Queen’s Park is spending $12 million to expand online mental health services to cope with the demand from Ontarians cooped up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, the province is earmarking $2.6 million to hire new psychologists and mental health workers to help Ontario Provincial Police personnel.

There will also be $2.7 million in emergency funding for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes.

Premier Doug Ford, who is considering a mandatory “stay home” order and is planning to expand the list of non-essential businesses to force more closures, acknowledged these are stressful times.

“It’s hard to process, it’s hard to comprehend, and it’s hard to deal with,” Ford said Thursday in his daily teleconference.

“People can go a little squirrelly staying in a confined area. I get that,” he said, emphasizing that staying home is the most effective way to curb the spread of a virus that has crippled the global economy.

“Dealing with an evolving crisis like COVID-19 puts a lot of stress on everyone, including people who are self-isolating, families with kids out of school, and the front line health care workers and first responders who are keeping us safe each and every day.”

To ease the strain, Ontarians can access the BounceBack website for self-help programs with coaching support available by phone.

Kids Help Phone is also expanding its service with around the clock counselling for young people in both English and French at 1-800-668-6868.

Health Minister Christine Elliott emphasized “it’s never been more important” for Ontarians to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“As they do, we need to provide them with the supports they need to stay mentally healthy during these challenging times as more Ontarians experience heightened anxiety and depression,” said Elliott.

She added that mental health agencies “will receive emergency funding to hire and train more staff and purchase necessary equipment, appropriate technology and additional licenses.”

Also Thursday, Attorney General Doug Downey announced one-time emergency funding for more than 50 community agencies to help victims of domestic violence and other crimes.

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“Staying home is unfortunately not always the safest option in certain households and, sadly, a recent increase in domestic violence has been reported to front-line victim service organizations,” said Downey.

“This emergency payment will ensure victims of crime, particularly those who are experiencing domestic violence, get the help they need to stay safe and healthy during this crisis.”

Victim Services Toronto executive director Bonnie Levine said the funding will “support vulnerable victims and shore up essential services.”

Six Nations Indigenous Victim Services’ justice director Barb General said it was “good news for Six Nations and other First Nations who support victim services in their communities.”