OASW Press Release: Poll Uncovers Mental Health Realities, Virtual Counselling Attitudes and Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Supports 

Today, OASW distributed a press release  with the goal of providing the media with some timely information on mental health, including insights on barriers to access. The results are based on an online poll of 1,000 Ontarians between February 12-14, 2021, using Leger’s online panel. 

Among the findings:

  • Nearly half (44%) said they would access support from a social worker.
  • Nearly half (45%) say COVID-19 has caused a negative shift in their mental health. 
  • 66% see mental health support as a vital part of their overall health.
  • Majority (80%) would seek mental health support, including 37% said virtual.

A copy of the news release can be found below. 

OASW Press Release
(Adobe PDF File)
About OASW
 
OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing approximately 6000 social workers. All members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor, master or doctoral level. OASW works to actively speak on behalf of social workers on issues of interest to the profession and advocates for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served.