Healthcare access challenges emerge in Australia and Canada

Australia is experiencing a significant shortfall in its psychology workforce. Data from the Australian Government Department of Health indicates a current deficit of over 10,000 psychologists, a figure projected to reach more than 24,000 by 2038. This undersupply is impacting service accessibility in Melbourne, particularly in inner suburbs like South Yarra, St Kilda, and Caulfield, where residents are increasingly prioritizing local, evidence-based care to avoid long waitlists.

In Canada, the City of Victoria has partnered with BC Housing and the Recovery Tails Society to launch the Victoria Pet Care Access Support program. This initiative provides short-term, voluntary foster care for pets of individuals entering hospital care, addiction treatment, or housing services. The $90,000 program aims to remove the barrier of pet separation, which often prevents people from seeking necessary medical or social stability services.