NWT survey shows difficulty accessing mental health supports

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The NWT’s Department of Health and Social Services funds programs that offer mental health support – but accessing those services can sometimes seem impossible, a survey suggests.

Key findings from a GNWT-backed Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Survey suggest men, Indigenous respondents, racial minorities and people in frequent financial difficulty – or with a lower level of education – report the most challenges accessing care.

The survey evaluated the territory’s community counselling and facility-based addictions treatment programs as well as its mental wellness helplines and e-mental health supports.

Between January and April 2024, more than 600 people completed the survey.

The survey heard from a higher number of women (75 percent) and those who have post-secondary education (76 percent) than is representative of the general population of NWT.

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Those demographic differences, along with self-selection biases, mean certain people were more likely to respond than others who struggle with mental health or addictions. The report states this means “the survey may reflect more positive experiences than would be seen across all service users”.

Only 61 percent of respondents had heard of the community counselling program and almost half who tried accessing it experienced challenges booking an appointment, waiting for help and accessing consistent long-term care or aftercare.

These challenges were disproportionately common among Indigenous respondents, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people living in small communities and those who faced frequent financial hardship, a report on the survey stated. Those groups were more likely to have difficulty accessing care and less likely to experience positive outcomes.

For those able to access care, more than 80 percent felt they were supported and 92 percent of treatment centre users said their health and well-being improved.

Challenges to accessing care weren’t limited to mental health and addictions treatment. Forty-six percent of respondents said they had issues accessing healthcare in general, such as emergency rooms, health centres and hospitals.

The survey results will be used to help refine existing program delivery, the GNWT stated, to better target mental health and addictions recovery support in a way that is more inclusive and culturally safe.

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