Long wait times. Limited access. A mental health system struggling to keep up. But what if there was another way?
In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of Dig A Little Deeper’s Nurse Practitioner-led mental health clinic, an innovative model that’s bridging gaps in Ontario’s healthcare system. Our lead NP joins me to share the origin story—how we built this clinic, the challenges we faced, and why Nurse Practitioners are reshaping the future of mental health care.
We dive into:
The flaws in Ontario’s current mental health system (and how we’re addressing them),
How our NP-led model improves access, reduces wait times, and integrates care,
The debate around private vs. public healthcare—and why collaboration is key,
What this means for clients, clinicians, and the future of mental health care.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible beyond the waitlist, this episode is for you.
About our Guest: Carole Gionet is a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, with a Master’s Degree in Nursing. She has over 20 years’ experience in primary health care and mental health care. Carole has worked in a variety of settings: community health centres, university health centres and various hospitals. She currently works at SickKids Hospital in psychiatry and also for Dig a Little Deeper, providing private services across Ontario. At Dig Carole offers comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for common mental health conditions to children through to adults.
Find Carole: Website
Resources for After the Show:
Our Clinic: Integrated Mental Health and all service our FAQ’s.
Check out the NPAO, and learn about NP Led Clinics
The OG: The ADHD Resource Hub, learn about getting an ADHD Diagnosis in Canada.
Find Christina (CRPO #3908): Website | Find a Therapist | Get Assessed by an NP in Ontario | Instagram | Podcast page.
A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina nor Katie are your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above or our Resources page on our website.
LISTEN OR SUBSCRIBE for free in your favourite podcast app:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | iHeart Radio |
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com