Petition: Alleviate Mental Health in New Brunswick By Giving Providers More Diagnostic Tools & Paying for Mental Health Care

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Petition:

We, the undersigned residents of New Brunswick, call upon the Government of New Brunswick to address a pressing issue in our province’s mental health care system. Specifically, we advocate for Licensed Counselling Therapists (LCTs) to be granted the authority to diagnose mental health conditions and for therapy services provided by LCTs to be included in government-funded health programs.

LCTs are highly trained professionals with advanced expertise in assessing and treating mental health challenges. Despite their rigorous training, comparable to that of other professionals involved in mental health care, LCTs are not currently authorized to diagnose mental illnesses. This restriction creates unnecessary barriers for New Brunswickers seeking timely and effective care. Meanwhile, nurse practitioners, with less specialized training in mental health than LCTs, are permitted to make such diagnoses. This discrepancy undermines the credibility and efficiency of our mental health care system.

Granting LCTs the authority to diagnose mental illnesses would address this inconsistency, enhance their ability to deliver comprehensive care, and reduce the strain on psychiatrists, psychologists, and other providers. As a result, residents of New Brunswick could experience shorter wait times and improved access to appropriate mental health support.

Additionally, including therapy services provided by LCTs in government-funded health programs is a crucial step toward equitable mental health care. Many residents face financial barriers to accessing therapy, which delays treatment and exacerbates mental health challenges. Expanding coverage for LCT-provided services would ensure that all residents, regardless of income, can receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Other jurisdictions have implemented similar measures with success, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of these reforms. Aligning with these best practices would strengthen New Brunswick’s mental health care system and reflect the government’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its residents.

In conclusion, we urge the Government of New Brunswick to recognize the qualifications of Licensed Counselling Therapists by granting them the authority to diagnose mental illnesses and including their therapy services in publicly funded health care programs. These measures will improve access to care, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and address critical gaps in our mental health care system.

We respectfully request your immediate attention and action on this matter to better serve the mental health needs of all New Brunswickers.

Sincerely,
Petition Signers

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