Expert Opinions

Digital health is at a crossroads. To truly revolutionize care, we must move beyond incremental improvements and embrace solutions that disrupt the status quo – solutions that scale globally, reduce costs, and open doors for the millions waiting to jump at accessible care.

Young people globally are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. Between 2015 and 2020, Canadian youth aged 16–24 experienced a sharper decline in mental health compared to the general population, mirroring trends seen worldwide. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth globally, a grim statistic that highlights …

Crisis support services, encompassing helplines, web chat, and text-based assistance, have emerged as a cornerstone of global mental health and suicide prevention strategies. This year, on World Mental Health Day, four leading international networks—Lifeline International, the International Federation of Telephone Emergency Services (IFOTES), Befrienders Worldwide, and the International Council for …

Veterans Affairs Canada’s mandate is to support the well-being of Veterans and their families and to promote recognition and remembrance of the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. To achieve this mandate, one of the Department’s four main roles is to …

We’re teaching people to ride horses in a world that demands they drive Teslas. The landscape of technology has evolved dramatically—from Google searches to AI-powered tools that perform complex tasks. But what about our mental health training programs? Are they preparing professionals for the realities of the digital age? This …

In a world where transactions often define human interactions, the gift economy offers a refreshing perspective. Unlike traditional economic models focused on profit and exchange, the gift economy thrives on the principles of generosity, community, and the intrinsic value of giving without expecting something in return.

AI technology has brought significant advancements in various fields, including mental health care. AI chatbots, designed to provide mental health support, have become increasingly popular as tools to assist individuals in managing their mental health. These chatbots offer various services, from immediate crisis intervention to ongoing therapeutic conversations. However, despite …

We have all felt inspired, and overcome by awe at the resilience we see demonstrated through someone who has accomplished a remarkable feat or overcome a significant obstacle. Yet, for someone connecting with a story of mental health, research shows that stories that highlight recovery and coping strategies not only …

Mental health disorders are a pressing issue where one in every two people globally will develop a mental health condition at some point1. Unfortunately, far too few people have access to high-quality mental healthcare. As a psychologist, I’ve seen this chasm between demand and supply result in people falling through …

This paper provides a commentary emerging from work by authors with lived experience, and those without, that explored accountability in digital mental health technologies and services. The commentary offers guidance to anyone interested in supporting lived experience-led, and collaborative governance of, digital mental health technologies. This guidance, drawing on interdisciplinary …