Annual Report 2022-2023: Division of Psychotherapy, Humanities, and Psychosocial Interventions

Submitted by Shelley McMain, Director, Psychotherapy, Humanities, and Psychosocial Interventions Division

Over the past year, our Division has been actively engaged in transformative research and education resulting in outcomes that have had a significant impact.

One noteworthy endeavor is the SUMMIT study, aiming to improve access to psychological treatments for pregnant women and new mothers. The study seeks to expand access to treatment by training non-specialists for a substantial impact on mental health.

Our faculty made significant strides in developing innovative treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and evaluating interventions for trauma and borderline personality disorder. They explore cultural adaptations of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), brief interventions for suicidal patients, and training clinicians to cultivate positive therapeutic relationships.

Education and training are at the core of our Division's mission and our faculty are actively engaged in several pioneering projects. The Disaster Psychiatry Canada group has reached learners worldwide through trainings. Faculty are supporting a provincial initiative aimed at enhancing access to structured psychotherapy as well as the ECHO Ontario Psychotherapy Project, to make evidence-based treatments more accessible.

In summary, our Division's research and education are yielding substantial results. From scaling up psychological treatments to pioneering interventions, and from global education initiatives to rapid response services, faculty are making a meaningful difference in improving mental health.