Only 6.67% of people with mental illness or addiction receive effective care—meaning millions suffer in silence, without treatment that works for them.
For too long, Courtney survived without support. Not by choice, but because getting help that worked for her felt out of reach.
“I have struggled my whole life with mental illness, and have always found it hard to find the right care for me.”
Life was hectic enough—Courtney was newly married and had a six-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder. On top of her other responsibilities, she experienced the ups-and-downs of mental illness. Courtney craved a long-term solution for managing her depression, anxiety and eating disorder, but didn’t know where to turn.
Filling the gap: Prompt Care Clinic at The Royal
After years of temporary relief, Courtney’s family doctor referred her to The Royal’s Prompt Care Clinic—a rare service offering something most mental health systems don’t: timely access to specialized care. Within weeks, she’d had a full assessment and began psychotherapy.
After years of waiting and searching for treatment that worked for her, Courtney found what she needed at The Royal.
The Prompt Care Clinic was established in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for specialized mental health care was rising and access was shrinking. When resources were stretched thin, donors stepped in to launch a new model of care.
“The Prompt Care Clinic fills a gap in mental health care in Ottawa by actively improving mental health outcomes for a wide variety of the population,” says Dr. Susan Okigbo, psychiatrist and clinical director of The Royal’s Community Mental Health Program.
Funded entirely by philanthropy, the Clinic started virtually. It now offers in-person visits at The Royal’s Ottawa Campus—increasing access and convenience for busier lifestyles. For people like Courtney, it fills a gap in care—one that leaves too many without help until it’s too late.
Through her sessions, Courtney and her therapist worked through thoughts and behaviours that left her feeling overwhelmed. Between appointments, the team checked in offering resources and tools that helped her stay grounded. After five sessions, and with Courtney now equipped with a plan and tailored tools to support her recovery, her care was transitioned back to her family doctor.
Care that shouldn’t be rare
Courtney attended her first session not knowing what to expect. What she found was a team that listened, an actionable plan and sustainable support.
“Going to the Prompt Care Clinic was the first time I felt I would be okay,” she says. “I felt listened to, and walked away with tools I still use every day.”
Her story highlights a much deeper problem: treatment like this is too rare. Without the Prompt Care Clinic and The Royal, Courtney may have waited months—years—or given up entirely.
As Courtney puts it: “I finally felt in control of my mental illness. That shouldn’t be a rare experience.”
It’s your turn to make an impact.
One in four Canadians live with mental illness or addiction, but only one in fifteen actually get effective treatment. The time for change is now—join us.
