Calian Responds to Rising Need for Mental Health Support for Canada’s Frontline
Calian Group Ltd. is stepping up to meet the growing national demand for psychological services among Canada’s public safety agencies. With a significant 25% increase in demand for such services in fiscal year 2024, Calian’s psychological services team forecasts another record-breaking year. This surge in demand has resulted in the addition of 17 new and renewed contracts in the first six months of FY25, including their first collaboration with a fire department.
“The public safety landscape in Canada is evolving, leading to a greater need for psychological services,” said Derek Clark, President, Health at Calian. “Agencies are ramping up recruitment efforts to tackle rising demands due to changing crime patterns, increased community engagement, and overall public safety needs. Our team of experts is essential in ensuring frontline workers are mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges they face.”
As one of Canada’s largest providers of pre-employment psychological assessments, Calian is committed to building resilient public safety workforces. They achieve this through evidence-based evaluations, fitness-for-duty assessments, and tailored wellness programs. With over two decades of experience, Calian conducts nearly 7,000 psychological assessments annually. This enables organizations to make informed decisions concerning hiring and the return-to-work process.
Dr. Nina Fusco, Chief Psychologist at Calian, highlighted the high-stress nature of public safety professions, stating, “Public safety professionals face high-stress and unpredictable situations as part of their job. When coupled with organizational and external pressures, the risk of mental health challenges significantly increases. We take pride in supporting those who dedicate themselves to protecting and serving others to build healthier, more resilient teams in these high-risk fields.”
According to the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), public safety personnel such as police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and paramedics are more susceptible to mental health disorders due to their work’s nature. A recent CIPSRT study revealed that approximately 44.5% of Canadian public safety personnel screened positive for one or more mental health disorders. Early intervention and continued mental health support have proven effective in reducing burnout, absenteeism, and turnover while enhancing team performance and community safety.
Calian’s mental health services are designed to bolster the psychological resilience of public safety workers and promote healthier, sustainable careers. Their offerings are customized to meet the unique operational and cultural needs of agencies, encompassing law enforcement at all levels, correctional institutions, paramedic services, and fire departments. Whether it’s assessing new recruits or supporting seasoned personnel, Calian’s approach emphasizes accuracy, trust, and compassion at every stage.
Calian’s steadfast commitment to enhancing mental health support for Canada’s frontline underscores the crucial role of psychological resilience in public safety. By equipping agencies with tailored psychological services, Calian is playing a vital part in ensuring the well-being of those at the forefront of public service in Canada.
