Digital Mental Health Intervention Document

Digital Mental Health Interventions For Supporting the Canadian Population in a Pandemic

1. Project Overview

Project Overview

Iman Kassam (iman.kassam@camh.ca)

Lydia Sequeira (lydia.sequeira@camh.ca)

Project Methodology & Report:

Digital Intervention

Websites

Website

Link

Description

https://ca.portal.gs/

Developed in response to mental distress due to COVID-19. Includes mental wellness resources to motivate and support ones wellness.

A website that contains mental health resources for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An online relapse prevention site that helps individuals with their substance use challenges, especially due to lack of access to services due to COVID-19.

Wellness Together Canada

TakeCare19: Mental Health Resources for Coping Through COVID-19

Breaking Free From Substance Use

https://takecare19.com/

https://www.breakingfreeonline.ca/

A resource page for Indigenous peoples which includes webinars, educational information and wellness supports for COVID-19.

Thunderbird Partnership Foundation: COVID-19 Resources

https://thunderbirdpf.org/covid-19/

Website

Link

Description

https://jack.org/covid

An easy-to-access hub for youth containing mental health resources for the COVID-19 pandemic.

A place to share and view educational resources for families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provides individuals with mindfulness tools, coping skills and other relaxtional tips.

Jack.org: COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub

COVIDWithKids

YMCA YWell

https://www.covidwithkids.org/home

https://www.gv.ymca.ca/mental-wellness

Contains various resources for individuals suffering with anxiety during COVID-19. Includes online course, town hall series, and more.

Anxiety Canada: Coping With COVID-19

https://www.anxietycanada.com/covid-19/

An online resource to support adult and youth mental health.

Bridge The Gapp

Website

Link

Description

https://stigmafreetoolkit.com/youth-corner/mental-health-management-for-youth/

A toolkit for youth/adolescents wellbeing during COVID-19. Contains informative resources about coping with mental health during COVID-19.

Provides a snapshot to individuals about their mental health during COVID-19 through a self-assessment.

An internet-based CBT program that helps to reduce anxiety related to COVID-19.

Stigma Free Society: COVID-19 Youth Wellness ToolKit

Canadian Mental Health Association: Mental Health Check-in

Morneau Shepell: AbilitiCBT

https://cmhabc.force.com/MentalHealthCheckIn/s/

https://manitoba.abiliticbt.com/home

A digital platform designed for COVID-19 to support the wellbeing of Canadians. Contains resources to deal with isolation and pandemic fear.

Beacon: Stronger Minds

https://www.mindbeacon.com/strongerminds

Website

Link

Description

https://communitysupport.covidresponse.ca/

Provides support services, information and resources to older adults in need during the pandemic.

Includes resources on how to help your children cope during COVID-19. Addresses how to support mental health through physical activity, sleep, and learning.

An 8-week online virtual support group for women with mood or adjustment challenges postpartum.

Champlain Community Support Network: COVID-19 Response Site

SickKids COVID-19 Learning Hub

Womens College Hospital: Mother Matters

https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/COVID-19

An online self-help CBT tool that can assist individuals in reducing anxiety brought on my the COVID-19 pandemic.

Homewood Health: i-Volve CBT

https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/mother-matters

Website

Link

Description

https://projectprotech.ca/about-us/about-the-project/

A community engaged action research project that aims to reduce the negative psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 on Chinese Canadians and other affected groups. Inclues a COVID-19 information hub, empowerment response training and a live chat.

A web-based self-management tool to help individuals with mental illness manage their mental health and wellbeing.

University Health Network: PROTECH - Pandemic Rapid Response Optimization to Enhance Community Resilience and Hesalth

Unversite du Quebec a Montreal: Getting Better My Way

https://allermieux.criusmm.net/en/how-does-it-work/

A smartphone app library which provides individuals with mental health apps based on their selected preferences.

Therappx

Website

Link

Description

https://www.virusanxiety.com/

Online resources for anxiety and mental health during COVID-19.

Supported by health promotion specialists and care providers, allows people to ask health related questions and provides them with answers.

Mental Health America: Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety

Columbia University: Go Ask Alice

Offers information and resources for families coping with the mental health impact of COVID-19.

American Red Cross: Virtual Family Assistance Centre

A resource that provides emotional support including counseling for depression, anxiety and other emotional issues. Includes a number of helpful resources and discussion groups.

TalkSpace COVID-19 Resources

Website

Link

Description

https://caih.jhu.edu/news/covid19

A compilation of resources and information to assist American Indigenous tribal groups.

A comprehensive toolkit containing COVID-19 information and resources related to mental health.

John Hopkins Centre for American Indian Health: COVID-19 Materials

Mental Health America: Mental Health and COVID-19 Resources

An addiction education platform which offers guidance on how to help those with addiction during COVID-19.

Shatter Proof Special COVID-19 Edition: Addiction Education and Support

Website

Link

Description

https://www.beatingtheblues.co.uk/

An online CBT program for individuals with depression and anxiety.

An online hub which provides support and information for people living with/supporting someone with mental illness.

Beating the Blues

Rethink Mental Illness: COVID-19 & Mental Illness

Provides wellbeing support to individuals. Includes quizzes, resources and information to deal with anxiety, stress, and low mood due to COVID-19.

NHS GoodThinking

A website containing educational resources and tools to assist children and parents during COVID-19.

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families: Coronavirus Support

Website

Link

Description

https://stem4.org.uk/resources/

STEM4 has developed a COVID-19 resource page to provide teens, parents and caregivers with booklets and self-help resources to mitigate the mental health affects of COVID-19.

Supporting Teenage Mental Health (STEM4): STEM4 COVID-19 Resources

Mental Health Ireland has shared five simple actions to protect an individuals mental health and maintain positive well being during uncertain and challenging times. Includes videos, tips and resources.

Mental Health Ireland: Minding Our Mental Health During COVID-19

Website

Link

Description

https://www.mycompass.org.au/

An internet-based self-help tool for mental health. Aids individuals in tracking their mental health.

Black Dog Institute: MyCompass

Provides online learning programs, education and research resources on anxiety and depression.

St. Vincent's Hospital: This Way Up

Provides information and digital support for individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian Government Department of Health: Head to Health

A national mental health and well-being campaign to help individuals get through the mental health impact of COVID-19.

All Right? Getting Through Together

Website

Link

Description

https://www.wecannavigate.com/

A team based model that provides resources and treatment options for people experiencing psychosis.

We Can Navigate

An online support network for individuals 16+. Allows people to connect with others and share their feelings.

TogetherAll

https://togetherall.com/en-ca/

An online peer-to-peer discussion forum where you can share you experiences with managing your mental health during COVID-19.

CAMH COVID-19 Discussion Forum

Individuals can join, ask and answer questions and discuss COVID-19 related issues.

Inspire COVID-19 Support Group and Discussion Community

Facilitates video-based peer-led support groups.

Huddle.Care

https://www.huddle.care/

Website

Link

Description

https://www.forlikeminds.com/

People living with mental illness or supporting someone can connect with peers virtually.

Coronavirus Peer Support Group

Individual support groups with seven peers. Groups are moderated by mental health professionals.

7Chairs: Online Support Group

https://7chairs.co/

Free virtual community events to support the wellbeing of the Maori peoples during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Whakatau Mai

A self-directed and digitally delivered CBT program for anyone in need of support during COVID-19.

Starling

A virtual peer support program for men who have sex with men.

MAX: Peer Support Program

https://maxottawa.ca/covid19/

Website

Link

Description

https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/

Contains information, advice and strategies to help individuals wellbeing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding resources, chat services and phone lines are provided.

Beyond Blue: Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

Hosts video meetings for Alcoholics Anonymouse, Narcotics Anonymous, and other recovery fellowships. Meetings are held through video-calls and facilitated by support workers.

In the Rooms: COVID-19 Online Recovery Resources

https://www.intherooms.com/home/covid-19-resources/

Website

Link

Description

https://your-way.org.uk/coronavirus/

Offers support for youth via online chats and skype calls.

Your Way

Provides 24/7 crisis and mental health support to Indigenous peoples in BC.

KUU-US Crisis Line

https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.ca/

Provides mental health support to children and parents.

ICAN (Conquer Anxiety and Nervousness)

Provides Indigenous peoples someone to speak to about COVID-19 in the GTA.

Indigenous COVID Pathways Hotline

Offers mental health counseling and crisis intervention for Indigenous peoples over the phone or online chat.

Hope for Wellness Helpline

https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Offers professional counselling, information and referrals and text-based support to youth.

Kids Help Phone

https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Website

Link

Description

https://good2talk.ca/covid-19-support-nova-scotia/

Mental health support for post-secondary students in Nova Scotia.

Good2Talk

Helpline for Indigenous women - culturally grounded and confidential.

Talk4Healing

http://www.talk4healing.com/

A helpline serviced by volunteers who encourage and support callers in need.

A Friendly Voice

A support and crisis line for persons who have experienced sexual assualt or acts of violence.

Ontario Network of Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centers

Telephone counselling, postpartum support and information for mothers and families.

Pacific Postpartum Support Society

http://postpartum.org/

Website

Link

Description

24/7 crisis hotline for women and seniors in Ontario.

Assaulted Women's Hotline

A telephone consultation service to provide people with strategies to help cope with stress due to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Psycholigcal First-Aid Service

https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/covid-19-resources

Three months of CBT based text messages written by mental health professionals. Sent out daily.

Text4Hope

Peer support hotline for LGBTQ2S+ youth in need of mental health support.

LGBT Youthline

Resources, text line, phone line and online chat service to support anyone in need of mental health support.

NYC Well (LifeNet)

https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/

Website

Link

Description

Virtual drop-in counselling sessions, peer support check-in, & group workshops for youth and caregivers.

Foundry Virtual

Provides digital CBT guided by a mental health professional to individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD or insomnia.

MindBeacon

https://www.mindbeacon.com/

Provides free access to video or phone counselling session for children, youth and adults in Ottawa.

Counselling Connect

E-counselling platform that offers access to trained psychologists and therapists.

Betterhelp

Website

Link

Description

An adapted guided self-help reduction program, focusing on reducing stress due to COVID-19.

CoronaStress

A guided internet-based CBT programme.

Coronacope

Virtual treatment groups and workshops for individuals struggling with body image issues, disordered eating or an eating disorder.

Body Brave

Website

Link

Description

Courses and eBook Resources

An eBook containing emotional intelligence tools to help with coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Corona Care Toolkit

A course designed to help people with everday life and learn self-management skills using CBT principles.

Living Life to the Full

https://livinglifetothefull.ca/

Provides access to resources, workbooks, activites and a trained coach to manage ones mental health.

Bounce Back

Course provides a deeper understand of mental health issues created by the pandemic and ways to cope.

Mind Control: Managing your Mental Health During COVID-19

Course was created to provide guidance to individuals and help them exploring how they can suport their mental health during COVID-19.

Coping During the Pandemic

Digital Intervention

Mobile Apps

App

Description

Main Features

Government & Non-Profit Apps: Developed for COVID-19

Provides information and evidence based coping strategies to help manage COVID-19 anxiety.

Managing Your Stress & Anxiety

Psychoeducation, Peer Support

COVID Coach

Provides access to resources, workbooks, activites and a trained coach to manage ones mental health.

Canada COVID-19

Track Mood; Track Symptoms; Pscyhoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; Goal Setting; Hope Board

BC COVID-19

Provides access to resources, workbooks, activites and a trained coach to manage ones mental health.

Track Mood; Track Symptoms; Pscyhoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; Goal Setting; Hope Board

Central resource for accessing personalized and evidence based information about COVID-19.

Psycheducation

App

Description

Main Features

Government & Non-Profit Apps:

A tool for Canadians to help manage the symptoms associated with PTSD.

PTSD Coach Canada

Psychoeducation

Personalized support tool made for veterans, can help teens as well.

Breathe 2 Relax

Productivity; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; Picture Gallery/Hope Board; Goal Setting/Habits

SAMSHA Disaster Response App

Stress management tool to help you learn how to perform and use diaphragmatic breathing tehcniques.

Track Mood; Track Symptoms; Pscyhoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; Goal Setting; Hope Board

Offers first responders access to pre-deployment preperation, on-the-ground assistance and post-deployment resources.

Psycheducation

Virtual Hope Box

App

Description

Main Features

Government & Non-Profit Apps:

A problem solving tool to help deal with emotions and cope with stress on and off campus.

Healthy Minds

Track mood; Psychoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing

Based on CBT techniques, provides individuals with assistance in coping with anxiety and stress.

Sinasprite

Journaling

MindShift

A game that uses CBT strategies and meditation to help people manage chronic health conditions.

Psycheducation; Mindfulness; CBT; Journaling; Peer Support

Uses strategies based on CBT to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking and managing your anxiety.

Productivity; Psychoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; CBT; Goal Setting/Habits

Reachout WorryTime

App

Description

Main Features

Government & Non-Profit Apps:

Woebot uses tools from CBT to help individuals think through situations with step-by-step guidance.

Woebot

CBT; Psychoeducation; Mindfulness; Track Mood

Feeling Good: Positive Mindset

A positive psychology programme based on CBT which contains audio tracks and music resources for individuals to use.

CBT; Psychoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing

Nod App

A tool to help prevent loneliness amongst college students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Track Mood; Pychoeducation; Deep Breathing; Mindfulness

App

Description

Main Features

Digital self-care tool to manage and treat stress, anxiety and depression.

Sanvello

Goal Setting; Mindfulness; Psychoeducation; Journaling; Deep Breathing; Hope Board; Track Mood; iCBT; Peer Support; Coach/Therapist Connection

Teaches you how to meditate and live mindfully with guided sessions on stress, happiness, resilience.

Calm

Productivity; Psychoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; Bio Feedback with Sense Data; iCBT

Happify

A game that uses CBT strategies and meditation to help people manage chronic health conditions.

Trackmood; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; iCBT; Goal Settings; Physical Health Exercises

Uses strategies based on CBT to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking and managing your anxiety.

Productivity; Psychoeducation; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; Peer Support; Coach/Therapist Connection; Goal Setting; Bbot Interaction; Biofeedback with Data

HeadSpace

For Profit Apps:

App

Description

Main Features

For Profit Apps:

An evidence-based adventure game that increases your emotional fitness and skills.

eQuoo: Emotional Fitness Game

Psychoeducation

Coaches and teaches you tools and skills needed to assess/cope with emotional workplace burnout.

InnerHour - Live Happier

Track mood; Goal Setting; Journaling

MoodMission

Offers a safe space for self-care using CBT, mindfulness and postive psychology techniques.

Track mood; Goal setting; journaling; Psychoeducation

Helps one learn new and better ways of coping with stress, low mood, depression and anxiety.

Trackmood; Mindfulness; Hope Board; CBT; Coach/Therapist Connection; Physical Health Exercise

Sunset Health

App

Description

Main Features

Helps to guide individuals struggling with depression or anxiety toward emotional well-being.

MoodPath

Track mood; Journaling; Mindfulness; Deep Breathing

A meditation and mindfulness app that helps one find their quiet place through short guided meditations and mindfulness activites.

Insight Timer

Track mood; Physical Health; Deep Bresathing; Mindfulness, DBT

Wysa: Mental Health Support

A meditation app with 30K guided meditations, 5K teachers and a meditation timer.

Mindfulness; Deep Breathing; iCBT; Biofeedback with Sense data; Peer Support

Using CBT & DBT techniques as well as yoga and meditation, wysa supports individuals with depression, stress, anxiety and sleep issues.

Psychoeducation; Journaling

MyLife Meditation

For Profit Apps: