CMHA Federation

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada.  

We are a federated charity, which means we are a collective of organizations bound together by a brand and mission. Together, we identify and respond to Canada’s most pressing mental health priorities. At the national level, we push for nationwide system and policy change. At the community level, millions of people in Canada rely on CMHA’s extensive grassroots presence.  

Our locations 

1 national office 
11 provincial/territorial divisions 
61 local branches/regions in over 330 communities 

Our people 

8,600 staff  
11,000 volunteers and members

Our work 

CMHAs in 330 communities offer a range of programs, services, supports and expertise, and work in mental health priority areas, including: 

100% - Mental Health Promotion   
84%  - Suicide Prevention  
84%  - Youth  
43%  - Campus Mental Health  
43%  - Community Research  
31% - First Responders and Veterans    

Lived experience guides us. For over 20 years, our National Council of Persons with Lived Experience (NCPLE) has been instrumental in providing policy and program development leadership, expertise and perspective of those living with experience of mental illness to all issues and concerns on CMHA’s national agenda.   

We are committed to advancing the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. CMHA is committed to learning from and working with Indigenous partners, through a process of mutual respect and cultural humility, to ensure our programs are culturally safe and meaningful.  

CMHA provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.