The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) revealed earlier this year that nearly 90% of Canadians turn to online resources to find health information. Despite this trend, about 70% of respondents to the CMA survey said they were skeptical about health information found on the Internet.
It was against this backdrop of legitimate public skepticism, combined with an abundance of choices, that the AppSanteMentale.ca
website was created. Launched in June 2025, it is the result of Centre d’expertise en technologie de l’information en santé mentale, dépendance et itinérance (CETI-SMDI ). This initiative was commissioned by the Quebec government. It is the first app collection of its kind in the country.
A website that doesn’t sell anything, but helps you choose
The website provides easy access to reliable digital tools for taking care of your mental health and well-being. Simply search for the tool that best suits your needs, based on six categories:
- Relieve Stress and Anxiety;
- Better Manage Emotions;
- Sleep Better;
- Move and Eat Well;
- Trust Yourself, Build Connections;
- Consider Your Substance Use.
Of course, mobile apps are no substitute for professional care, but they can be useful tools in everyday life. When chosen wisely, they can complement a therapeutic approach or simply promote well-being. Please note that three new topics and additional apps will be added shortly.
The suggested mobile apps were evaluated, tested, and selected to ensure they are reliable, effective, secure, and easy to use. More than a hundred quality criteria were used! The team also wanted to limit the number of apps to avoid overwhelming users with too many choices. As a result, out of the thousands of apps available, 19 were selected. This rigorous work was carried out by a team of healthcare professionals, technology specialists, patients, and close partners.
Apps neatly presented
To make decision-making easier, each app is presented clearly and honestly. Everything is included: visuals (photos and videos), a simple description, the date of the last update, cost (if applicable), technical information, a layman’s summary of the review, and more.
This approach to presenting information also supports healthcare and social service professionals. As a result, Santé Québec staff are better able to guide service users and recommend the apps that are best suited for each type of follow-up.
Check out AppSanteMentale.ca right now on your computer or mobile device!