Algoma U crafting new Masters program focused on mental health care in the north

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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Algoma University's Department of Psychology recently hosted a community planning session to inform the development of a Masters-level psychotherapy training program focusing on mental health care delivery in Northern Ontario.

The session was designed to solicit input from community members across the region and marked the first step in an ongoing engagement process. The goal was to ensure that community members were actively involved from the beginning of the program’s development.

Facilitated by Dr. Sean Meades, assistant professor in Community Economic and Social Development, the session engaged local professionals, Indigenous leaders, and community members from across the Northern Ontario region. Attendees provided valuable input that will shape the program’s structure, curriculum, practicum opportunities, and professional development offerings. Elder Judy Syrette, a retired Algoma University faculty member, led the opening and closing of the event, encouraging the community to embrace local knowledge and wisdom in the planning process.

“Too often, university programs are designed from a distance, with little input from the communities they serve,” said Jodi Webber, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology. “If we are to truly decolonize education, we must start with the community and bring them with us throughout the process. This approach is essential if we are truly living our institutional values and want to make a real impact in our communities. This planning session was about answering essential questions to inform our program proposal, and the community showed up whole-heartedly. We are so grateful for their investment, support, and trust in our team.”

The program's academic development team includes full-time faculty members, Teryn Bruni, a registered psychologist and Jodi Webber, a registered social worker, who have partnered with Rose Cameron, a highly respected Indigenous social work scholar. Together, they bring extensive expertise in mental health training, service delivery, and culturally responsive and informed care.

As part of their ongoing efforts, the development team plans to establish up to three community advisory committees, which will meet regularly to provide further input and guidance on the program’s structure and implementation. Community members who were unable to attend the event but are interested in contributing, becoming involved in future engagement efforts, or joining an advisory committee to review program components as they are developed, are encouraged to connect with the program planning team:

• Teryn Bruni (Faculty): teryn.bruni@algomau.ca
• Jodi Webber (Faculty): jodi.webber@algomau.ca 
• Vara Vacirca (Program Development Assistant): vvacirca@algomau.ca

Additionally, community members can provide direct input by filling out the following survey.

To learn more about the Department of Psychology’s current programs, please visit Algoma University’s website.