Caring, I’m trying.

I am not a business person. I am a care provider, who happens to run a business.

There is nothing comfortable about collecting money from people who are struggling just to get out of bed in the morning. It doesn’t feel good to have to chase people to make appointments or to pay their bills… but this is the world I live in.

Our governments talk a big game about making Mental Health services more accessible, and affordable. Yet, I still am required to collect and remit HST. I am not subsidized, nor can my clients claim my services under OHIP.

Yes, there are programs which will offer a time limited access to care, often CBT based and without a plan to remain connected. We know the recidivism of mental health is not addressed with CBT models, and yet that is where the funding goes. We know, we cannot help a person manage trauma, anxiety, schizophrenia, or many of the “diagnosis” in 6 sessions.

Therefore, I am running a business that attempts desperately to meet people and help them find comfort. Costs go up, and so must I charge more to keep my office open.

This is support, this is capitalism at it’s finest. Making the most vulnerable among us do more while those at the top pedantically look down, head tap them and promise to help. They won’t help, because their power relies on the backs of the lowest denominator.

I am cynical right now, I am angry and I am trying my best to do what matters most: care.