The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is transforming mental health care across Canada through pioneering e-mental health solutions and evidence-based policy leadership.

With a unique mandate from the Government of Canada, the MHCC supports federal, provincial, and territorial governments and organizations to incorporate best evidence into public policy, driving meaningful change that improves mental health outcomes for all people in Canada.

Since 2014, the MHCC’s leadership in e-mental health has gained international attention. In 2024, the organization received the Global Impact Award for Leadership Excellence in Digital Mental Health Implementation from the e-Mental Health International Collaborative, recognizing their innovative approach to e-mental health solutions.

Pioneering National Standards for E-Mental Health

Assessment Framework for Mental Health Apps

In 2023, the MHCC introduced Canada’s first Assessment Framework for Mental Health Apps, funded by Health Canada and developed with the support of the Organization for the Review of Health and Care Apps (ORCHA). This uniquely Canadian framework incorporates cultural safety, social responsibility, and enhanced data protection to ensure mental health apps are inclusive and respectful of diverse communities, including Indigenous and racialized populations.

Since its launch, almost 20 apps have been assessed through a quality improvement process and received an MHCC badge, recognizing that they meet the framework’s rigorous standards. The MHCC also collaborated with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to launch the province’s mental health and addictions app library. This landmark library features almost 200 mental health apps from Canada and worldwide, each assessed to ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness. The collection includes apps evaluated using the MHCC’s assessment framework.

Those interested in learning more about having their app assessed can email the MHCC e-mental health team at: [email protected].

Access the Resources:

• App Library: https://nl-healthapps.orchahealth.com/en-GB

• News Release: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2025/health/0611n06/

Canada’s First E-Mental Health Strategy

In 2024, the MHCC launched Canada’s inaugural E-Mental Health Strategy, developed with support from Mental Health Research Canada, through extensive consultation with over 200 collaborators, including leaders, practitioners, researchers, and people with lived and living experience. The strategy identifies six priority areas and 12 actionable recommendations that provide a blueprint for developing and adopting e-mental health services across Canada.

Governments and mental health organizations can use the strategy to shape their plans, set priorities, guide infrastructure investments, and secure resources for e-mental health initiatives.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance Development

The MHCC is collaborating with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to develop guidance for the ethical, safe, and effective use of AI in mental health and substance use health care. This critical work addresses significant gaps in AI implementation and will provide essential guidance for technology companies, practitioners, health leaders, and people living in Canada.

This four-year project is now in year two. It includes conducting comprehensive research on AI guidance for mental health and substance use health, as well as developing initial recommendations. An advisory committee of diverse experts in the field, including lived experience experts, will validate and further develop the research and recommendations. Early research results are expected in September 2025, with full results by November 2025.

Supporting the Implementation of E-Mental Health Solutions

Building on these foundational frameworks and strategies, the MHCC supports provinces, territories, organizations, and individuals in implementing e-mental health solutions through strategic partnerships, engagement, and developing evidence-based tools and resources. The MHCC sits on national and international e-mental health committees and is pleased to collaborate globally on aligning best practices and lessons learned in e-mental health.

E-Mental Health E-Modules

The MHCC developed four free, interactive online learning modules in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). These modules give mental health providers, managers, leaders, and students the knowledge and skills to integrate e-mental health services into daily practice and support person-centred projects.

National E-Mental Health Collaborative

The MHCC established the national E-Mental Health Collaborative (E-MH) to bring together subject matter experts and gather diverse perspectives across Canada’s e-mental health sector. This advisory group meets twice annually to provide input and feedback that supports and guides MHCC’s next steps with e-mental health. With a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and health equity, the Collaborative includes people with lived experience alongside professionals who share knowledge on trends, identify challenges and opportunities, and offer expert advice.

The MHCC’s collaborators on the E-MH Collaborative have shared the following quotes about the impact the MHCC has made on them:

Vision for the Future: Expanding E-Mental Health Excellence

The MHCC is committed to scaling its e-mental health impact across Canada and internationally through identifying and sharing best practices and strategies, engaging in strategic partnerships, advancing research, addressing knowledge gaps, and increasing access to mental health services through innovative solutions. 

The MHCC’s evidence-based e-mental health work is both innovative and essential. By combining rigorous standards, meaningful collaboration with lived experience, and cutting-edge technology, the MHCC sets new benchmarks for mental health care delivery that prioritize safety, equity, and accessibility for all people in Canada.

For more information about the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s work in e-mental health, visit https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/e-mental-health/.