Over the course of this pandemic, societal, national and global systemic inequities and disparities have been exacerbated and underscored. These ongoing and ignored injustices can be directly linked to the current mental health crisis, as the most vulnerable among us have little to no access to care. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines rights to safety, health, housing, education, and the benefits of science and culture (Articles 3–28), which by definition must include psychological health and science. The Declaration states that all people are entitled to these rights “without distinction of any kind” (Article 2.1). As such, regardless of community or country, addressing access to mental health services is imperative, in order to honor and protect all peoples’ right to psychological health.
Ada L. Sinacore, PhD
President, Canadian Psychological Association