly, you’ll start with one of the options above- they are easy to access and have minimal wait times. But if you need more frequent support, you might step up to individual therapy or group therapy with an OSP therapist—a registered social worker or psychotherapist with CBT experience. 

 OSP group and individual therapists provide weekly one-on-one sessions (in-person or virtually). While, all therapists have experience in CBT before joining the OSP team, they also  complete five courses in CBT  accredited by the University of Toronto, participate in weekly individual consultations and biweekly group consultations with clinical and equity consultants (psychologists), and regularly review recordings of their sessions (with your permission) to ensure they're delivering high-quality, culturally responsive care. 

The People You Don't See (But Who Are Always There)  

Behind every provider you work with at OSP- Brampton, Halton, Mississauga are Clinical and Equity Consultants—licensed clinical psychologists with PhDs in Clinical Psychology. They don't provide direct client care, but they're the ones ensuring everyone else is delivering excellent care. 

These consultants train assessment clinicians, group and individual therapists, review cases, observe sessions, and make sure your care is evidence-based, culturally responsive, and equitable. They complete specialized training in clinical consultation, and like all team members, receive training in the areas mentioned above. This includes Indigenous mental health, anti-oppressive care, gender-affirming care, and culturally responsive care.

Think of them as the quality assurance team working behind the scenes to make sure you get the care you deserve. 

What This All Means for You  

Here's the bottom line: no matter which OSP provider you work with, you're getting a trained professional who operates within a system designed for quality and safety. 

Every provider—from coaches to individual therapists—receives training in privacy, ethics, cultural and inclusive care, suicide risk assessment, and safety planning. Every provider has access to clinical psychologists for consultation. Every provider's work is reviewed and supported by clinical psychologists.

Ready to Take the Next Step?  

If you're an adult in Ontario (18+) and need help with sadness, anxiety or stress, reach out to us for support. We have a qualified and compassionate team committed to your health and well-being. 

Visit  OSPcarepointhealth.ca  to get started. 

Common Myths About CBT

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:58:28 GMT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well- researched and widely used forms of therapy today, but there are still lots of misconceptions around it. Assumptions and myths about CBT may prevent people from exploring a treatment that could help them.

For our latest blog, we sat down with Dr. Naomi Ennis, Psychologist, and Regional Clinical and Training Lead for the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program in Brampton-Halton-Mississauga (OSP-BHM) at CarePoint Health, to debunk common myths about CBT.

What exactly is CBT?

CBT is a type of therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. There are specific CBT treatments for different concerns – it’s helpful to think of CBT as an ‘umbrella term’ for various treatments.

First things first – CBT is not “positive thinking”. Sometimes the way we think can make us feel even worse or lead us to do things that keep our problems going. In CBT, you work as a team with your therapist and take a deeper look at the pattern of habits, thinking, and emotions that may keep you feeling stuck.

This type of therapy is practical and focused on learning how to shift the way you respond to stress, challenging moods or anxiety. CBT allows you to gain skills and gives you tools for ongoing management.

What are common myths?

CBT just teaches you to “think positively” 
CBT ignores your feelings 
CBT only focuses on the present and doesn’t care about your past 
CBT is a “one-size fits all” or robotic/cookie-cutter 
CBT is “all about homework” 
CBT is too simple for complicated problems

Myth: CBT just teaches you to “think positively”  

Fact:  CBT isn’t about pretending everything’s fine or forcing happy thoughts. It’s about learning to notice when your mind gets stuck in unhelpful patterns and remembering that thoughts aren’t facts. CBT gives you tools to step back, look at the evidence, and see things from a more balanced perspective.

Over time, CBT can help you to respond to challenges with more flexibility and with a calmer approach. This approach doesn’t make you ignore the hard stuff; instead, it allows you to see things more clearly.

Myth: CBT is too simple for complicated problems 

Fact:  CBT may seem simple, but it’s a flexible and evidence-based approach that can be adapted for complex challenges like trauma, obsessive-compulsive concerns, or chronic stress. While CBT methods may seem simple, using them takes insight, practice, and courage — that’s what makes CBT a powerful therapeutic approach.

Myth: CBT ignores emotions

Fact:  CBT places emotions at the centre of the work. It helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours all connect — and how changing one can shift the others. 

Rather than pushing emotions away, CBT teaches you how to notice, name, and respond to them in healthier ways. Many people find that understanding the thoughts behind their feelings makes their emotions easier to manage.

Myth: CBT only focuses on the present and doesn’t care about your past 

Fact:  Indeed, CBT often focuses on what’s happening in your life  right now  — your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. But that doesn’t mean your past is ignored or unimportant. 

In CBT, the past is explored when it helps you understand patterns that still affect you today. For example, you and your therapist might look at where certain beliefs or coping styles began — perhaps in childhood, in past relationships, or during a stressful time in your life. The goal isn’t to stay in the past, but to understand how it shapes your present and how you can move forward differently. 

Key takeaways

It’s important to keep in mind that everyone has different lived experiences and needs. While some people may be successful using CBT as a form of therapeutic treatment, other people may need other supports.

Research finds that CBT is often the first recommended approach for treating many mental health concerns. CBT is not a quick fix, and it takes consistency and commitment for it to be successful. Keep in mind that healing takes time – but it is not impossible to reach goals using this approach.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sadness, feeling worried or even stuck, these could be signs that therapy can help. The OSP program offers a range of mental health services based in CBT. Our therapists listen to you and match you to the service and care that best meet your needs.

Interested in learning more? Visit OSPcarepointhealth.ca

Where Do I Begin?

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:31:53 GMT

October 10th is World Mental Health Day – a powerful reminder that taking care of your mental health has never been more important.

Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or just not feeling like yourself, this day is about more than awareness – it’s about breaking stigmas, sharing support, and reminding each other that no one has to struggle alone.

If you’re new to this journey, it can feel overwhelming when you’re figuring out where to start. To help you or someone you care about, we sat down with Andrea, a psychologist and clinical and equity consultant for the OSP program at CarePoint Health , to understand ‘ Where do I begin ?’ when reaching out for help.

Common signs

Mental health symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone.

There are common signs, such as persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability, that can impact your daily life. Other signs, such as changes in sleep, unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse or even overworking, isolating, or self-harming, can also occur.

Where can I begin?

We recommend speaking to your family doctor first, so that they can understand your experience and connect you with options in your community.

If you don’t have a family doctor or want to start this journey on your own, you can  reach out to us for support.  We have trained and understanding coaches and therapists who can help you virtually, over the phone, or in person. They can even work around busy schedules through online support, check-in calls, and video conferencing. It’s important that you feel supported, no matter where you are.

Benefits of our mental health program

Support for sadness, anxiety, and fears
Open to all adults 18+ in Ontario
Free of charge
No referral or health card required
Learn real strategies at your pace

Different needs, different speeds

Everyone has different needs and requires different levels of support. Our assessment clinicians can help explain the different services we offer and match you to the support that best fits your needs. Our intake process is key because it helps us learn more about you, your goals, and which service will best fit your lifestyle (e.g., student vs. working parent).

Our goal is to help you feel supported and gain lifelong skills. Your progress is important, which is why we do check-ins and closely monitor how you feel. Based on your needs, if you require more or less support, you can move between different services within the program – this includes both individual and group therapy.

What to expect

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first session which is typically an intake session — the unknown can be intimidating. There is a basic and standard routine at the start, and can include the following:

Your intake clinician will explain their background, approach, and confidentiality policy.
Expect lots of questions about your history, current concerns, and goals.
You’ll collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan.
You might get tasks to do outside of session — like reflecting on goals, tracking symptoms, or completing worksheets.

Remember, the first session is just the beginning. It’s okay to take your time to open up and build trust.

It’s okay to ask for help

There is still a lot of stigma around mental health, and people might feel embarrassed or brush off their problems, “as no big deal.” Everyone has their own lived experience in life, and if your mental health is impacting your day-to-day life, it’s important to seek help.

Keep in mind that seeking support is a personal choice. If someone you care about could benefit from support, help share education on the available resources.

Caring for yourself isn’t about doing everything. It can be as simple as asking for help.

Additional Resources:

Motherhood: Magical & Mentally Exhausting

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:19:29 GMT

Motherhood is both magical AND mentally exhausting (IYKYK). One minute, a mom is swept up in baby snuggles, and the next she's texting her teenager, “What time will you be home?” Each phase of motherhood brings new joys and fresh ways to question one's sanity.

When Hormones Go Wild

About 85% of new moms experience some kind of mood disturbance after birth (i). They're definitely not alone if they find themselves sobbing over diaper commercials. Between healing after giving birth and hormones throwing a party in their bodies, mothers might experience:

Baby blues: Think random crying while folding tiny socks (affects 50-85% of women) (ii)
Postpartum anxiety: When checking if the baby's breathing turns into an hourly ritual
Postpartum depression: When the fog doesn't lift, and even showering feels impossible

These mental health conditions can affect mothers from all backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic levels (iii). If you don't feel like yourself, please seek help. If you're thinking of harming yourself or your baby, call or text 988 immediately .

New Anxieties, Same Mom-Brain

As your baby becomes a toddler and then a school-aged child, your worries transform but rarely diminish. This new phase brings both freedom and new concerns:

Safety fears: That first solo bike ride might as well be a child's first solo trip to Europe
School stress : "Is my child behind in reading?" becomes the 3 AM thought companion
Friendship drama : Nothing prepares a mother for the heartbreak of her kid sitting alone at lunch
Screen time battles : "But Jayden's mom lets him play Fortnite!" (the eternal struggle)
Parenting comparison : Instagram makes mothers think other moms are baking organic muffins while teaching their kids Mandarin

Many mothers and parents struggle with confidence in their parenting decisions. The constant internal questioning about whether you're being too strict or too permissive, and how your choices compare to other parents, can lead to common feelings of anxiety and stress.

The key is being aware of when a little worrying gets to a lot of worrying. Many times, moms are often a lot harder on themselves because of pressures from family, friends, and even social media. It’s important to pause and reflect on the progress, not the perfection.

Send Help, Please

Just when parents think they have this parenting thing figured out, puberty enters the chat.

The letting go phase : Trying not to text teens every 5 minutes when they're out with friends
Conversation attempts : "How was school?" "Fine." (That's what passes for dialogue now)
Friend group anxiety : Are they hanging with the right crowd or the "experimenting with vapes behind the mall" crowd?
Future worries : University applications bring a whole new level of maternal stress sweats

Instead of midnight feedings, mothers might wait up to hear the front door open at curfew, praying their teens are safe. Meanwhile, their sweet children, who once thought mom was the sun and the moon, now think she's clueless about everything.

When to Wave the Flag

It's totally normal for mothers to worry about their kids (it's in the job description), but if anxiety, stress or fears are taking over life, it’s time to seek help.

In every mom’s toolkit, we recommend:

Finding a mom tribe - sometimes just hearing "my kid does that too" is therapeutic.
Talking to your family doctor - they've heard it ALL before (don’t have a family doctor? We can help ).
Accessing free mental health support – we have trained therapists who can help you learn strategies to cope with the intense feelings that sometimes come with being a mom (plus, we have support in multiple languages).

Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's like putting on your own oxygen mask first. Caring for your mental health is an essential part of being the parent you want to be.

References:

(i) Massachusetts General Hospital | Harvard Medical School (n.d.). Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders. MGH Center for Women's Mental Health. https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders-2/

(ii) IBID

(iii) Massachusetts General Hospital | Harvard Medical School (n.d.). Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders. MGH Center for Women's Mental Health. https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics-2/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders-2/

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The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program offers free, evidence-based, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to adults (18+) in Ontario who are experiencing depression or anxiety-related concerns. CarePoint Health leads and coordinates access for Ontarians to the free OSP program for the regions of Brampton, Halton, Mississauga, and South Etobicoke. In collaboration with our partners, we deliver mental health services and improve access to care.

Redefining Resilience: The Strong Black Woman

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:42:38 GMT

Written by Simone Lewis, CarePoint Health Staff

Let's talk about something we all need but some of us struggle to prioritize – mental health. While this conversation is growing everywhere, there's a group facing unique challenges that often get overlooked: Black women.

Think about it - when was the last time you saw a Black woman portrayed as anything but a pillar of strength? This "Strong Black Woman" stereotype might seem positive on the surface, but it comes with a heavy price tag.

The expectation to be endlessly resilient while facing undervalued work, lower pay, and constant stereotyping isn't just unfair – it's exhausting. And when society keeps telling you to "stay strong," where's the space to be vulnerable?

The Weight of Proving Your Worth

Ever feel like you're constantly having to prove yourself? You're not alone.

Black women often find themselves playing this exhausting game of "twice as good for half the recognition." Take Patricia Jaggernauth's story at CP24 - her powerful question "How come I'm always good enough to fill in but never good enough to invest in?" strikes a chord that many Black women know all too well.

The mental load is heavy: navigating microaggressions at work, pushing against stereotypes, and still showing up with excellence every day. Despite being among the most educated groups, the return on that investment often doesn't match the effort. It's like running a marathon on an uphill track while everyone else gets the flat route.

More Than Just "Strong"

Let's talk about something that needs to change: the "Strong Black Woman" label. As Canadian icon Jully Black perfectly put it, “...I have friends of all walks of life and I’ve never heard my white girlfriends be called ‘strong white women.’ Asian friends be called ‘strong Asian women’…never in my life. And so, this is my opportunity to take the S off my chest. Handle me with care. I’m fragile as well. I’m delicate. I have feelings.”

The truth is, being called "strong" may seem like a compliment, but it often feels like a burden, as society expects Black women to bear the weight of everything without breaking. This label demands we keep going without rest, never allowing us the space to feel vulnerable or take a break.

Self-Care Isn't Selfish

Here's the truth: Taking care of yourself isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Here's what that can look like:

Find your people - connect with therapists who get your experience and communities that make you feel seen.
Make time for joy - whether that's journaling, meditation, or just dancing in your living room.
Set boundaries – it’s okay to say ‘no’ to things and protect your space to recharge.
Tap into your roots - whether through spirituality, art, or connecting with other Black women who share your journey.

Organizations like The Black Health & Social Services Hub (BHSS) are doing amazing work creating spaces where you can breathe, heal, and grow. They offer culturally connected care with Black health practitioners who understand your journey.

In addition to the BHSS, the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program offers free mental health support to residents (18+) of Brampton, Halton, and Mississauga. These services are available in multiple languages and are offered virtually, in person, or via phone, ensuring the community can access support.

Moving Forward

Remember, true strength isn't about being unbreakable - it's about being real, being human, and sometimes saying, "I need support."

Let's build a world where Black women don't have to be "strong" to be valued. Where they can be soft, tired, joyful, unsure, or anything else they feel in the moment. Sometimes, the strongest act of care is simply asking , "How are you really doing today?"

References:

[1] Black women still face a glass cliff, but fixing workplace systems can change that, Catalyst (2024, 15 August)

[2] Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report, McKinsey & Company (2024, September 17)

[3] CP24 personality alleges 'systemic pattern' of discrimination in human rights claim against Bell Media (2022, October 8)

[4] Jully Black Responds To Trolls, Talks Mental Health & Social Media | MUCHMUSIC

Is it Okay if I’m not, Okay? Support for South Asian Newcomers

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:01:03 GMT

Written by Alicia Tahal and Shivika Adhwaryu, CarePoint Health staff

Maybe it’s the first snowfall or the cold wind hitting your neck when you realize you’re far from home.

Leaving behind everything familiar to start a new journey can be both exciting and scary. The dream of a “better life” is told time after time. But are things better?

“For many years, there was a narrative that Canada meant a better opportunity and better life, only recently, are we beginning to unpack the complex realities new immigrants and international students face. Systemic barriers, cultural stigmas, and deeply rooted traditional beliefs within South Asian communities often prevent individuals from seeking the support they need," says Amandeep Kaur, CEO of Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS).

To break down challenges faced by South Asian newcomers and connect more people to culturally responsive services, CarePoint Health teamed up with Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) and Indus Community Services to discuss newcomer mental health and well-being in South Asian communities.

Barriers to Being New

Arriving in a new country can be overwhelming. Navigating unfamiliar systems, searching for housing and employment - while also taking care of your health – is no small feat.

Here are just some of the things you might experience:

Housing: When you start searching for housing, you’re met with barriers such as: “You don’t make enough money,” “You need to pay six months’ rent,” or “Bring a guarantor.”
Education: If you came as a student and managed to afford the large international student fees, you may be thinking the hardest part is behind you. Only to be told you lack “Canadian experience.”
Healthcare: You fall sick and face challenges accessing healthcare due to the complexities of insurance and eligibility, along with confusion on where to go for care.

"For newcomers and international students, it often feels like they face overwhelming challenges. They have to manage housing, work, school, and a maze of paperwork and regulations, on top of that, there's the added pressure to succeed and figure everything out on their own, especially since many South Asian families emphasize the importance of success, education, and stability while viewing struggle or reaching out for help as a sign of weakness," explains Gurpreet S. Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer at Indus Community Services.

Aunty & uncle will talk, let them

Many times, family back home may not know the hurdles you’re facing or the feelings that come from being away from them. South Asian families shy away from sharing difficult feelings because the cultural belief is that you must put your head down and work hard to succeed. The reality is that newcomers are working very hard but may not realize that asking for help is a sign of strength and resilience.

To help newcomers integrate into Canadian society, PCHS offers several community-focused programs and services to newcomers, permanent residents (PR), Canadian citizens, international students, work permit holders, live-in caregivers, and convention/refugee claimants to Canada. Learn more.

Our tip: Let go of what any aunty, uncle, nani, chacha or mausi will think and ask for help. You will be better because of it and be able to support others (family and friends) as well.

Who packed the cultural baggage?

We also know being a newcomer or an international student is particularly tough. Being miles away from home, family, and familiar comforts can be scary and overwhelming. You may struggle to navigate a complex educational system, deal with cultural adjustments, housing issues, and feelings of isolation.

Don’t forget the added cultural baggage that somehow made it to Canada with you. It can weigh a ton on your mind, make you fearful to ask for help and create unrealistic pressure on what success looks like.

Indus helps international students, newcomers, permanent residents (PR), Canadian citizens, and work permit holders find community and connection through culturally responsive programs and services.

Our tip: Try to treat cultural baggage and family pressure like Canadian souvenirs and chocolate – send it back home and out of your mind. While this is easier said than done, it’s important to acknowledge the positive and negative influence culture plays in our lives and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Drama isn’t just for Bollywood

Classic movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham or Dil Chata Hai tell stories of struggle, triumph and love. We root for the characters, we feel their stories, but strangely enough, we don’t show ourselves the same grace and compassion.

It can be exciting, scary, difficult, and exhilarating to come to a new country. All these emotions and feelings can co-exist in the same space. And, regardless of the country you come from – culture plays a significant role in our mental health and well-being.

The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSP) provides free mental health support to international students, newcomers, permanent residents (PR), Canadian citizens, and work permit holders who are 18+ and live in Ontario. We serve Brampton, Halton, and Mississauga regions but can help you connect to programs in your region. Another great thing about this program is that you don’t need an OHIP or IFH card or a doctor's referral. All you need to do is fill out the intake form .

Our tip: It’s ok, if you’re not okay. Life is dramatic with highs and lows. Taking care of yourself is not selfish or shameful. Seeking support for your mental health is just as important as seeking help for your physical health.

Video: Sandy, hamare OSP therapist se samjhe ye therapy ke fayde | Sandy, our OSP therapist, explains the benefits of therapy in Hindi.

Working Together to Support You

We understand that being a newcomer is not easy. The challenges vary greatly depending on whether it’s your first month, your first year or you’ve lived here for a few years.

The good thing is that organizations like PCHS , Indus, and CarePoint Health work together to support the mental health and well-being of newcomers. We encourage you to reach out or share this blog post with family and friends who could benefit from any of these programs or services.

Inside Out 2: A Deeper Dive into Mental Health

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:07:43 GMT

Image Source: 2024 Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2 Movie

TL;DR

Finding help and support is key to managing your mental health.
Building emotional intelligence and resilience is necessary.
Apply these three tips to help you build up your emotional intelligence and resilience.
CarePoint Health is here to help you manage your mental health.

Parents grabbed their kids and popcorn and headed to the movies to watch Pixar's Inside Out 2 . The movie explores mental health with a unique take on emotions and how to manage them. It’s not just an entertaining movie—it touches on concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), offering valuable insights for the entire family.

Navigating complex emotions

Inside Out 2 brings to life the idea that managing our mental health is an ongoing process. As we get older and have different experiences, our emotions become more complex. The film introduces new emotions and challenges, mirroring the way we all experience a range of feelings and thoughts throughout our lives. This is where CBT concepts come into play such as recognizing and reframing negative thought patterns—just like the characters in the movie learn to understand and manage their emotions more effectively.

One of the biggest takeaways from the movie is the importance of seeking support. Just as the movie’s lead character Riley learns that no matter what stage of life someone is in, there will be new emotions and new experiences to deal with. Life is messy and that’s OK—we can learn how to manage it.

Managing life can mean relying on our support systems—friends, family, or professionals. Inside Out 2 subtly normalizes the idea of seeking therapy and professional guidance, helping to break the stigma around mental health issues. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a step towards healing and growth.

Lessons on Emotional Intelligence and Resilience

Each emotion—from joy and anger to sadness and anxiety—plays a vital role in our lives. Learning how to balance these emotions is key to our overall well-being. One of the key points of the movie is building emotional intelligence, how to understand, manage, and express our emotions effectively.

So how do you build emotional intelligence? Pay attention to your emotions without judgment. Label what you’re feeling and try to understand the underlying reasons. The more aware you are of your emotions and feelings, the better you will be able to manage them and express them in a healthy way.

Life is full of ups and downs. In the movie, Riley faces several challenges, and she learns how to use emotional resilience to bounce back from them. Resilience isn’t about avoiding negative emotions but coping with them effectively using strategies like mindfulness, self-care, and developing a growth mindset.

From giggles to real insights, we can use Inside Out 2 ’s messages about emotional intelligence and resilience to manage our mental health and support those around us.

Three tips to help you build your emotional intelligence and resilience

Nurturing your emotional intelligence and resilience is a skill you can develop and improve. You just have to start.

Keep a daily journal . Write down your emotions and what triggered them. You’ll start to see patterns and gain insight into your emotions. Write about your day and how you felt—were you stressed? Happy? Anxious? Sad? What was happening to make you feel this way?

Make time for self-care . Make time to eat well, do some physical activity, and get good sleep. Taking care of yourself will help you to stay balanced and better deal with the ups and downs of life. Start your day with a walk or mindfulness exercise to ground yourself.

Make connections . A support network of friends, family, or community can provide emotional support, advice, and a sense of belonging. Building and maintaining strong relationships is crucial for emotional resilience and good mental health. Connect to a friend or join a group with shared interests to expand your support network.

Here to Support You

We understand that everyone’s mental health journey is unique. That’s why we offer a range of free mental health supports , designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’re seeking help for the first time or looking to continue your progress, our therapists will work with you to find the best fit for your needs.

The OSP program offers various options informed by cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). You can start with self-guided materials and online tools, and progress to virtual, phone, or in-person sessions—depending on what works best for you. Our goal is to provide you with the right support, no matter where you are on your mental health journey.

Take the first step today. Learn how we can help build resilience , improve your emotional well-being, and support your overall mental health.

Myths About Mental Health in Black Communities

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 18:11:00 GMT

Everyone is talking about mental health and well-being.

It comes up while watching the news, talking to friends, and scrolling on social media. We know that it's important, but sometimes it’s hard to ask for help because we’re nervous of being judged or misunderstood.

“Black communities tend to shy away from discussing mental health and wellbeing,” says Shane Joseph, Chief Executive Officer at Roots Community Services. “Breaking down these barriers and finding support is necessary so that we change the dialogue and teach future generations that their mental health is important.”

CarePoint Health and Roots Community Services partnered to explore some of the common myths and conversations surrounding mental health in Black communities.

Myth #1: “Therapy is not for me.”

Many racialized individuals feel pressured to show strength and bravery, especially in cultures that prioritize resilience over vulnerability. In these environments, sharing experiences of anxiety or depression might be met with responses like, “Get over it” or “What do you have to worry about?”

For the Black community, the ongoing struggle with anti-Black racism¹ and discrimination often brings additional mental and emotional challenges, which can negatively impact or worsen their mental health.

‘Mental health’ isn’t just about how we feel, it includes our emotions, thoughts, and how we manage everyday life. Sometimes managing life’s challenges means reaching out for professional support. According to The Black Health Alliance , “[i]n Toronto, Black Canadians often face ‘service deserts’—a lack of safe, inexpensive, and effective healthcare and community services in their communities.”²

It’s important to remember that asking for help, even if you’re unsure where to begin, can be the first step to healing and feeling like your best self. There are also many free and culturally affirming mental health services available.

Myth #2: “Why Therapy? Just Pray.”

In many Black communities, religious beliefs and leaders are often seen as primary sources of support. While prayer is powerful and can be a significant part of your mental health journey, it doesn’t have to be the only approach. Therapy and other forms of mental health support can co-exist together. This may include therapy, resources, and other treatments that help with processing traumatic experiences and dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Having open discussions with religious leaders and your healthcare provider about your desires, questions, and concerns can help identify an approach that works for you.

Myth #3: "It’s shameful to need help. Just get over it.”

Sometimes we hesitate to seek care as it can be a source of embarrassment owing to cultural misconceptions. Many Black, Caribbean, and African cultures don’t talk about mental health challenges like anxiety or depression because they believe mental health challenges mean someone is ‘mad’ or ‘crazy’— insults that stop people from understanding what mental health is. Uncertainty about the right words to describe symptoms and language barriers can also make talking about experiences difficult. This stigma is another struggle that makes people uncomfortable discussing their emotions and experiences that keep them stuck.

The reality is that one in five people in Canada experience a mental health problem or illness.³ This means there is a chance that a loved one or someone you know may be struggling.

Just like doctors and nurses help with your physical well-being, mental health professionals can help with your mental well-being. Our therapists, social workers, and psychologists have done extensive mental health and cultural training. They also maintain strict confidentiality and keep any information shared, private.

It may be hard to let go of cultural fears or stigmas or speak to a therapist of a different background. The reality is that you can ask questions, evaluate if a therapist or service is right for you, and seek other mental health support if you don't feel you're getting what you need.

Myth #4: "Mental health support is expensive. I can’t waste my money on that.”

Free, publicly funded, and high-quality services are available. The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program offers support for depression, anxiety, trauma, or fears. Roots Community Services offers culturally supportive programs including The Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY) that can help Black youth and their families get the care they need.

The truth: your mental health matters.

Cultural beliefs and influences can stop people from accessing the help they need. It’s important to be aware of these common misconceptions and myths and prioritize your mental health with your physical health. By taking small steps to be more open, you can ask questions, explore choices, and find professionals with lived experience and a range of supports that align with your unique needs.

As you achieve mental well-being you can also empower those around you to care for their mental health. Together we can achieve good mental health and increase access to culturally sensitive care.

References

[1] Mental Health Commission of Canada (2021, February 12), Shining A Light On Mental Health In Black Communities.

[2] IBID

[3] Canadian Mental Health Association (2021, July 19). Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness.

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Roots Community Services Inc. (RootsCS), provides culturally-sensitive and culturally-enriching programs to the Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities in the Region of Peel. Programs and services reduce, if not eliminate, social and racial inequities that are major barriers to the successful growth of strong families and individuals within BAC communities.

CarePoint Health Partners with TMU

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 21:20:36 GMT

Photo credit: Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Website

Mississauga, ON – CarePoint Health (CPH) is excited to announce a partnership with Dr. Fiona Thomas from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), following her award of a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Engage Grant.

Dr. Thomas’s research project, “Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Community-Academic Partnerships to Improve Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for Diverse Communities,” aims to evaluate and enhance the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program across Halton, Brampton, and Mississauga.

This collaboration will explore factors affecting engagement in mental health services, including barriers to access and reasons for client disengagement. By integrating insights from clients and clinicians, the project seeks to improve the effectiveness of OSP and expand access to mental health care for marginalized communities. This research, anticipated to conclude by March 2025, will be a significant step toward informing targeted interventions and clinician training in the region.

Research Supported by SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant .

For further details, please visit TMU's official news release .

Feeling Overwhelmed? Managing Academic Pressure

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:24:18 GMT

Exams are coming up. You have assignments and projects due in all your classes. You are scheduled to work. Your family has expectations of you, and you have expectations of yourself. Academic pressure, along with other responsibilities, can be a lot for students.

What is academic pressure?

Academic pressure can be defined as a fear of failure, having concerns about the future, chronic stress about workload and exams, worries about parental expectations, and competition with peers for grades. [1]

The weight of academic pressure can affect students’ mental health and show up differently.

Students can find themselves dealing with:

anxiety over an assignment they do not understand
sleeplessness from long hours of studying for an exam
loneliness from being away from family and friends
low mood from not having time to participate in social activities
lack of appetite or overeating to cope with a stressful schedule and semester

It is a lot dealing with these feelings both at home and at school, and the pressure can sometimes feel like too much to manage.

How to manage academic stress

We cannot live in a completely stress-free world, but not all stress is bad.

The Yerkes-Dodson model says that having some stress can actually help us achieve our goals. For example, stress about an essay due in two days might motivate a student to sit down and knock it out. Having several deadlines at the same time can motivate another student to prioritize what needs to be completed first. These are positive ways that stress can work in our favour.

However, at too high a level, stress can become a problem. When stress is too high, it can be felt constantly and may interfere with mood and day-to-day life. This can show up in not wanting to get out of bed for several days, skipping meals or avoiding things that once brought you joy.

If academic pressure and stress are feeling like a lot, here are some tips that may help:

Realistic time management. Sometimes the thing that makes us the most stressed is that we have not allotted enough time to complete what we must do, and it catches us by surprise. For example, you might think that you can get through your assigned reading in an hour, but it might actually take you three hours. If you have not allotted enough time for this, you will always feel behind. Many post-secondary institutions have resources that can help you manage your time.

Learning to say no. This is a tough one but learning how to say ‘no’ can alleviate stress and burnout. We can’t always do everything and achieve our goals. You may need to cut down on extra-curricular activities or take a semester with one less course and catch up in the summer. Take some time to re-evaluate where you spend your time. Minor modifications now could mean a better handle of the academic year. Remember, school is a marathon, not a sprint. Many universities and colleges have student services and program advisors who can help you explore your options.

Focus on the now. Take a deep breath. Focus yourself. Sometimes we can start to spiral and become anxious about all the things we need to do and the time we have to do them. Mindfulness helps us to calm our minds and be present in the moment—this allows us to focus on the right now instead of worrying about the future. Downloading apps like Calm or Headspace can help you to relax, be mindful and develop more effective ways of thinking.

Make time for you. For many students’ their schedule is jam packed with lectures, tutorials, reading and homework. It is easy to forego relaxation or fun because there are not enough hours in the day. The thing is, we all need activities in our life that spark joy and give us time to decompress. Even if it is short 10-minute dance between readings, calling up a friend for a walk or going out to a new restaurant. By making time for these activities, we ensure we can take care of our mental health in a way that supports our energy and focus for school.

Give yourself some grace. When you feel your mind spiraling and that negative internal voice starts to speak up, take a moment to pause. Try taking a moment to acknowledge the challenging situation you are in. Consider how you would respond to a loved one like a friend or family member in the same situation. Try to catch your unhelpful thoughts and give yourself some grace and patience. Here is an example of taking a thought that may be keeping you stuck in a negative place and channeling it into a thought that may be more helpful.

Get the support you need

If you are feeling overwhelmed by academic pressures, you can get support. Talk to a trusted friend. Visit your school’s student services or wellness department. Contact a community health organization or your family doctor.

If you are not sure where to turn but know that stress, feelings of sadness or worry are getting to be too much, you can reach out to us for support. We have trained and understanding coaches and therapists that can help you virtually, over the phone or in-person. They can even work around busy school schedules through online support, check-in calls and video conferencing. We want you to feel supported, no matter where you are.

It is hard being a student, but it can be even harder when you go at it alone.

Remember, ask for help when you need it.

References

[1] N. Shahmohammadi. Students’ coping with Stress, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, (2011)

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We listen to you and match you to the service and care that best meets your needs. Whether that’s reading materials in your own time, engaging with online tools, or speaking to us virtually, by phone or in-person – we meet you where you are.

CarePoint Health leads and coordinates access for Ontarians to the free OSP program for the regions of Brampton, Halton, Mississauga, and South Etobicoke. In collaboration with our partners, we deliver mental health services and improve access to care.

ABCT Conference: Increasing the Joy of Delivering CBT

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:17:53 GMT

Implementing a new mental health program during the pandemic is not an easy task. But thanks to our amazing team and partners, we have gone from launching the OSP program in 2022 to a full-fledged team that works hard to support communities in the Brampton, Halton, Mississauga, and South Etobicoke region.

Dr. Nancy Bahl, our Equity & Clinical Consultant and Psychologist, recently showcased this journey in a research poster at the Annual Conference for the Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) in Seattle.

The poster highlighted some of our initial implementation challenges, and how we worked through these to increase the joy of delivering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to our clients.

Clinician Support

A foundational part of the OSP model is the role of clinical consultation and support. This includes:

coaching clinicians within an anti-oppressive anti-racist framework
supporting them in managing microaggressions from clients
addressing anxiety in using trauma-focused treatments
clinician wellness and fostering time for connection

It was a particular highlight, and moment of joy, for our network to meet in person at our annual retreat for some time to connect and to celebrate our achievements.

Note: While CarePoint Health was pleased to partially support Dr. Bahl’s participation at this conference, much of her participation was self-funded. We thank Dr. Bahl for her commitment to learning and knowledge sharing with her peers.

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AFHTO Conference: Lowering Barriers to Mental Health Care

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:29:59 GMT

Our team was happy to represent CarePoint Health at the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario's (AFHTO) 2023 Conference. We were happy to be selected to share a poster display of our on-going work to reduce barriers to evidence-based mental health care through the OSP program.

Attendees had the chance to speak to Lu Rodrigues, Director, OSP Program, and Andrew Bilton, Executive Director, CarePoint Health, to learn some of the ways we’re increasing access to mental health services in the Brampton, Halton, Mississauga, and South Etobicoke region.

This includes:

introducing self-referral options at launch
partnering with local centralized access programs
removing the need for primary care attachment
offering in-person and virtual options
establishing partnerships with mental health and social service providers

Primary Care Insights

The team was happy to share insights on how launching the program from a primary care setting brought a unique lens to our engagement and communication strategies.

Some of the ways that CarePoint Health has integrated physician engagement and understanding of the OSP program, includes:

receiving input from primary care physicians
leveraging local primary care networks
ensuring key stakeholder perspectives were incorporated

A special thank you to our OSP partners MindBeacon and Queen Square Family Health Team for stopping by and showing your support.

OSP Materials for Your Office

If you are a primary care physician and would like to learn more about the OSP program, or have materials delivered to your office that you can share with patients, please reach out to us at osp@carepointhealth.ca .

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Press Release: Ontario Expanding Mental Health Services

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:41:15 GMT

[ Excerpt from the Ontario website ]

MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is now offering more mental health services in every region of the province through the expanded Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program. For the very first time, adults across the province who have depression, anxiety and anxiety-related concerns, can connect to free cognitive behavioural therapy and other related services. This program ensures that all Ontarians, including those in Central Ontario, can now have more convenient access to mental health care, closer to home.

“Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health challenges Ontarians are facing,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “On World Mental Health Day, I’m proud to say that with over 100 OSP service delivery sites across the province and a range of treatment options available, our government is ensuring people have access to free, confidential and connected mental health services when and where they need them.”

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