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The Future of Mental Health is Digital–and it's Here.
by Nicky White
"The global mental health crisis is more than a challenge—it’s an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and create a system that works for everyone. eMHIC is at the forefront of this movement, helping countries build digital-first mental health care systems that are sustainable and scalable."
Photo: Alisa Simon shares insights from Kids Help Phone, Canada's only 24/7, free, multilingual digital mental health solution for young people, at eMHIC24.
"Mental health struggles don’t discriminate. From young people navigating school and relationships to older adults facing isolation, everyone deserves support."
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Mental health struggles hit close to home for all of us. Whether it’s dealing with anxiety before a big exam, supporting a friend through a tough time, or just trying to keep your head
above water, we all know how hard it can be to access the right help when we need it. But what if mental health care was as easy to access as your favorite playlist? That’s the vision of
the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC)—a global organization committed to making sure that anyone, anywhere, can get the mental health support they need.
Why Digital Mental Health Matters
Traditional mental health services are overwhelmed. Long waitlists, expensive therapy, and complicated systems mean that millions of people aren’t getting the care they need. eMHIC is tackling this head-on by making digital mental health solutions available 24/7. Imagine having access to AI-driven mental health check-ins, crisis helplines you can text, peer support communities, and apps designed to help you track your well-being—all at your fingertips. As eMHIC’s Executive Director, Professor Anil Thapliyal, puts it: “We must focus on the service user, their families, and caregivers. If it does not work for them, it does not work at
all.” That’s why eMHIC ensures that digital mental health solutions aren’t just available but are practical, effective, and tailored to people’s real needs.
Building a Better System for Everyone
The global mental health crisis is more than a challenge—it’s an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and create a system that works for everyone. eMHIC is at the forefront of this movement, helping countries build digital-first mental health care systems that are sustainable and scalable.
eMHIC collaborates with governments, tech developers, and mental health advocates to:
● Develop digital mental health policies and standards.
● Ensure individuals with lived experience have a say in shaping solutions.
● Train mental health professionals to use digital tools effectively.
● Integrate cutting-edge research into real-world applications.
● Work with industry leaders to drive innovation in mental health tech.
The goal? To create a future where mental health support is instant, inclusive, and accessible to everyone—no exceptions.
Spreading Knowledge, Driving Change
eMHIC is making sure that mental health care evolves with technology. Here’s how they’re keeping the world informed and connected:
● Knowledge Bank: A one-stop hub for news, case studies, digital tools, and expert insights on the latest in digital mental health.
● Webinars: Virtual events featuring top experts, from researchers and clinicians to government officials and people with lived experience.
● Newsletters: Monthly updates packed with must-know advancements in digital mental health.
● eMHIC Congress: A global gathering where leaders, innovators, and policymakers team up to push the boundaries of mental health care.
Camiley Legerme, Shada Aborawi, Em Alexander, James Ehiagwina, and Laetitia Satam from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Kids Help Phone discuss the importance of youth co-design of digital mental health services at eMHIC24.
Amplifying Diverse Voices for Change
Storytelling is a powerful force for social change, and eMHIC is committed to amplifying diverse voices to inspire innovative mental health solutions. Hailey Hechtman, Executive Director at Unsinkable, highlights the impact of this global collaboration: “We have so appreciated our partnership with eMHIC. They have provided us with a space to connect with mental health professionals and those with living expertise across the globe, encouraging storytelling as a medium for social and systems change and by recognizing the importance of amplifying diverse voices to help generate new and innovative solutions.”
By fostering these global conversations, eMHIC drives real-world change and ensures that mental health care is shaped by those who understand it best—those with lived experience.
Mental Health for All: No One Left Behind
Mental health struggles don’t discriminate. From young people navigating school and relationships to older adults facing isolation, everyone deserves support. That’s why eMHIC is pushing for mental health solutions that are adaptable, inclusive, and designed for real people in real situations.
The rapid rise of digital technology means new possibilities—AI-driven mental health assessments, telehealth therapy sessions, peer support platforms, and more. However, these tools must be designed with cultural awareness and accessibility in mind. eMHIC ensures that digital mental health solutions meet the needs of diverse communities, leaving no one behind.
Join the Digital Mental Health Movement
If you care about mental health—your own, your friends’, or your community’s—now is the time to get involved. eMHIC isn’t just for policymakers and doctors; it’s for everyone who wants mental health support to become as accessible as social media.
Want to learn more? Check out eMHIC’s work, join their webinars, and join the movement
changing how mental health care works.
eMHIC25: A Global Gathering for Mental Health Innovation
The conversation doesn’t stop here. eMHIC25, the 10th Digital Mental Health Global Congress, is bringing together world leaders, innovators, and change-makers to discuss ‘Global Mental Health Equity: Digital Solutions for an Interconnected World.’ This event is where real-world impact happens, and you can be part of it—in person or virtually.
Mental health care is evolving. It’s becoming more accessible, more inclusive, and more effective. The question is—will you be part of shaping the future?
To learn more about how you can be part of eMHIC25 visit the official event site here.
Learn more about eMHIC here.
eMHIC24. Four nations. One shot. Proof that eMHIC25's global collective transcends borders.
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