Claire Duboc, EMBA ’97, runs a digital platform that brings accessible, affordable, and effective mental health care to Canadians.
After Claire Duboc’s husband Sam struggled with depression following the deaths of his father and brother, the couple realized how difficult it can be to find and receive appropriate and effective help. Barriers such as affordability, long wait times, geographical location, and stigma prevent many from seeking treatment.
In 2017, the couple launched BEACON digital therapy, which offers therapist-assisted, Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to Canadians with psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Each user can communicate directly with their designated therapist and complete their therapy activities, any time or anywhere, through a mobile device or computer.
As experienced entrepreneurs and executives, the Dubocs saw an urgent need to bridge the big gap in care between those suffering from mental health issues and those receiving treatment. They partnered with CBT Associates, a private clinic in Toronto led by clinical psychologists, to develop the BEACON platform, which provides faster and easier access to treatment for those who need it at a much lower cost than in-person care. It is also available through many employer benefit plans.
“One in five Canadians suffer from mental health issues and two out of three of those suffering don’t seek treatment. We thought there was an opportunity to apply business practices in an area where traditionally these have not been applied,” says Claire Duboc, Managing Director of MindBeacon Group.
“With BEACON, we use technology to do the heavy lifting in therapy. Therapists guide the experience and they can work with more clients to get effective care to more people,” she says.
Health Quality Ontario recently issued a recommendation that Internet-delivered CBT be publicly funded because of its effectiveness. “I feel gratified that we’ve introduced a new approach for effective therapy and changed the way people can access mental health care in Canada,” says Duboc.
Photo: Nation Wong
Art Direction: Greg Salmela, Aegis
