We are breaking barriers to create lasting change in the mental health landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology, highly skilled paraprofessional talent, and science-backed, client-centered programs. At Strongest Families Institute (SFI), we are dedicated to transforming e-mental health (eMH) care by providing accessible, evidence-based solutions that enhance the well-being of children, youth, adults, and families across Canada. 

 

Grounded in nearly 25 years of social science research, SFI is a pioneer in delivering evidence-based eMH care to pediatrics, adults, and families. Our stepped care model, diverse program offerings across the lifespan, and innovative IRIS system—including a fully interoperable app—create a unique, cost-effective, and scalable solution that addresses mental health needs across the continuum.

SFI: A Highly Validated e-Mental Health Solution

SFI has earned international recognition as a validated eMH system for a broad range of clients, supported by rigorous research and ongoing evaluations confirming its effectiveness (1–4). Co-creation has been fundamental to SFI since its inception in 2000. Our commitment to “getting it right by design” involves an integrated knowledge translation strategy at all phases, ensuring continuous improvement based on client/user feedback and other key interest groups (e.g., health professionals, scientists, policy makers, decision makers), regardless of age (5).

 

This approach, paired with validated research and scalable solutions, enables SFI to rapidly reduce waitlists and meet the growing demand for services (6,7).

Innovations in 2023: Advancing Accessibility and Care

Mental Health App Assessment by MHCC and ORCHA

SFI’s IRIS app was selected as one of only 10 mental health apps in Canada to undergo an assessment by the Organization for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). The evaluation assessed critical criteria such as data privacy, clinical evidence, usability, accessibility, and cultural safety.

 

SFI received high scores for meeting these standards, validating the app’s reliability and trustworthiness in delivering mental health support. As part of ORCHA’s efforts, apps that meet these rigorous standards are listed in the MHCC Mental Health Apps Repository, enabling healthcare providers and policymakers to identify effective digital mental health tools. SFI is actively working on improvements to secure inclusion in this repository, which will launch alongside a national mental health app library in 2025. This initiative will expand access to trusted digital mental health solutions across Canada.

The Transformative Power of Stepped Care

SFI’s stepped care model, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, ensures individuals receive the right level of care at the right time. This model offers three levels of program intensity:

 

  1. Promotion/Prevention: Self-guided programs with optional coach support.
  2. Brief Intervention: Weekly coach support for mild symptoms with minimal impairment (weekly 1-hour coaching).
  3. Intensive Intervention: Level 3 is 4-5 months for significant symptoms with impairment in one or more functional domains (weekly 1-hour coaching).

This tailored approach ensures accessibility by matching program intensity to individual needs. It also empowers clients, particularly in regions where government funding supports self-referrals, by providing timely and appropriate care. 

Accessibility Enhancements

Accessibility is essential to SFI’s mission. Over the past year, we have implemented key upgrades to make our platform more inclusive for diverse clients:

  • For Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Clients: Audio transcripts and an enhanced user interface ensure better engagement and satisfaction.
  • Modernized Web Platform: Updates include screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and responsive design.
  • Assistive Tools: Features like closed captioning and customizable themes (e.g., high-contrast and dark mode) improve accessibility for clients with varying levels of digital literacy.

These enhancements create a more inclusive experience, ensuring all clients feel supported throughout their mental health journey.

Client-Centered Co-Creation and Continuous Improvement

Co-creation is central to SFI’s approach. From the beginning, we have engaged children, youth, and families in designing and improving programs ensuring our services are relevant and effective.

 

Using an integrated knowledge translation process, the client’s real-time feedback informs continuous updates. This ensures that SFI remains at the forefront of eMH care, addressing evolving mental health needs with precision and impact.

Leading the Future of e-Mental Health

SFI’s evidence-based approach positions us as a trusted leader in digital mental health solutions. Our stepped care model, accessibility enhancements, and validated research demonstrate a commitment to breaking barriers and improving mental health outcomes across Canada and beyond.

 

Given the urgency of addressing youth mental health in Canada (as highlighted in A Generation at Risk: Youth Mental Health in Canada—Mental Health Research Canada), scaling highly validated eMH solutions like SFI is critical for primary mental health care reform. Our ability to scale rapidly and meet the growing demand for services makes SFI a vital resource, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Call to Action

SFI is transforming mental health care through innovation and evidence-based solutions. To learn more about our programs and how we are making a difference, visit www.strongestfamilies.com.

References:

  1. McGrath, P.J., Lingley-Pottie, P., Thurston, C., MacLean, C., Cunningham, C., Waschbusch, D.A, Watters, C., Stewart, S., Bagnell, A., Santor, D. & Chaplin, W. (2011) Telephone-Based Mental Health Interventions for Child Disruptive Behavior or Anxiety Disorders: Randomized Trials and Overall Analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2011 Nov; 50(11):1162-1172.
  2. Olthuis, J.V., McGrath, P.J., Cunningham, C.E., Boyle, M.H., Lingley-Pottie, P., Reid, G.J., Bagnell, A., Lipman, E.L., Turner, K., Corkum, P., Stewart, S.H., Berrigan, P., Sdao-Jarvie, K. (2018) Distance-Delivered Parent Training for Childhood Disruptive Behavior (Strongest Families™): a Randomized Controlled Trial and Economic Analysis. J Abnorm Child Psychol., 46(8), 1613-1629 2018 Oct 26.
  3. Wozney, L.M., Olthuis, J., Lingley-Pottie, P., McGrath, P.J., Chaplin, W., Elgar, F., Cheney, B., Huguet, A., Turner K., Kennedy, J. (2017) Strongest Families™ Managing Our Mood (MOM): A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Distance Intervention for Women with Postpartum Depression. Archives of Women’s Mental Health. 2017 Jun 7.
  4. Sourander, A., McGrath, P.J., Ristkari, T., Cunningham, C., Huttunen, J., Lingley-Pottie, P., Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki, S., Kinnunen, M., Vuorio, J., Sinokki, A., Fossum, S., Unruh, A. (2016) Internet-Assisted Parent Training Intervention for Disruptive Behavior in 4-Year-Old Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016
  5. McGrath, P. J., Lingley-Pottie, P., Emberly, D. J., Thurston, C., & McLean, C. (2009). Integrated knowledge translation in mental health: Family help as an example. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 18(1), 30-37.
  6. Lingley-Pottie P., & McGrath P. J.(2016). Imagine a mental health service that builds stronger families. Paediatrics & Child Health, 21(5), 247–248.
  7. Cunningham, C.E., Chen, Y., Deal, K., Rimas, H., McGrath, P., Lingley-Pottie, P., Reid, G., Lipman, E., Corkum, P. (2014). Modeling Parenting Programs as an Interim Service for Families Waiting for Children’s Mental Health Treatment. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2014 Apr 4.