And the US system is one of the main reasons there's resistance to loosening single-payer in Canada. Wait times for MRIs (and other procedures) depends on need -- low priority cases will get bumped for more immediate issues. Psychiatrists _are_ covered under MSP (with a referral), although psychologists & counselors are (generally) not. But non-government insurance plans will often cover them as well as prescriptions and other non covered services. Such extended medical plans are often a work benefit (like in the US).