Supports for opioid, alcohol use, eating disorders identified as priorities for mental health care in Ottawa

Ottawa’s top doctor says that collectively, partners across the city are identifying priorities for mental health care in the capital, and that will be brought forward to the provincial government

With that, Dr. Vera Etches says there is room for improvement for the city’s mental health services, and there are gaps that also need to be addressed.

“We see there can be improvements around how people are supported with opioid use, alcohol use, children and youth who are experiencing more eating disorders. These things — definitely there’s a definite need for more resources,” she tells the Rob Snow Show on Thursday.

However, Etches adds that there isn’t much more money to go around.

“Collectively in Ottawa in the hospitals, the community-based mental health and substance use service providers, we’re looking at the priorities and we’re making the case of what’s needed in Ottawa to the provincial government,” Etches said. “We need to work as effectively as we can in coordination so that collectively the services are there that people need.”

The doctor says it’s the role of Ottawa Public Health to ensure mental health care isn’t needed in the first place by promoting ways to support overall wellness.