Virtual Therapy Ontario Canada

Accessible Virtual Therapy for Ontario

Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) suggests that 26% of Ontario adult residents report “poor” or “fair” mental health, with 39% of high-school students experiencing moderate-to-serious psychological distress. While approximately 24% of the population indicates that they regularly seek help for mental health challenges, 43% report that they have found it difficult to access support. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario states that residents face significant challenges in accessing mental health professionals due to a combination of severe workforce shortages, high demand for services, underfunding of the public system, and geographical disparities. Despite a recognized need for care, many residents face long wait times, and lack access to specialized treatment. 

Using Technology to Overcome Tech Addictions

The above-mentioned lack of access to specialized treatment is becoming more evident with respect to one public health concern that has infiltrated the province over the last decade. Problematic behavior regarding engagement with web-enabled activities has compromised the wellbeing of vulnerable residents. This is verified by the growth in online search for “technology addiction treatment near me” in Ontario. Related issues include the following:

• Problematic online gambling behavior: Research identifies that Ontario has one of the strongest appetites for gambling on the continent. The province consistently ranks 2nd in ALL of North America (including the USA) in online gambling revenue, with Mental Health Research Canada reporting that 11% of adults in Ontario have a problematic relationship with gambling. Kindbridge is more qualified that most providers to intervene and support vulnerable residents, as we are not only a leading virtual therapy provider for treating problem gambling, we have partnerships in place with Ontario operators to support their player bases.
• Problematic use of pornography: National studies suggest that 7% of people have an unhealthy relationship with online pornography, equating 1.12 million adult residents in Ontario.
• Problematic online trading behavior: National studies suggest that 8% of investors meet the criteria for compulsivity regarding online trading.
• Unhealthy video gaming: A University of New Mexico study indicates that 6% to 15% of New Mexico gamers displayed signs of video gaming related technology addiction.
• Problematic online shopping behavior: Credit Canada and Psychology Today Canada suggest that online shopping addiction, or Compulsive Buying-Shopping Disorder (CBSD), affects up to 8% of the general population, with rates potentially higher among women (up to 20%). Provincial trends suggest that Ontarians are more likely than those in other provinces to participate in online shopping.
• Dependencies on artificial intelligence: While more research needs to be done as the ubiquitous use of AI in daily life evolves, early indicators suggest that Ontarians need to be more mindful of their dependency on AI.

As a virtual counseling platform, Kindbridge leverages technology to treat all of the above. Counseling specific to each issue are available to any Ontario resident with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop (everyone). Click or call to connect right now.

Successfully Treating Cooccurring Issues

A number of mental health concerns are comorbid with technology addictions. Whether you struggle with one or more of these as cooccurring (w/ problem tech use) issues or they are standalone concerns, we will help.

Anxiety	ADHD
Bipolar Disorder	Chronic Anger + Irritability
Depression	OCD
PTSD	Substance Use Disorder