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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness (CBTm)

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Key Details

Organisation Name

University of Manitoba / Shared Health Manitoba

Location

PZ430-771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N4
Canada

Website

Social

eMHIC Member Status

Community Member

At a Glance

Description

CBTm (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness) is an evidence-based program that teaches practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday challenges. Participants learn strategies to improve mental well-being, build resilience, and support long-term mental health.

Implementation Status

Scaling implementation

CBTm is currently delivered through facilitator-led virtual and in-person classes and a self-directed online course, providing accessible, evidence-based mental health skills training to individuals across Manitoba.

Target Population

General population

Adults in the general population

Public safety personnel

Police, firefighters, paramedics, correctional workers, dispatchers, and other public safety workers

Youth

Adolescents 12-17 years

Health care workers

Physicians, medical learners, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, etc.

Impact & Outcomes

2015-2026
Outcome measurement is embedded throughout CBTm using a measurement-based care approach on Greenspace Health. Participants complete standardized questionnaires assessing symptoms, functioning, and resilience before, during, and after the program. Results are visible to both the participant and the program staff. Results inform clinical care, support continuous quality improvement, and enable ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness, reach, and outcomes.
30%
improvement in depression symptoms during the program
38%
improvement in anxiety symptoms during the program
9000
individuals participated in CBTm
>800
facilitators were trained across Canada to deliver CBTm
30%
improvement in depression symptoms during the program
38%
improvement in anxiety symptoms during the program
9000
individuals participated in CBTm
>800
facilitators were trained across Canada to deliver CBTm
I found this experience very informative and I’m confident I now have the tools to self-manage occupational stress injuries.

Public Safety worker

Workplaces need to incorporate these practices into shifts/education.

Public Safety worker

The course helped me recognize things in myself that I want to change, and it has given me the tools to start practicing that, and I am grateful for that new information. Thank you.

Attendee

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Initiative Overview

The Current Gap

CBTm addresses gaps in mental health care, including long wait times for psychotherapy, limited access to evidence-based services, workforce shortages, geographic barriers, and the high cost of private treatment. Through scalable group-based and online delivery models, the program provides timely, accessible support while promoting prevention and early intervention before symptoms become severe.

Its standardized approach and embedded outcome measurement enhance consistency, quality improvement, and responsiveness to the needs of diverse urban, rural, and remote populations.

Our Solution

CBTm expands access to evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy skills through flexible, low-barrier delivery offered virtually, in person, and online. By using a group-based psychoeducational model, the program extends the reach of limited mental health resources, reduces geographic and financial barriers, and helps people access support sooner.

Standardized facilitator training and continuous outcome monitoring ensure consistent, high-quality care while enabling implementation across diverse and underserved communities.

Key Features

1

Classroom-Based Psychoeducational Model

Creates a familiar, non-stigmatizing environment that encourages participation and engagement.

2

Group Delivery Format

Increases access to care, reduces wait times, and allows participants to learn alongside others with shared experiences.

3

Flexible and Low-Barrier Access

Individuals can access CBTm through virtual classes, in-person classes, or a self-directed online course. A self-referral option allows people to register directly.

4

Evidence-Based CBT and Mindfulness Skills

Provides practical, research-supported strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday challenges.

5

Measurement-Based Care and Continuous Evaluation

Uses standardized outcome measures to track progress, inform program improvements, and ensure effectiveness.

6

Prevention and Early Intervention Focus

Equips individuals with skills to maintain wellness and address challenges before symptoms become more severe.

Collaboration in Action

Main Collaborators

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Key Learnings

Several challenges were encountered during the development and implementation of CBTm. Traditional mental health services are often designed around individual therapy, requiring us to build support for a classroom-based, psychoeducational model that could reach more people while maintaining quality and effectiveness. Overcoming stigma associated with mental health care was also critical.

Additional challenges included adapting delivery models to meet the needs of diverse populations, expanding access across urban, rural, and remote communities, securing sustainable resources for growth, and establishing robust outcome measurement systems to demonstrate effectiveness and support continuous quality improvement at scale.
Successful implementation requires balancing fidelity to evidence-based practices with flexibility to meet the needs of local communities and participants. Meaningful engagement with patients, providers, and community partners throughout development and implementation helps ensure programs remain relevant, accessible, and responsive. Building measurement and evaluation into service delivery from the outset is critical for demonstrating impact, informing continuous improvement, and supporting sustainability.

Organizations should also consider scalability early, including workforce development, training, and delivery infrastructure. Finally, reducing barriers to access and creating non-stigmatizing pathways into care can significantly increase participation and help reach individuals who might not otherwise seek support.

Looking Ahead

CBTm will continue to expand access to evidence-based mental health care through innovation, partnership, and evaluation. Future priorities include enhancing digital and self-directed learning options, expanding specialized programming for youth, public safety personnel, and other priority populations, and increasing integration within healthcare, education, and community settings. Ongoing efforts will focus on strengthening measurement-based care, personalizing participant pathways, and developing stepped-care options that connect individuals to the right level of support.

By combining research, service delivery, and capacity building, CBTm aims to further reduce barriers and improve access to mental health skills for diverse populations across Canada.
CBTm offers numerous opportunities for collaboration with healthcare organizations, community agencies, educational institutions, employers, and governments seeking to improve access to mental health support. We are interested in partnering to provide CBTm facilitator training, support local implementation, and expand access to evidence-based mental health skills. Opportunities also exist to collaborate on service delivery through our centralized intake and referral system, helping organizations offer timely support while reducing wait times and improving system coordination.

We welcome partnerships focused on program adaptation, evaluation, measurement-based care, knowledge sharing, and scaling innovative mental health solutions to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Our vision is for CBTm to become a widely accessible foundation of mental health care, ensuring individuals can access evidence-based mental health skills when and where they need them. We aim to continue expanding reach through partnerships, technology-enabled delivery, and integration across healthcare, education, workplace, and community settings. Future efforts will focus on enhancing stepped-care pathways, strengthening measurement-based care, and developing tailored programs for diverse populations.

By combining innovation, research, and service delivery, CBTm will continue to reduce barriers, build mental health capacity, and improve access to timely, effective support for individuals and communities across Canada.
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Key Contact

Shay-Lee Bolton
Director Health Services
Shared Health Manitoba

Email

[email protected]

Website

Resources

CBTm for Youth
CBTm-for-Youth-Information-sheet-for-Client.pdf
CBTm for adults (French)
CBTm-Program-Poster-Final-Draft_v2.pdf
CBTm for adults (English)
CBTm-Program-Poster-Final-Draft-English.pdf
CBTm for Healthcare Workers
CBTm-for-Physicians-and-Medical-Learners-8.5-x-11-in-2.pdf

PROMOTION

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