More than 90 per cent of mental health professionals polled express concern about parents, half say they’re extremely concerned
TORONTO, ON, January 16, 2025 – There’s increasing concern about the mental health of parents as they try to navigate their children’s futures, while other adults contemplate whether to have children at all, according to early-January opinion polls conducted by Yorkville University’s Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Abacus Data.
Yorkville University polled more than 1,900 members of its Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy (DCP) community, encompassing front-line counsellors, psychotherapists, graduate students/trainees, practicum partners, alumni and program mentors.
The poll found more than 90 per cent of respondents expressed concern about the mental health of parents, with nearly half stating they are “extremely concerned.”
72 per cent reported observing an increasing number of clients with children wishing to discuss the impact of parenting stress on their emotional well-being. Finances related to parenting were cited as the top stressor, followed by relationship challenges with partners/co-parents and child behavioural concerns.
Meanwhile, nearly 75 per cent of trainees and practitioners observed more clients expressing uncertainty about having children, with affordability and mental or physical health challenges cited as primary anxieties.
“A critical finding here is that parents are being much more open about their feelings and that’s a good thing,” said Dr. Krista Schultz, Associate Vice-President of Strategic Partnerships and Alumni and former Associate Dean of Student Experience on the Behavioural Sciences team. “It is evident that many parents are facing significant challenges, particularly due to the financial considerations and stressors associated with raising children. Some parents are hesitant to have additional children, while other adults are uncertain about whether they want to pursue parenthood.”
These struggles include navigating both modern and age-old parenting challenges. When asked the top reasons why parents are concerned about their children’s futures, the Yorkville University mental health community rated mental health and affordability/housing as the top fears, with social media habits and bullying a close second. In fact, more than 70 per cent of trainees and practitioners reported seeing an increase in clients wishing to discuss the impact of screen time – TV, Internet, and social media – on their children’s emotional well-being.
These findings are supported by a 2025 Yorkville University-commissioned data analysis conducted by Abacus Data, which shows that Canadian parents feel financial stress is their most pressing concern. The study found the next most worrisome issues are child behavior concerns – including challenges around social media and screen time – and child education.
Signs of Optimism
Despite these concerns, the Yorkville University poll also revealed reasons for hope: More than 95 per cent of mental health professional respondents reported confidence in their ability to help clients develop skills to address parenting stressors, including resilience, coping, emotional regulation, stress management, and problem-solving techniques. Approximately 81 per cent of counsellors and trainees say the mental health practitioner community is growing to meet the needs of clients.
“These poll results highlight very real concerns, but there are supports and resources available,” said Dr. Tamara Dalrymple, Dean of the MACP program. “Among these, is a network of professionals there to help you, whether you have children or are thinking of having them. It’s our hope that the opinions expressed in this opinion poll reflect the gravity of the challenges that parents face while also making them feel less alone. We would like them to know that mental health supports are available and effective.”
“Our mental health community is on the frontline of care, and we are proud to shine a light on their opinions and experiences. As leaders in training the next generation of mental health practitioners in every province and territory in Canada, we know it is important to voice their insights and concerns” said Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President and Vice-Chancellor of Yorkville University. “The need for parents to have access to informed, empathetic counselling continues to grow, and we are committed to expanding this profession so people experiencing mental health challenges can receive the support they need.”
Opinion Poll Details
Yorkville University: From January 6-11, 2025, Yorkville University conducted an opinion poll among its community of front-line counsellors, psychotherapists, graduate students, practicum partners, alumni and program mentors to assess the current state of mental health care. Questions were posed to 1,924 respondents from the Yorkville University community.
Abacus Data: Abacus Data fielded a number of questions for Yorkville University on an online omnibus survey of 1,500 Canadians between January 8 and 14, 2025. Abacus Data is a boutique market research firm staffed by strategic thinkers and data experts who explore the unknown and anticipate where public opinion is moving to equip clients with actionable insights that allow them to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
About Dr. Krista Schultz
Dr. Krista Schultz, Associate Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alumni, and former Associate Dean of Student Experience on the Behavioral Sciences team at Yorkville University, is available to media to discuss these opinion poll findings. Dr. Schultz holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (International Contexts) from Western University and a Master of Science in Psychology. She has extensive expertise in Clinical Traumatology and over 20 years of experience in diagnostic assessment, psychosocial programming, educational supports, and social/emotional wellness.
About Yorkville University
Yorkville University began with a simple idea: to offer flexible, rigorous, and career-focused programs that transform lives. Since 2004, Yorkville University has expanded to campuses across Canada, offering both online and on-campus programs. Our graduates have advanced their careers through programs in behavioral sciences, social sciences, and creative arts. Yorkville University’s student-centered, practitioner-oriented approach equips graduates with skills that employers value, making us Canada’s largest private university.
