Who We Are

Vision - A Canada with better mental health for all.

Mission - Leading and partnering to improve mental health practices where Canadians connect, live and work.


Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) is a non-governmental, registered national charity committed to making mental health research truly count for Canadians. Established in 2018, MHRC quickly evolved from a 55-year-old provincial organization into an innovative national leader, already contributing to and impacting every province and territory. We operate in both official languages and provide important support for Indigenous community researchers.

As a trusted connector, we unite researchers, communities, and people with lived and living experience, with the goal of turning evidence into real-world solutions to improve lives. With one in four Canadians impacted by mental health challenges, the gap between what people need and what’s accessible continues to grow.

MHRC bridges this gap through:  

  • Population Data Collection, Analysis, and Rapid Reporting: We deliver targeted, and timely mental health insights from current data to inform national and provincial policy, and to support the many stakeholders working to improve mental health outcomes in Canada.

  • Studentships and Fellowships: We support early career researchers to build Canada’s talent pool. Our model fosters collaboration between academics and communities to build important bridges between research and people with lived experience.

  • Supporting and Leading Innovative Solutions: We partner with likeminded organizations to support forward-looking projects designed to address real-world, current mental health needs.

At MHRC, we believe meaningful change starts with sound evidence that includes voices of stakeholders. Our focus is upstream to enhance downstream solutions - because without research, it’s just guesswork.

Much of MHRC’s work is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. While our national population polling is supported through project-based funding, everything else we do relies on fundraising.

Help us continue this important work. Consider donating today.

For more details on our extensive work, read our Annual Impact Report. If you are interested in collaborating with MHRC, email info@mhrc.ca.