Connecting Canadians to care, wherever they are
Mental health is an important part of our well-being. Whether you’re navigating a major life change, managing everyday stress or simply looking to build healthier coping strategies, the right support can make a meaningful difference. But accessing that support isn’t always straightforward.
Finding a provider, understanding your coverage and booking an appointment all take time. Add in work, family responsibilities and other commitments, and getting the care you need can start to feel complicated.
Health doesn’t happen in isolation and the support around it shouldn’t either. That’s why at Sun Life, we’re focused on creating a more connected digital health experience designed to fit into people’s lives.
Why flexibility matters
Mental health support isn’t only for moments of crisis. It can help people navigate everyday challenges, build resilience and care for their well-being before concerns become more difficult to manage. More importantly, there’s no one-size-fits-all-approach to mental health care.
For some, in-person counselling is the right choice. For others, the ability to connect virtually can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule or continue care without the added time of travelling to an office.
Having more ways to access support gives people greater flexibility to choose what works best for them.
Making it easier to connect with care
Many Canadians continue to face gaps in mental health support. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 41 per cent of adults aged 18 and older and 36 per cent of youth aged 2 to 17 with diagnosed mental health conditions report their needs are partially met or unmet. Flexible options matter. That's why Sun Life introduced Online Counselling, by Dialogue.
Available to individuals aged 14 and older in Canada (subject to applicable eligibility, consent and provincial/territorial requirements), it offers a convenient way to connect virtually with registered mental health professionals when and where support is needed most.
With Online Counselling, Canadians can:
Find a mental health professional.
Book virtual appointments.
Attend secure online counselling sessions.
Manage their care alongside their workplace benefits and other health services.
Online Counselling builds on a growing suite of digital health tools and resources available through my Sun Life app. Canadians can find healthcare providers, access virtual care services, manage prescriptions, review benefits coverage and submit claims, all in one place.
For example, someone using mental health support can access Online Counselling alongside their broader benefits and health resources. Similarly, after a consultation, a person who receives a prescription can fill it without leaving the app.
Together, these solutions are designed to connect moments of care helping Canadians navigate their health journey, make informed choices and stay engaged with their well-being over time.
Supporting healthier people means healthier workplaces
When mental health support is easier to access, everyone benefits. For individuals, it can mean having more flexibility to prioritize their well-being in a way that fits their lives. For employers, providing access to mental health resources can help support healthier, more engaged workplaces and reinforce a culture that values employee well-being.
Expanding access and offering more choice can help remove barriers to care. Because when support is easier to access, it’s easier to take the next step towards better health.
