The Mood Disorders Society of Canada Virtual Assistant: The Development and Evaluation of a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Support the Mental Health of Canadians - Children and Youth Expansion

  • Matthew has a Ph.D in Psychiatry from the University of Alberta. He has done extensive research with the Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch child sexual abuse treatment center, with a specific focus on the effects of early-life trauma on mental health. Matt has a particular interest in trauma-focused interventions and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on neurodevelopment.

Matthew, in partnership with the Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital Hub for Mental Health, will explore the use of a mental health virtual chatbot for young Canadians.  

Matthew seeks to expand the 2021 pilot project with MIRA, the Mental Health Virtual Assistant, currently helping healthcare workers and their families in Alberta and Nova Scotia navigate validated mental health resources from the online MIRA portal.

Matthew will expand the coverage of MIRA to children and youth in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia. As part of Matthew’s study, a Youth Expert Advisory Committee will be established and consulted in collaboration with individuals with lived experience and experts in youth psychology to determine the effectiveness and user satisfaction of the virtual service.

This project is co-funded in partnership with Mitacs and the Knowledge Institute for Child & Youth Mental Health and Addictions.