Ontario is boosting its online and telephone mental health services to help people cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott announced a $12-million boost to publicly funded mental health care.

At a press conference Thursday, Ford said Ontarians need mental health support now more than ever.

"My message to everyone watching today is this: You're not alone, we're listening, we care," he said. "If you're struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone. If you know someone who may be struggling, talk to them. Pick up the phone."

The province previously announced a plan for publicly funded Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) dubbed "Mindability," but in light of the pandemic decided to invest extra money into existing resources that could be scaled up immediately, according to the health minister's office.

The funding will go to mental health agencies to hire and train more staff and purchase necessary equipment, technology and licenses.

The resources available to the public include "BounceBack," a guided self-help program that uses workbooks with online videos and phone coaching support run by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

"BounceBack is not a crisis service or counselling program, but a life-skills course that helps participants develop coping techniques so they can overcome challenges now or in the future," said the CMHA in a statement. "BounceBack coaches are extensively trained in the delivery of the program and are overseen by clinical psychologists. The main responsibilities of BounceBack coaches are to foster skill development, provide motivation and monitor progress. BounceBack telephone coaching is available in more than 15 languages."

Some of the funding will go to Kids Help Phone, to expand internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy Ontarians can access through ConnexOntario, and to provide CBT for frontline health-care workers experiencing anxiety, burnout or PTSD. It will also go toward training health-care workers who can provide "brief CBT-based interventions" when interacting with patients via telehealth or in emergency departments.

Another $2.6 million will go to hiring psychologists and other mental health workers to support the Ontario Provincial Police.

The province is also offering a $2.7-million boost to support services for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes.

Stay-home order

Ford was asked several times whether he was considering ordering all Ontarians to stay home, and he said he would prefer Ontarians stay home voluntarily.

"I'm really, really relying on the people of Ontario to work with us," he said. "That's the last thing someone wants to do, to have the police marching around telling people to stay in their homes. I just don't believe in that. We're responsible. We're Ontarians. We're Canadians. Do the right thing."

"Please, just say at home," he continued. "Please do the right thing for your neighbours, your loved ones. Please don't think it's not going to happen to me. Just don't think that. Think that you're going to help someone."

Ford also said Ontario's list of essential businesses that have been allowed to stay open is also being reconsidered and he'll have an announcement about that soon.

Restaurants and leases

Ford said his heart is breaking for the family-run restaurant owners on the brink and unable to pay their leases because of the pandemic. He said it's an issue he'll bring up with Canada's other first ministers — but suggested it would cost too much money to provide any meaningful relief on rent payments.

Supply chain

Ford said the pandemic will affect Ontario's supply chain — at least when it comes to personal protective equipment and ventilators, Ontario will no longer rely on other countries to manufacture it.

"We have manufacturing might," he said.

He added that premiers of other provinces have been asking when Ontario companies can provide ventilators and he thanked two companies that have been working on making them: O-Two Medical Technologies and Linamar.

Long-term care and PPE

Elliott said the province isn't considering boosting wages for those who work in long-term care in order to help keep homes adequately staffed. "What they're more concerned about, frankly, is having the personal protective equipment to remain safe. So that's what we're focussing our attention on."

Both Ford and Elliott said they're doing everything they can to make sure there is enough personal protective equipment for all frontline workers, and said the province has been told a federal shipment has arrived and Ontario is awaiting its share, which it will distribute quickly.

Phone calls

At the end of the press conference, Ford said he's been getting hundreds of calls from people and he can't return them all.

"Somehow my number's out there, I'm getting hundreds and hundreds of messages and calls. And I appreciate people calling to check up on myself and my family, I'm so grateful, and I apologize, if I can't get back to you, it's not personal," he said. "I have to be focused 100 per cent at this task."

The premier used to give out his phone number, but had to cancel that line after being flooded with calls.

‘If you’re struggling, reach out’: A roundup of Ontario COVID-19 news

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