Vision & Mission

Our Vision: mentally healthy people in a healthy society

Our Mission

The Canadian Mental Health Association, a nation-wide, volunteer organization, promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, community-based research and services.

We are committed to providing an environment that is free from prejudice, discrimination and harassment. We strive to reflect the entire community in our volunteers and staff, and promote equal access to the services we provide.

The Framework for Support

The Framework is the central philosophy guiding the activities of CMHA. This philosophy holds that the person experiencing mental illness is at the centre of any supportive mental health system.

The Community Resource Base outlines a range of possible resources in addition to the formal mental health system which can provide support to a person with mental illness. Housing, income, work and education represent four basic elements of citizenship.

The ultimate goal of the Framework is to ensure that people with serious mental health problems live fulfilling lives in the community. The Framework for Support is referred to as the most comprehensive model for mental health planning by federal and provincial governments as well as by the Centre for Community Change in the US, and the Government of Ireland.