Ottawa, ON – March 23, 2026
App4Indpendence (A4i) has officially received the MHCC Assessed Badge, marking a milestone in digital mental health. This recognition confirms that the app has successfully met the rigorous standards of the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC) Assessment Framework for Mental Health Apps.
A collaboration between Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), MEMOTEXT, ORCHA (The Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps), and MHCC, this achievement affirms A4i’s commitment to delivering safe, effective, and culturally respectful digital mental health support for individuals with severe mental illnesses.
“Achieving the MHCC Badge is a significant milestone for A4i. The rigorous review behind this recognition positions A4i as a health technology that can be trusted by service users and care providers. The Badge recognizes the time and hard work that we have put into building A4i up from a foundation of scientific validation, co-design with end users, and ethical practice,” said Sean Kidd, Co-founder and CSO, A4i.
The app met national standards across 5 key domains:
- Data Privacy: Ensuring the highest standards of confidentiality and protection of sensitive user information.
- Data Sovereignty: Respecting community rights to govern, access, and own their data.
- Cultural Safety: Creating inclusive, representative digital spaces that reflect community values and traditions.
- Clinical Evidence: Promoting access to trusted supports and evidence-based practices.
- Usability and Accessibility: Offering an intuitive platform designed with and for its users.
“Receiving the MHCC Assessed Badge is an important validation of how we’ve built A4i from day one, grounded in evidence, co-designed with people with lived experience, and accountable to real-world systems and communities. For us, trust, safety, and clinical integrity aren’t features; they’re the foundation.” said Amos Adler, Co-founder and CEO, A4i.
Organizations or communities interested in adopting A4i are encouraged to contact Andrew Hvizd, Director of Commercialization at andrew@a4i.me. Mental health app developers interested in undergoing the MHCC assessment process can reach out via this link.