Jodie Vanderslot | Health Editor
Featured Image: Alternative and accessible mental health care. | Courtesy of Inkblot
We are often told that recovery begins when we reach out. It takes all the courage one can muster to even be able to say such vulnerable words in order to share their story. And even then, treatment is still not a guarantee.
There is a treatment gap when it comes to mental illness. This gap represents the number of individuals with mental health challenges who are not receiving treatment or are receiving inadequate treatment, and the total number of individuals with mental illness. It is distinct and universally large, and the barriers for those facing mental health challenges seem to be ongoing.
Successful treatment often requires regular access to mental health care professionals and a variety of support services.
Inkblot is a confidential, secure video counselling app, designed to increase accessibility and treatment options for those in need. Inkblot was founded by Dr. Arash Zohoor, who practices psychotherapy, and is a general physician and site director for McMaster Family Medicine and Residency at McMaster; and Chief Technical Officer, Luke Vigeant.
Dr. Zohoor founded the company out of a growing frustration around the barriers his patients faced when seeking mental health counselling.
Julie Sabine, vice president of marketing and sales at Inkblot, with a background in psychology and psychotherapy, says: “Unfortunately, mental health issues amongst post-secondary students is high—not only is this the age of onset, but it’s a transitional time, a time of uncertainty and fast-paced growth.
“Despite our efforts, the increasing need for mental health help currently exceeds the resources in place at our schools. Too many students suffer in silence, or wait too long to get help, and the consequences can be detrimental.”
As an Inkblot user, you get to shop, try out, and find a counsellor based on your needs and preferences. Sabine explains that students aged 18 and above are matched with a variety of counsellors, registered psychotherapists, psychologists, and social workers, all based on their personal needs.
Afterwards, they can go directly to the site and book their first session free of charge, which can take place within days, and not require a referral.
You can’t always determine when you’re going to need help or someone to talk to, yet referrals and wait times when seeking counselling take time, money, and reliable resources. One of the biggest selling points of Inkblot is accessibility.
Appointments can take place at any time of the day—including evenings and weekends—with no waiting room. There are over 50 psychotherapists available on their site, most of whom specialize in treating several types of mental health issues.
Inkblot is designed to cater to the needs of the individual in a way that fits their hectic schedules.
“Once students find the counsellor they can work with, sessions cost $75 each, which is half of the national average for in-person therapy,” adds Sabine.
Average counselling sessions tend to be between $150 to $200, while Inkblot charges much less, with the hopes of further lowering—and soon eliminating—its costs.
The YFS Health and Dental Plan covers $25 per session and up to $300 for full-time students. Through this, 12 sessions under Inkblot can take place for $50 each, at any time, wherever you are.
“Mental health issues are very common, and students should never feel ashamed if they’re struggling. It’s okay to not be okay—it’s just not alright to avoid getting help,” concludes Sabine.
Nothing should prevent you from seeking help—not the stigma, cost, or environment. Your health is worth more—you are worth more.
