Stakeholders

Stakeholders in the amendment of mental health policies include individuals with mental illness and their families, physicians, health insurance companies, and the government (Mental Health Commission of Canada [MHCC], 2018a).

Persons With Mental Illness

stakeholder
Figure 3. Stakeholders coming together. Adapted from “Stakeholders Communications for Universal Health Coverage: Partnering for Universal Health Coverage,” by Abt Associates, 2015, Retrieved from https://www.hfgproject.org/stakeholder-communication-for-uhc/. Copyright 2015 by Abt Associates.

Changing of mental health policies will affect how the client with a mental illness seeks support and the types of services available to them. For example, including psychiatric services in primary care may reduce the stigma associated with having a mental illness and improve accessibility of services (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2018a).

Families of Clients With Mental Illness

Mental illness not only affects the individual, but alters the dynamics of the entire family. By changing mental health policies, families can receive supports that enable them to provide assistance to their family member with mental illness.  Programs should aim to address how mental illness impacts the entire family, including how family members can develop positive coping skills. Including family members in the treatment process can create opportunities to promote healthy family relationships (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2018a).

Physicians and Healthcare Providers

Opportunities for physicians to acquire training and knowledge can enhance the care they provide and ensure that they are competent in assessing and referring their clients (MHCC, 2018a).

Insurance Companies

Policy change will require insurance companies to include mental health services within their spectrum of health coverage (MHCC, 2018a).

Government

The government is responsible for implementing policy changes, in addition to distributing finances (MHCC, 2018a).