In Ontario, the Ministry of Health is facing opposing viewpoints on how to best assist individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, a situation that can lead to costly detentions in jails and hospitals. One faction believes that patients with mental health issues should have limited freedom to refuse treatment, as denying care could worsen their conditions. On the other side, patient advocates argue that patients should receive the treatment they request for improved outcomes, pointing to a lack of community support as the core issue.
The current health and justice systems often incur high costs with minimal results. For instance, an ongoing case involving a woman with bipolar I disorder has racked up expenses totaling $811,600 since 2018. Despite numerous stays in psychiatric wards, emergency housing, and encounters with the law, the 76-year-old woman, Barbara Cleary, is currently living in a tent encampment in Cornwall, Ontario.
Dr. Karen Shin, the chief of psychiatry at St. Michael’s Hospital and chair of the Ontario Psychiatric Association, emphasized the significant financial burden associated with untreated mental illness. Cornwall police reported dealing with 20 individuals similar to Cleary daily, with each person averaging 53 police responses per year.
The Ontario Psychiatric Association’s mental health and law reform task force, led by Shin, is advocating for the expansion of forced treatment under specific circumstances to safeguard the health of individuals incapable of making informed decisions due to their mental illnesses. The task force proposes modifications to current regulations, including allowing treatment during court appeals and extending involuntary admission periods.
Conversely, the Empowerment Council opposes forced treatment, citing potential risks and advocating for voluntary care based on individual needs. Jennifer Chambers, the council’s executive director, emphasized the importance of evidence-based services over costly coercive measures.
Barbara Cleary’s journey reflects the challenges faced by individuals with severe mental illness, highlighting the need for comprehensive social support services. While acknowledging the importance of additional support services, Dr. Shin stressed the necessity of updating Ontario’s Mental Health Act to align with current mental health care standards.
Despite ongoing debates, the provincial ministries of health and the attorney general have not provided comments on potential reforms. The contrasting viewpoints underscore the complex issues surrounding mental health treatment in Ontario and the urgent need for effective solutions to support individuals like Barbara Cleary.