Canada uses video conferencing to help with PTSD and mental health

Canadian Forces To Turn To Video Conferencing To Help Soldiers With PTSD And Other Mental Illnesses
April 30, 2013
Section: Defence Watch
News release from DND:

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – April 30, 2013) – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced two new health services initiatives, the Telemental Health Network and the Virtual Reality Initiative Bravemind, developed through the $11.4 million reallocated to the care of ill and injured military personnel in 2012. Minister MacKay made this announcement as part of The Bell True Patriot Love Fund, a one-million dollar program to support community mental health initiatives for Canadian military families.

“The Telemental Health Network and the Virtual Reality Initiative Bravemind complement an already robust system to provide treatment for our military men and women who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other health conditions,” said Minister MacKay. “The Bell True Patriot Love Fund initiative complements our Government’s focus on providing accessible mental health care to Canadian Armed Forces personnel. As Canadians we must all work together to ensure our military families stay healthy and get the mental health support they need.”

The Telemental Health Network will maximize the use of technology to increase access and reduce wait times by providing mental health services through video conferencing for personnel in all environments – especially rural, remote and underserved communities.

The Government of Canada has procured 90 high-definition desktop videoconferencing systems at a total cost of $800,000.
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