The Christina Crowe Podcast: Making the invisible VISIBLE

E89: Beyond the Waitlist: How Nurse Practitioners Are Redefining Mental Health Care at Dig A Little Deeper

The Christina Crowe Podcast: Making the invisible VISIBLE

Show Notes

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 | AmazonMusic | Castbox | RSS

More from The Christina Crowe Podcast: Making the invisible VISIBLE

Dec 8, 2025

Certified Financial Planner Julia Chung joins host and psychotherapist Christina Crowe, to break down why traditional budgeting advice fails ADHD brains and what actually works. They explore systems that reduce overwhelm, the emotional beliefs that shape money decisions, and how to build financial stability without shame. A clear, grounded conversation for anyone who wants money to feel less chaotic and more aligned with real life.

Nov 17, 2025

When ADHD goes undiagnosed, the line between coping and addiction can blur fast. In this candid conversation, Christina and her guest, psychotherapist Kathleen Killen, both therapists, explore how late ADHD diagnosis can reshape the story of substance use, recovery, and self-understanding. Together, they unpack the grief of missed years, the fear of taking stimulants in sobriety, and the ongoing work of emotional regulation and healing.

Nov 10, 2025

Compassion fatigue and prolonged isolation have left us caring alone. Join Psychotherapist Christina Crowe for a brief exploration of how to rebuild collaboration and co-regulation in our post-isolation culture.

Oct 20, 2025

In this Hot Take, psychotherapist and group practice owner Christina Crowe, RP, shares an unfiltered look at why running a group practice is not just “more therapy” but an entirely new career path in entrepreneurship and leadership. Drawing from a decade of experience building a successful Ontario group practice, Christina breaks down the training gaps, financial strains, leadership struggles, and blind spots that many clinicians face when they dive into business ownership without preparation. If you’re a therapist considering starting a group, this episode offers both a reality check and encouragement. It’s not about failure; it’s about understanding the truth of what you’re signing up for and why mentorship, systems, and self-awareness are non-negotiable for long-term success.

Oct 13, 2025

How do we make an impact without falling into the trap of co-opting ideas or voices that aren’t our own? In this short hot-take episode, Christina Crowe, RP, reflects on the importance of authenticity, attribution, and integrity in the mental health field and beyond. Drawing on years of professional and lived experience, she challenges us to slow down, acknowledge those who came before us, and recognize the difference between being inspired and taking credit. This candid reflection unpacks why crediting sources matters, how to avoid performative advocacy, and why real impact depends on trust, reciprocity, and community. What You’ll Take Away: Why giving credit is essential for authenticity and trust.

See all episodes →