Premier Brian Pallister announced this morning that the government is investing in the mental health of Manitobans with a program to address anxiety caused by the coronavirus.
The province is partnering with Morneau Shepell, Canada’s leading provider of technology-enabled HR services, to launch an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program, free of charge, to all Manitobans over the age of 16.
The province will spend $4.5 million to provide these services to Manitobans for up to a year.
Health Minister Cameron Friesen made the announcement alongside Pallister.
There is the impact of COVID-19 as well that we do not see and it is equally as real, and equally as important. It is happening in the way we are thinking, the way we are feeling, the way we are behaving, and this needs to be adressed as well."
Morneau Shepell launched this digital therapy program last week in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new program is guided by professional therapists and addresses anxiety symptoms related to the uniquely challenging aspects of pandemics: uncertainty, physical isolation, caring for family and community members, information overload and stress management.
