Mapping the Navigation of Mental Health Services for First Time Seekers

Lay Summary

Many people in Ontario who seek help for depression find it hard to figure out where to start, what options exist, and how to access care. This study will talk with about 20 adults in Ontario who have accessed or are looking for mental health services within the last six months. Through one survey, interview, and follow-up conversation, we will create a simple "journey map" with aims to reveal barriers, facilitators, and their thought processes when trying to navigate mental health services. What we learn from the findings will help identify common gaps and opportunities to improve how people find and access depression supports across Ontario.

What we would ask participants to do

• Complete a short online questionnaire (approximately 10 minutes) before the interview to confirm their eligibility.
• Complete a virtual interview on WebEx (approximately 60 minutes) to talk about their experience trying to find and access support for their depression.
• Complete member-checking map creation (approximately 20 minutes) to identify any missing experiences, clarify and elaborate on any key points.

Compensation (up to $90 CAD total)

• $10 CAD for the pre-interview
• $60 CAD for the interview
• $20 CAD for the member-checking journey map review