Rx:Capacity
This is a TRP Capstone research project. View more projects in our directory.
The project addresses a gap in mental health support for adults aged 25-45 in downtown Toronto. While community-based supports exist, individuals may face barriers related to navigation, affordability, accessibility, and reduced capacity to engage, particularly during periods of poor mental health. There is a need for a more person-centred approach that connects adults to meaningful community supports addressing social connection, purpose, physical activity, and other non-medical contributors to well-being.
Background
Over the past 12 years, mental health challenges have risen significantly across Canada, with 28% of Torontonians reporting symptoms that impact their daily functioning. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the rising cost of living, many adults in downtown Toronto report difficulties finding community, stability, and a sense of purpose. While traditional mental health services such as therapy and medications may help manage low mood and everyday stressors, a person's mental health is often shaped by other factors. Access to mental, emotional, and social support plays an important role in improving the well-being of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health professionals increasingly recognize that comprehensive mental health care must extend beyond pharmacological or medical treatments alone. Social prescribing is an approach in which health care professionals connect individuals to non-medical, community-based supports (CBS) and resources, tailored to their needs and interests. This model has been used to promote mental health by strengthening community connections and encouraging participants to engage in meaningful social activities and CBS that address daily well-being.
Despite growing recognition of mental health as a public health priority, Canada's mental health system continues to face significant structural and accessibility barriers. The delivery of mental health care is mixed regarding public and private services, which can contribute to inequitable access, particularly for those without private insurance coverage. A more fundamental limitation is the continuous focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing the social determinants that contribute to well-being within the mental health care system. Long wait times for publicly funded care, limited provider availability, and uneven service distribution further restrict timely access to appropriate support. Consequently, many individuals rely on primary care or emergency departments, which are not intended to provide ongoing, comprehensive mental health support. This biomedical focus highlights the need for complementary approaches, such as social prescribing, that address the non-medical factors influencing mental health.
