Funders/Government

Funders & Government Agencies

Strongest Families Institute (SFI) is a proud Not-For-Profit charitable organization from Nova Scotia. This evidence-based program is founded on twenty years of social science research. Our anxiety and depression programs are rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based techniques.

Strongest Families Institute (SFI) is an award-winning charity that provides accessible and bilingual e-mental health services to children/youth, adults, and their families, when and where they need it. Our social innovations are grounded in the best science.

SFI anxiety and depression programs are rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based techniques, and our distance service delivery has been tested in randomized controlled trials. SFI was designed as a waitlist reduction solution and can alleviate pediatric and adult mental health waitlists across Canada. With SFI’s strong, life-changing impacts, the time is now to invest in promoting good mental health for Canadians of all ages, building a resilient population and promoting a healthier, more productive future.

Our vision

Positive Environment: We foster a positive environment both internally with our colleagues and externally with our clients. Our clients are often facing many challenges – we provide the positive support they need.

Extraordinary Service: We provide high quality and timely services to our clients. Being responsive, convenient and respectful is at the heart of how we operate.

Innovation & Research: We continue to innovate and harness best practices as we move forward to increase access to care through leveraging the advantages of technology and research. Finding new ways to remove barriers to care is in our heritage.

SFI is dedicated to outcome measurement and reporting. The results are strong. Our distance system of care is accepted and effective. Program completion will lead to happier, healthier lives.

SFI is a sound investment of resource funding.

2020-2021 Fiscal Year Outcomes

  • 90%

    SUCCESS

  • 4%

    ATTRITION

  • 99%

    SATISFACTION

Where Are We Going?

We aim to expand services across Canada and around the world. Our conviction that neither time nor distance are barriers will guide how we deliver our services to those in need. We will continue our evolution and growth as an innovative approach to bridge the access gap.

How Will We Get There?

Technology plays a significant role. Our sophisticated e-system, IRIS (IRISplatform.com), offers flexibility in the provision of care and our ability to rethink health care delivery. Our highly trained staff record real-time data, making information easily accessible, anytime, anywhere. More importantly, our success is based on results. Our model is proven to deliver strong outcomes with low dropout rates.

Designed as a waitlist strategy for health agencies across Canada, SFI can quickly help reduce wait times for clients seeking mental health supports for mild to moderate conditions. Our programs are rooted in two decades of scientifically proven research. Our strong outcomes are demonstrated from strong historical data.

SFI and Partner Agencies

Strongest Families has partnered with Provincial and Federal Government Agencies, and other organizations to help Canadians access care as our beliefs that mental health services should be accessible and free to all clients through our already established system of care in our county.

Currently, SFI offers services in (10) Provinces and One (1) Territory with funding from Government Agencies, Foundations, and sponsors. Those provinces include:

  • Nova Scotia
  • New Brunswick
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Alberta (Calgary Zone)
  • Quebec
  • Ontario
  • Manitoba
  • Saskatchewan
  • Northwest Territories
  • British Columbia
  • Yukon

We also are a trusted service provider to Canada’s military and Veteran families thanks to funding from Military Family Services Ottawa, True Patriot Love Foundation and RBC, and Bell Let's Talk.

Stats and Facts

  • Over 50000 clients helped to date
  • We reduce wait times quickly
  •  An above 85% success
  • Less than 10% Attrition
  • Above 90% Overall Client Satisfaction
  • Cost-Effective
  • Free to Clients
  • Bilingual Services
  • Strong impacts on children, youth, adults and families.

How to Refer

To refer to our program, please visit our Contact Us page and select your province of residence for detailed information.

What our Clients say

“This whole thing is quite remarkable I have to say, the changes it can evoke are pretty profound.” - 6-year-old female’s parent

“I have definitely calmed down and I feel happier. I see such a big improvement in my life.” - 14-year-old female

“[My Coach] was amazing. I feel like I have a best friend from this. The best decision I've had in life was completing this course.” - 25-year-old female

What our Partners Say:

“They have a lightning-fast response time, but they also have an extraordinary rate of success and a rich repository of data that informs and validates their approach. This program is a clear example of smart investment in an innovative practice that all provinces should consider.” - Louise Bradley, President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada

“Strong families are the foundation for strong communities. We are pleased to support the great work of the Strongest Families Institute to promote positive mental health for children, and to provide hands-on tools to support family members.” - Honourable Randy Delorey, Former Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness

government agencies | canadian alliance on mental illness and mental health
government agencies | governor general's innovation award
ernest and manning innovation award
government agencies | mental health commission of canada

We foster a positive environment both internally with our colleagues and externally with our clients. Our clients are often facing many challenges – we provide the positive support they need.

OUR PARTNERS