The report The Role of Virtual Services and AI in Mental Health Care Across Canada, published in June 2026 by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Mental Health Research Canada, examines the use of virtual services and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in mental health care across the country.
Few observations
- About 14% of people living in Canada—nearly 6 million people—have used an AI tool to get mental health support in the past 12 months.
- Among those who received mental health care in the past year, 45% used virtual services—either exclusively (18%) or in combination with in-person care (27%).
- Men, young people, and groups seeking equity (the LGBTQ+ community, newcomers, and people of color) are the primary users of AI-based virtual mental health services.
- Among users, 75% consider the virtual services to be effective, and 76% believe that AI tools help them manage their mental health and emotional well-being.
- Despite interest in digital technologies, the public continues to place greater trust in in-person care. Respondents generally prefer hybrid models that combine human support with digital tools.
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