Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Published purpose

The emergence of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has introduced additional pressures on an already fragile mental healthcare system. Prior to COVID-19, the treatment of mental illness had remained confined almost exclusively to in person encounters. COVID-19 has led to a growing acceptance by patients and providers of mental health apps and online self-care modules. However, most are homeopathic and lack clinical validation. This collaboration between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the National Research Council aims to develop self-led online psycho-motor exercises and test their validity in clinical settings. The modules will be deployed in mobile and web applications and made available for integration with virtual care models across Canada. The use of clinician -led design and development will ensure relevance and immediate applicability for patients and providers of virtual care, as well as the general population who may be experiencing COVID-induced isolation related mental health challenges.