Business Details
47 Years
experience
Mental Health Support & Education Since 1979
Since 1979, our organization has been dedicated to transforming mental health support across Canada through education, advocacy, and innovative programs. We specialize in providing personalized guidance and resources for individuals and families navigating complex mental health challenges, including schizophrenia, psychosis, and related conditions. Our team of experienced mental health professionals and caregivers collaborates to deliver evidence-based education, community-driven solutions, and system navigation tools that empower thousands of Canadians annually. We pioneered the Strengthening Families Together program, a psycho-educational initiative for caregivers, and the Recovery in Action group program focused on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Our Medication Resource Centre offers clear, research-backed information to help clients make informed treatment decisions.As a national leader in mental health advocacy, we drive systemic change through initiatives like the Mental Health Innovation Prize Challenge and foresight research projects reimagining Canada's mental health landscape. Our scholarship program, operating since 2003, has awarded over $400,000 to support educational pursuits for individuals living with serious mental illnesses. We maintain rigorous evaluation standards for all our programs, ensuring our interventions are grounded in real-world evidence and community needs. Our multidisciplinary approach combines clinical expertise with lived experience to create human-centered solutions that address systemic barriers and service gaps in mental healthcare.
Services
Community Education
Scholarship Program
Strengthening Families Together
Recovery in Action
Medication Resource Centre
Counselling Support
Caregiver Training
Mental Health Innovation
System Navigation
Research Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized mental health experience
- Our programs combine clinical expertise with lived experience
- We provide evidence-based, community-driven mental health solutions
- Our national scholarship program supports educational goals for those affected by mental illness
- We develop scalable innovations addressing systemic mental healthcare gaps
Services
Strengthening Families Together
This four-session psycho-educational program supports caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia or psychosis-related illnesses. Participants learn communication strategies, boundary setting, relapse prevention techniques, and crisis planning while connecting with other caregivers. The program combines mental health professional facilitation with lived experience perspectives to address the unique challenges faced by caregivers in mental health support roles.
Recovery in Action
A five-week CBT-informed group program focusing on personalized recovery journeys. Participants develop skills in medication adherence, community support utilization, goal setting, and relapse prevention. The program addresses negative symptoms like anxiety and depression while incorporating grief processing related to personal aspirations and relationships. Sessions are available both virtually and through modified phone delivery options.
Medication Resource Centre
Provides evidence-based information about mental health medications to help clients make informed treatment decisions. The center offers clear explanations of medication options, side effects, and treatment adherence strategies. Resources are designed to complement professional medical advice while empowering individuals to engage in meaningful discussions with their healthcare providers about medication management.
Scholarship Program
Supports educational and vocational goals for individuals living with serious mental illnesses through financial awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The program funds diverse educational paths including GEDs, vocational training, professional certifications, and university programs. Since 2003, over $400,000 has been awarded to 300+ students across Canada, with eligibility criteria designed to maximize accessibility for those facing systemic barriers.
Mental Health Innovation
Drives systemic change through community-driven research projects and innovation challenges. Initiatives include the Mental Health Innovation Prize Challenge supporting youth suicide prevention and AI applications in diagnosis, as well as foresight research projects reimagining Canada's mental health landscape. The program partners with academic institutions and community organizations to develop scalable solutions addressing critical gaps in mental healthcare delivery.
People
Paul Haddad
Chief Executive Officer
Paul leads IAM's strategic direction and organizational growth, bringing extensive experience in mental health advocacy and nonprofit leadership. He oversees the implementation of innovative programs and systemic change initiatives while representing IAM in key stakeholder engagements across Canada.
Sophie Hwang
Director, Support & Educational Services
Sophie directs IAM's support programs and educational initiatives, ensuring evidence-based content delivery across all services. With a background in mental health service development, she oversees the implementation of caregiver training programs, recovery groups, and community education resources.
Kayla Nicholls
Manager, Partnerships & Community Innovation
Kayla leads partnership development and community innovation projects, connecting IAM with key stakeholders to address systemic mental health challenges. She manages the Mental Health Innovation Prize Challenge and coordinates research collaborations aimed at developing scalable solutions for mental healthcare gaps.
Maral Poorali
Director, Finance
Maral oversees IAM's financial operations and resource management, ensuring fiscal sustainability while supporting program expansion. She maintains financial compliance and reporting standards for the organization's charitable activities and grant-funded initiatives.
Richard Vajda
Development Associate
Richard manages donor relations and fundraising initiatives, working to expand IAM's support base. He coordinates scholarship program administration and cultivates partnerships with corporate sponsors and individual donors to sustain and grow IAM's impact across Canada.
Questions
What mental health conditions does IAM support?
We specialize in serious and complex mental health issues including schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and anxiety disorders. We also support individuals with undiagnosed symptoms or multiple co-occurring conditions.
Are IAM's programs available outside Ontario?
Yes, most IAM programs and services are available Canada-wide, including our scholarship program, medication resource center, and virtual support groups.
How can caregivers access support services?
Caregivers can join our Strengthening Families Together program, access our online resources, or contact our support line at 1-855-449-9949 during business hours for personalized guidance.
What educational expenses are covered by IAM scholarships?
Our scholarships fund GEDs, vocational training, professional certifications, college/university programs, and skills upgrading courses through accredited institutions across Canada.
How does IAM ensure program quality?
We combine clinical expertise with lived experience in program development, conduct rigorous evaluations, and maintain partnerships with research institutions to ensure evidence-based, community-driven solutions.
Can I receive multiple IAM scholarships?
Yes, past recipients may apply for additional scholarships in subsequent years, though each application cycle is reviewed independently with no guarantee of continued funding.
