As Canadians mark Mental Health Week, there’s growing urgency to address a simple but troubling truth: millions are struggling with their mental health – and many aren’t getting the help they need.
In a national survey of over 1,500 Canadians, conducted April 25-27, 2025, Leger Healthcare explored current mental health experiences — from symptoms and diagnoses to interest and use of mental health supports, and barriers to accessing supports. The results point to a growing need for further awareness and education, and more accessible and affordable mental health services.
Some of the key highlights of our survey about mental health in Canada include…
Mental Health Symptoms Are Common – But Support Is Not
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians (63%) report experiencing at least one mental health symptom, and one in four say their mental health has declined over the past year. Younger Canadians are especially impacted: nearly three-quarters (74%) of those aged 18-34 report symptoms, with stress and anxiety topping the list.
Despite this high symptom burden, only 36% of Canadians report receiving a formal diagnosis, meaning millions are coping without clear pathways to care.
A Formal Diagnosis Can Make a Difference
The data suggests that a diagnosis matters. Canadians with a formal diagnosis are more likely to report improvements in their mental health and are more likely to access supports. But for many, the journey to diagnosis is long: about one in four diagnosed individuals waited more than two years after first experiencing symptoms to receive a diagnosis.
This lag in diagnosis represents a missed opportunity for early intervention – one that could change lives.
Therapy and Medication Are Preferred, but Access Is a Challenge
Among those who’ve accessed mental health support, in-person therapy and prescription medication are the most common – and the most sought-after. However, cost for mental health supports remains a major barrier. Nearly one-third (30%) of those who have sought mental health support cite affordability as a key challenge, with other barriers such as wait times and difficulty finding the right provider commonly experienced.
Digital Tools: High Potential, Low Uptake
Virtual therapy, mental health apps, and online support groups/communities offer new possibilities. However, usage remains relatively low. Only 18% of Canadians say they’ve ever used any of these digital mental health tools and tend to prefer in-person options.
The low uptake of digital solutions – even among younger Canadians – raises important questions: Are Canadians aware of these tools? Do they trust them? Are they seen as helpful?
What Needs to Happen Next
As mental health needs continue to rise, stakeholders across healthcare, government, and community services have a critical role to play in closing the gap between symptoms and support:
- Improve early diagnosis by equipping family doctors, pharmacists, and frontline professionals to screen for mental health concerns.
- Make supports and services more affordable by expanding insurance coverage and investing in publicly funded mental health programs.
- Reduce systemic barriers by shortening wait times and ensuring equitable access across Canada.
- Strengthen digital care by educating the public and integrating virtual options into mainstream care pathways.
Moving Forward
The message from Canadians is clear: interest in mental health support is strong, but the path to care is too often marked by delay, cost, and confusion.
With meaningful change, Canada has the opportunity to build a more accessible, effective, and equitable mental health system – one that meets people where they are, when they need it most.
Interested to learn more? Download the whitepaper for exclusive access to survey data, key trends, and powerful insights into the current state of mental health in Canada.
To learn more about Leger Healthcare’s expertise and full range of services, please contact us at solutions@leger360.com.
