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Home-based mental health care reduces stigma

“We put our program online when we developed our first electronic system in 2012, which, in its day, was very innovative, but with today’s advanced technology, our first system now seems rather unsophisticated,” Dr. Lingley-Pottie says. “But in doing so, we overcame access barriers and pioneered virtual pediatric mental health and family health. By enabling people to get help in the comfort and privacy of their homes, there is no stigma. Instead, there is a strong therapeutic alliance, strong outcomes and a very sophisticated system.”

Initially, SFI focused on serving children and youth. But the initiative has expanded in recent years to provide customized programming to adults, under-represented groups such as the BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ communities, and military families—an offering that has particular resonance for Dr. Lingley-Pottie. “My grandfather was a veteran, and when he returned from service, my grandparents got divorced,” she says. “My mother was very young at the time and was impacted by that. I always vowed that I was going to make a difference among people in the military.”

To date, SFI has worked with more than 50,000 clients from across Canada and maintained a success rate of over 85 per cent in outcomes across all demographics, with clients achieving reductions in their symptoms and functional improvement. Moreover, it has maintained a dropout rate of less than 10 per cent, which Dr. Lingley-Pottie says is extremely low for mental health services. 

These achievements mean a lot to Dr. Lingley-Pottie, as do the recognition and awards that SFI has received. They include the Governor-General’s Social Innovation Award, the Ernest C. Manning Award, the Mental Health Commission of Canada Award and now, the Aurum Award. As a �¼������ϲʿ���ֱ�� alum, she considers it validation of the sacrifices she has made to create change for others, starting with the decision to leave home and earn her nursing degree at �¼������ϲʿ���ֱ��. 

Advancing technology to reach even more people 

Dr. Lingley-Pottie and her team are continually looking for new ways to have a positive impact. SFI is tracking and reporting all client outcomes. It has introduced an interactive app that not only enables clients to access SFI materials using their mobile phones but also enjoys the same experience even when a wireless connection is not available. And it has enhanced several programs based on user feedback while offering lower intensity intervention options based on client needs. The goal now, she says, is to ensure all Canadians have equal access to SFI’s proven programs. That means addressing geographical barriers and developing an integrated diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility strategy to increase awareness and access among underserved populations.  

“We know that we have very strong impacts among people of different backgrounds,” she says.

“I hope we continue to expand both nationally and, at some point, internationally. As we do, we are recognized not just as pioneers in pediatric virtual mental health services but also family-focused and adult virtual services.”