The importance of mental health cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, many Canadians still face confusion and ambiguity when it comes to accessing mental health services. That’s where the GMS Care Network comes in.
Offered to all Personal Health, Replacement Health, and Group Health customers, the GMS Care Network is more than just a set of perks—it’s a comprehensive assistance program designed to support whole health. This includes virtual access to services that address your physical, financial, and mental well-being.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, there’s no better time to shine a spotlight on one of the most valuable components of the GMS Care Network: virtual mental health services. Whether you’re managing anxiety, struggling with burnout, or simply looking to improve your overall mental well-being, virtual mental health services present an affordable, convenient, and beneficial option. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about accessing mental health therapy through the GMS Care Network, including how virtual mental health services work, how to find online therapy that takes insurance, and more.
Why Mental Health Matters Now More Than Ever
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental health problem or illness in any given year. This is a sobering statistic that means there are millions of Canadians living with conditions that can impact everything from their relationships to their job performance to their overall quality of life. Despite this, many still hesitate to seek help, often due to things like the stigma surrounding mental health, cost concerns, or logistical barriers such as time and travel.
However, mental health care is just like any other form of health care, and reaching out for professional help when you are struggling is a smart and responsible choice. Thankfully, it's becoming an increasingly accessible option for Canadians as well.
The Shift to Virtual Mental Health Care
When most people think of mental health therapy, sitting on a couch in a therapist's office is still the first thing that comes to mind. But thanks to technology (and a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness), online therapy is quickly gaining ground.
Online therapy allows Canadians to meet with certified professionals via secure video or phone appointments and access evidence-based services like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a widely respected approach that helps people change negative thought and behaviour patterns.
Numerous studies have shown that virtual mental health services are able to significantly improve outcomes for individuals facing challenges like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For many Canadians, these services aren't just effective—they’re life-changing.
Key Benefits of Virtual Mental Health Services
So why is virtual therapy becoming so popular? Here are some of the main reasons Canadians are embracing this modern approach to mental wellness:
1. Convenience and Accessibility
No matter where you live, whether it's a major city or a remote town, virtual therapy allows you to access professional care without having to travel. With virtual mental health services, you can meet with therapists from the comfort of your home, on your lunch break, while traveling, or anywhere else as long as you have a device and access to the internet. This convenience and accessibility removes one of the biggest obstacles for Canadians seeking mental health services.
2. Privacy and Comfort
Many people find it easier to open up about their struggles when they’re in a familiar, private setting. Virtual sessions can reduce the anxiety or self-consciousness that sometimes comes with visiting a clinic or office, making it easier to get started and stay committed.
3. Flexible Scheduling
People who work a traditional 9-5 schedule often struggle to find time for therapy appointments when many therapists are only in the office during business hours themselves. However, virtual therapy tends to offer more flexible scheduling. Since virtual therapy allows therapists to attend therapy sessions from the comfort of their homes just like it does for patients, many therapists are more encouraged to offer appointments outside of typical business hours.
4. Reduced Costs
For a variety of reasons (including reduced overhead costs for providers), virtual therapy tends to be more affordable than in-office therapy. And it's even more affordable when you choose a health insurance plan that covers virtual mental health services. One of the most common questions people ask about virtual therapy is: Does my insurance cover this? If you're a GMS customer, the answer is yes. Virtual mental health services are included in the GMS Care Network at no extra cost, making therapy more affordable and accessible than ever before.
5. Effective Outcomes
Virtual therapy works, and the data backs this up. A growing number of studies show that online CBT and other therapies can be just as effective as in-person care for treating many mental health conditions. If you are living with a condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, virtual therapy could very well be the ideal solution for getting your mental health back on track.
How the GMS Care Network Makes a Difference
At GMS, we are firm believers in both the importance of mental health and the effectiveness of virtual mental health services. That's why we created the GMS Care Network. Available to all GMS Personal Health, Replacement Health, and Group Health customers, the GMS Care Network connects you with a variety of virtual services designed to support whole-person health, including physical health, financial health, and mental health.
When it comes to mental health, the GMS Care Network provides our customers with convenient, affordable access to services and perks such as:
- Virtual counselling with certified therapists
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Support for anxiety, depression, stress, and more
- Flexible online booking and access
- No extra cost for eligible members
Unlike many generic therapy platforms, the GMS Care Network is integrated with your existing health benefits. For GMS customers, this is a key advantage since it means they don't have to worry about issues like hidden fees or claim hassles.
Who Can Benefit from Online Therapy?
Wondering if virtual therapy is a good fit for you? In most cases, the answer is yes. Even individuals who don't suffer from a diagnosed mental health condition, such as depression and PTSD can still see real benefits from therapy. And since online therapy through the GMS Care Network makes therapy more accessible and affordable than ever, there is little risk in trying it out and seeing if it makes a difference in your quality of life.
Online counselling through the GMS Care Network can benefit:
- Young adults navigating school stress, social pressures, or new life transitions
- Parents managing the demands of work, childcare, and family life
- Remote or rural residents with limited access to in-person therapists
- Busy professionals who need flexible care without disrupting their schedule
- Anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or burnout
The bottom line? You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from mental health care. Therapy can help you process stress, build resilience, improve your relationships, and get ahead of challenges before they become overwhelming.
Tackling the Stigma Around Therapy
Despite all the progress society has made when it comes to promoting mental health, many people still associate therapy with weakness or failure. However, the truth is that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Just like regular check-ups help keep your body healthy, regular mental health care helps keep your mind balanced and strong.
Virtual services help break down these stigmas by normalizing mental health care as an everyday part of wellness. Logging into a therapy session can become as routine as checking your email—just another healthy habit that fits seamlessly into your life.
Taking the First Step
Getting started with virtual mental health care through the GMS Care Network is simple. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Log in to your GMS account
- Access the Care Network portal
- Choose the mental health support option
- Book a virtual counselling session at a time that works for you
You'll then be connected with a certified mental health professional who understands your challenges and is ready to help.
Final Thoughts
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but caring for your mental wellbeing should be a year-round priority. The GMS Care Network empowers you to take that journey in a way that's convenient, flexible, and affordable.
Ready to get started prioritizing your overall well-being? Learn more about the GMS Care Network to see how it supports both physical, financial, and mental health.