Here are some updates on the BounceBack program, including new resources to help support mental health, whether heightened by the current situation or other events or long-term stressors.
BounceBack and COVID-19 support:
- As a reminder, BounceBack is part of an expansion of online and virtual mental health supports by the Ontario government to help those struggling with challenges related to COVID-19. Since this announcement, BounceBack has increased coaching capacity, and has added clinical oversight and staff to support program participants.
- BounceBack is conveniently available to Ontario residents from their homes. There are no extended wait times or service interruptions and we continue to provide the program in a timely manner, i.e. contacting the individual within 5 business days of receiving a referral.
- BounceBack launched a new tip sheet “10 things you can do right now to reduce anxiety, stress, worry related to COVID-19” to help clients alleviate mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression at a time when these difficulties are heightened.
BounceBack client resources:
There are a number of BounceBack digital resources to support different mental health needs:
- BounceBack general client factsheet – includes a quick overview of the BounceBack program for those looking for support for low mood, mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry.
- BounceBack for caregivers handout – developed in collaboration with the Ontario Caregiver Organization. This handout is designed to help caregivers experiencing anxiety and stress take care of their own mental health so that they can continue to provide care and support to loved ones.
- BounceBack and chronic pain handout – aims to help individuals who have experienced negative impacts to their mental health due to chronic pain take control of their health-related anxieties, thoughts and worries, and feel better one day at a time.
- BounceBack for youth 15-18 handout – includes a quick overview of the BounceBack program for young people 15-18 years old, parents or guardians, or high school guidance counsellors wishing to support an individual’s overall well-being.
- BounceBack for new parents handout – aims to help new parents who may be struggling with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety or simply need some mental health support to help them adjust to welcoming a newborn and finding balance in their day-to-day responsibilities.
- BounceBack and substance use handout – provides considerations for determining whether BounceBack is an appropriate support for clients struggling with substance use.
- BounceBack digital toolkit for the LGBTQ+ community – includes digital resources to help make the LGBTQ+ community aware of the BounceBack program and feel welcomed and safe using the program.
BounceBack: 3 easy ways to refer
Referrals can now be completed and submitted digitally to us in the following ways:
- Primary care, allied health care professionals and other individuals can go online to complete and submit an online referral form on BounceBack website.
- Primary care can send us an eReferral through their Electronic Medical Records (EMR), if available.
- Primary care can send us an eReferral through the Ocean eReferral Network. The Ocean eReferral Network is a great way to improve the quality and speed of referrals and stay on top of the status of referrals. It is fully integrated with the following three leading EMRs: Telus PS Suite, Accuro and Oscar. To access the BounceBack eReferral form, primary care can simply open the Ocean Healthmap from their EMR and search for the “BounceBack Ontario” listing. If they have trouble accessing the form, or are not an Ocean eReferral user but would like to sign-up for a free account, they can email: [email protected].
