The mental health access crisis in Canada
Canada is facing a mental health access crisis. Wait times for psychiatric care can exceed 12 months in many provinces, and the average Canadian does not have consistent access to a therapist or psychiatrist.
Meanwhile, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health problem in any given year. Anxiety and depression are the most common, yet millions go untreated because the healthcare system cannot keep up with demand.
Online mental health consultations bridge this gap by connecting you with licensed nurse practitioners who can assess, diagnose, and treat common mental health conditions — in days, not months.
What conditions can be treated online?
Nurse practitioners on MedRelay can assess and treat a range of mental health conditions, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily life
- Depression (major depressive disorder): Persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and difficulty functioning
- Social anxiety: Intense fear or avoidance of social situations
- Panic disorder: Recurrent panic attacks and ongoing fear of future episodes
- Insomnia: Chronic difficulty falling or staying asleep, often related to anxiety or depression
- Adjustment disorders: Difficulty coping with major life changes (job loss, divorce, grief)
Note: Complex conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or active suicidal ideation require specialized care. Your NP will refer you to appropriate resources if needed.
How the consultation works
Mental health consultations on MedRelay combine questionnaires with video consultations for a thorough assessment:
- Intake questionnaire (5-10 minutes): Answer questions about your symptoms, their severity, how long you have been experiencing them, and your medical history. Validated screening tools (PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety) are included.
- Video consultation (20-30 minutes): A licensed NP conducts a clinical interview to understand your situation, assess symptom severity, and discuss treatment options.
- Treatment plan: Your NP creates a personalized plan that may include medication, lifestyle recommendations, and referrals to therapy or counselling.
- Prescription (if appropriate): Sent electronically to your pharmacy.
Follow-up appointments are available to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Medication options for anxiety and depression
If medication is part of your treatment plan, your NP may prescribe:
- SSRIs: Sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Cipralex), fluoxetine (Prozac) — first-line treatments for both anxiety and depression
- SNRIs: Venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta) — effective for anxiety, depression, and chronic pain
- Other options: Buspirone (for anxiety), mirtazapine (for depression with insomnia), or short-term benzodiazepines in select cases
Your NP will explain the expected timeline for medication effects (typically 2-4 weeks for full benefit), potential side effects, and how to safely start and stop medications.
Cost and what is included
A mental health consultation costs $99. This includes:
- Validated screening questionnaires (PHQ-9, GAD-7)
- 20-30 minute video consultation with a licensed NP
- Diagnosis (if applicable)
- Personalized treatment plan
- Prescription sent to your pharmacy (if appropriate)
Follow-up appointments for medication adjustments are available at a reduced rate. Most antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications are affordable and widely covered by insurance.
When to seek immediate help
Online consultations are ideal for ongoing management of anxiety and depression. However, if you are in crisis, please reach out immediately:
- Crisis Services Canada: Call or text 988
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Emergency: Call 911
MedRelay does not provide emergency mental health services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact the resources above.