Name
1st E-Mental Health Strategy for Quebec Province: Gaining More Access, One Technology at a Time
Time
11:20 AM - 11:30 AM (EST)
Description

The CETI-SMDI plays a key role in integrating digital technologies into mental health care in Quebec. It is the only government-led initiative focused on digital mental health in the province. Its mandate is to support the development, evaluation, and deployment of digital tools in the fields of mental health, addiction, and homelessness, by helping professionals, decision-makers, and users adopt and integrate these solutions. It is directly aligned with the 2022–2026 Interministerial Mental Health Action Plan (PAISM), specifically measure 5.4, which aims to structure and strengthen the use of digital technologies in a complementary way to existing services. The creation of the CETI-SMDI in April 2023 reflects a strong political will to improve accessibility and efficiency in mental health care through digital innovation. The Government of Quebec’s historic investment in this field demonstrates a recognition of the potential of digital tools to support recovery, promote user autonomy, and equip professionals. By offering a structured framework for the evaluation and support of digital solutions, the CETI-SMDI helps guide technological choices based on rigorous criteria such as clinical quality, user experience, data confidentiality, and security. The CETI-SMDI supports and disseminates self-care and self-management tools, primarily targeting common mental health disorders for now. These tools are digital, stand-alone, and include Aller mieux à ma façon (“Getting Better My Way”), Retrouver son entrain (“Rediscover Your Spark”), and Toi, Moi, Bébé (“You, Me, Baby”). They can be used on their own or as an adjunct to other treatments such as psychotherapy or medication. The CETI-SMDI provides support to clinicians and managers in adopting these tools and ensures they align with the needs of the populations they serve. However, challenges remain—such as budget constraints, staffing, equitable access, user engagement, and integration with existing professional practices. Change management is therefore a central concern, and the CETI-SMDI relies on network engagement and knowledge transfer approaches to promote effective implementation of digital solutions. At the pan-Canadian level, the CETI-SMDI collaborates with several organizations to share expertise and harmonize approaches. It works notably with Stepped Care Solutions (SCS) to structure a stepped model of digital mental health services tailored to users’ needs, in complement to traditional services. Additionally, CETI-SMDI partners with the European organization ORCHA and the Mental Health Commission of Canada to evaluate and recommend some of its tools. To ensure effective prioritization of tools, the CETI-SMDI relies on a clear strategy: an evaluation committee and a rigorous review process, including surveys and comparative analyses, to inform integration decisions. This work is accompanied by ongoing efforts in science communication and knowledge transfer, helping stakeholders across the health system better understand and utilize these technologies, and more broadly, supporting mental health literacy. By fostering continuous dialogue among researchers, clinicians, managers, and users, the CETI-SMDI contributes to building a coherent, inclusive, and high-performing digital mental health ecosystem. In a context where mental health needs are steadily increasing, the CETI-SMDI stands out as an essential actor for supporting innovation, guiding best practices, and ensuring the effective integration of technologies for the benefit of both patients and professionals in Quebec.

Jennifer Dahak