Morneau Shepell announced Nov. 9 that it is expanding programs for its therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) solution, AbilitiCBT.

The new programs are designed to help people deal with trauma, grief and loss and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These programs are an addition to the current AbilitiCBT programs: anxiety (expanding to better support panic disorder and social anxiety), anxiety related to a pandemic, depression, combined anxiety/depression, insomnia and pain management.

Morneau Shepell says the new AbilitiCBT programs were developed in response to increased need for therapist-assisted digital services as Canadians continue to struggle with mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Declining mental health trend

The company noted that its monthly Mental Health Index reports have continued to show a trend of declining mental health for Canadians, with findings showing that the strained mental health of Canadians may be here for the long term.

"Over the past few months alone, we have provided support to tens of thousands of Canadians, through both corporate programs and our partnerships with the governments of Ontario and Manitoba. Our work, however, is just beginning," said Nigel Branker, president, health and productivity solutions. "Our extensive clinical data and comprehensive mental health research continues to indicate a strong and growing need for additional therapist-assisted digital mental health programs during these challenging times. We are committed to expanding our support and working with our partners to help as many Canadians as we can."

The new trauma and grief and loss programs will be available by the end of 2020, while the OCD and the expanded anxiety programs will be on the AbilitiCBT platform in early 2021, in both English and French.