Facilitating
Facilitating digital innovation for mental health research and care
The AXEL Center drives digital health initiatives
The AXEL Center supports research, clinical, and student teams in the field of mental health who wish to integrate digital technology and artificial intelligence into their projects, whether in research, intervention, promotion, prevention, awareness-raising, or mental health education.
Specifically, through various initiatives (including Axel Days, constellation workshops, and lunch-and-learn sessions), the AXEL team co-creates and develops innovative digital mental health tools and leverages artificial intelligence to support data analysis and the optimization of intervention pathways.
Photo credit: “Virtual reality used to overcome social anxiety,” image published in Le Journal de Montréal regarding the work of our researcher Tania Lecomte
See an example of how AI is used to treat anxiety
Co-development and co-creation
AXEL days
AXEL Days are forums for discussion and support designed for researchers, clinicians, and students who wish to develop or structure projects in digital mental health.
What is the purpose of AXEL Days?
AXEL Days allow you to:
- discuss ideas or projects, even at an early stage;
- receive methodological, technical, or strategic support;
- explore the possibilities offered by digital tools (AI, virtual reality, databases, digital solutions, etc.);
- consider the next steps to bring a project to fruition.
How does it work?
AXEL Days are held by appointment, in person or remotely, to provide support tailored to the needs of each individual or team.
→ Do you have an idea, a project, or a question? AXEL Days serve as a first point of contact to discuss these and plan next steps.
Photo credit: Photo taken during the first AXEL Days on September 25, 2026
Collaboration and innovation
Constellation tables
The AXEL Center’s Constellation Tables are spaces for collaborative reflection designed to bring together experts from the AXEL Center’s four main ecosystems: researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and those directly affected. They foster dialogue, the exchange of perspectives, and the development of ideas that drive innovation in digital mental health.
What is the purpose of the Constellation Tables?
The Constellation Tables enable us to:
- bring together complementary expertise and perspectives;
- discuss emerging issues in digital mental health;
- identify avenues for reflection and action;
- foster a collective vision around digital transformations in mental health.
These meetings aim above all to structure the discussion and open up new perspectives for the future.
How does it work?
Depending on the topics addressed, the Constellation Tables bring together individuals from the fields of research, intervention, entrepreneurship, and experiential knowledge. Discussions take place in an environment that fosters active listening, the sharing of expertise, and collective reflection. The ideas that emerge can then inform various projects, content, or initiatives led by the AXEL Centre.
→ Would you like to follow these discussions or contribute to the exchanges?
Stay tuned for upcoming Constellation Tables and their outcomes.
Photo credit: From left to right in the photo: Hazar Haidar, Alexandre Hudon, Vincent Montpetit, Jessica Ménard, Johana Monthuy-Blanc, Stéphane Bouchard, and Pierrick Plusquellec.
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Discussions and insights
The Midis-Alliés
The Midis-Alliés are informal, collaborative gatherings organized jointly by the Signature Biobank and the AXEL Centre, two units of the Research Centre at the Montreal University Institute of Mental Health.
These events aim to inform, facilitate discussion, and encourage collective reflection on issues related to data, digital technology, and mental health.
What is the purpose of Midis-Alliés?
Midis-Alliés provide an opportunity to:
- share information on current topics in digital mental health;
- highlight expertise and research projects;
- foster exchanges between the research, clinical, and digital communities;
- collectively reflect on the uses of data and digital tools in mental health.
How does it work?
Midis-Alliés take place in a hybrid format, in person or remotely, following a casual “bring your own lunch” style. These meetings are designed to be accessible, dynamic, and open to anyone interested, regardless of their level of expertise.
→ Would you like to participate in a Midis-Alliés or find out about upcoming meetings?
Check out the upcoming schedule and join the discussion.
Photo credit: Photo taken during the Midi-Allié event on October 23, 2025 – Group photo: From left, Janick Boissonneault, Cécile Le Page, Enzo Cipriani, and Robert-Paul Juster; in the center, the event’s special guest, Alexandre Hudon; and from right, Johana Monthuy-Blanc, Thierry Harris, Céline De Breucker, and Gabrielle Fortin.
Do you have a project?
Follow the Digi-Guide
The AXEL Centre offers members of the CR-IUSMM and the Quebec Mental Health Alliance an online self-learning resource: the Digi-Guide. This guide, which is also available to anyone interested, brings together a wide range of information on the various stages of designing and developing a digital solution for mental health, from ideation through to evaluation.
→ Would you like to get a more accessible introduction to the Digi-Guide before diving in?
We invite you to explore the LiDi-Mentale mini-series, available on the AXEL Antenna page. This series offers a simplified overview of the key concepts, challenges, and realities of digital innovation in mental health to help you explore the Digi-Guide and its more in-depth content.
Launch the Digi-Guide AXEL