Research Grants

Opinions, perceptions, and experiences with AI-assisted psychiatric triage from the perspectives of patients and healthcare providers

‍
Year: 2024
Role: Co-principal investigator
Funding Agency: Queen’s University Department of Psychiatry,
Internal Grant Amount: $20,000
Duration: 2 years

Leveraging AI and online psychotherapy to achieve efficient and coordinated services

‍
Year: 2023
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Agency: Ontario Centre of Innovation, Ministry of Health – Innovating Digital Health Solutions Program
Amount: $447,600
Duration: 6 Months

Comparing clinical decision-making of AI technology to a multi-professional care team when allocating patients to stratified therapist care in an electronic cognitive behavioural therapy program for depression

‍
Year: 2023
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Agency: Queen’s University Department of Psychiatry Internal Grant
Amount: $20,000
Duration: 1 Year

Unmet needs among suicide attempt survivors

‍
Year: 2023
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Agency: Queen’s University CTAQ Research Endowment Grant Award
Amount: $25,000
Duration: 1 Year

CIHR

Integrated e-CBT and intravenous Ketamine for suicidality in treatment-resistant depression: A randomized, Midazolam-controlled clinical trial
‍
Year: 2021
‍Role: Co-investigator, site lead, e-CBT lead
‍Funding Agency: CIHR
‍Amount: $918,000 ($150,000 allocated to e-CBT lead)
Duration: 3 years

Healthy Cities Implementation Science Team Grant (LOI Phase)

The high prevalence of mental health challenges and disorders in post-secondary and high school students demands accessible and efficacious care. Online psychotherapy and psychoeducation programs have shown promise in mitigating the risk and clinical symptoms of mental health disorders. The study will focus on students enrolled in post-secondary institutions within Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington (KFL&A) and Durham Region. In the LOI phase, surveys and focus groups will be conducted with diverse student samples to identify common mental challenges and how to best address them. The findings will then inform the development of online psychoeducation and psychotherapy programs and increase city-wide mental health awareness initiatives.
‍
Year: 2022
‍Role: This was a team grant and Dr. Alavi is the PI
‍Funding Agency: CIHR
‍Amount: $25,000
Duration: 1 year

New Frontiers in Research Fund – Exploration

Toppling Monuments: Colonial Trauma, Justice, Heritage, and Restorative Healing
‍Year: 2021
‍Role: Collaborator
‍Funding Agency: New Frontiers in Research Fund Exploration
‍Amount: $200,000
‍Duration: 2 years

CIHR Team Grant

Delivering e-CBT to address mental health challenges in correctional officers and other public safe personnel
‍Year: 2020
‍Role: Principal Investigator
‍Funding Agency: CIHR Team Grant
‍Amount: $860,000
‍Duration: 3 years

CIHR Team Grant

Autonomic modulation training: A biological approach to building resilience and wellness capacity among police exposed to post-traumatic stress injuries
‍Year: 2020
‍Role: Co-investigator
‍Funding Agency: CIHR Team Grant
‍Amount: $990,000
‍Duration: 3years

Queen’s University, Department of Psychiatry, Internal Grant

Developing and implementing an e-psychotherapy program to address mental health challenges in oncology and palliative care
‍Year: 2020
‍Role: Principal Investigator
‍Funding Agency: Queen’s University, Department of Psychiatry, Internal Grant
‍Amount: $17,000
‍Duration: 2 years

Queen’s University Department of Psychiatry, Internal Grant

Ketamine infusions combined with e-CBT for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder Year: 2020
‍Role: Co-principal investigator
‍Funding Agency: Queen’s University Department of Psychiatry, Internal Grant
‍Amount: $17,000
‍Duration: 2 years

Providence Care Hospital Research Innovation Grant

Delivering e-CBT to patients with bipolar disorder and residual depressive symptoms
‍Year: 2020
‍Role: Co-Principal Investigator
‍Funding Agency: Providence Care Hospital Research Innovation Grant
‍Amount: $58,300
‍Duration: 3 years

Queen's University, SARS CoV-2/COVID-19 research funding,

Online delivery of psychotherapy, tailored to patients' suffering from mental health problems due to COVID-19
‍Year: 2020
‍Role: Principal Investigator
‍Amount: $25,000
‍Duration: 6 months

CIHR Team Grant

Delivering online cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) to address mental health challenges in correctional officers and other public safe personnel
‍Year: 2019
‍Role: Principal Investigator
‍Amount: $30,000
‍Duration: 1 year

CIHR Team Grant

Autonomic Modulation Training: A Biological Approach to Building Resilience and Wellness Capacity Among Police Exposed to Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries
‍Year: 2019
‍Role: Co-Investigator
‍Amount: $30,000
‍Duration: 1 year

Do you offer any vegan options?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?

Do you offer any vegan options?

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?

Do you offer any vegan options?

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?

Do you offer any vegan options?

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?

Grant's and Awards - Postdoctoral and Graduate Students

CIHR- Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s (CGS M) - Nadia Gregoire-Mitha |2024|

The CGS M program provides financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in an eligible master’s or, in some cases, doctoral program in Canada.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship - Georgina Layzell | 2023 |

A merit-based scholarship through the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program for graduate students.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship - Jasleen Jagayat | 2022 |

A merit-based scholarship through the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program for graduate students.

Mitacs Accelerate Internship - Jasleen Jagayat | 2022 |

Canada’s premiere research internship program connecting OPTT with Queen's University. Interns transfer their skills from theory to real-world application, while the companies gain a competitive advantage by accessing high-quality research expertise. The project of focus is on using machine learning to allocate stratified care in an electronic cognitive behavioural therapy program for depression.

Usona Institute Scholarship Program - Aaron Philipp-Muller | 2021 |

Usona Institute provides scholarships to qualified post-graduate students and licensed practitioners engaged in study or professional training within the field of psychedelic sciences.

Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship - Callum Stephenson |2021|

This award provides special recognition and financial support to students who are pursuing a master’s degree in a health-related field in Canada. Candidates are expected to have an exceptionally high potential for future research achievement and productivity.

Latham Family Award - Callum Stephenson | 2021 |

Awarded based on academic excellence and/or research achievement to funding-eligible master’s or PhD level students enrolled in Neuroscience Studies.

Mitacs Elevate - Amirhossein Shirazi | Feb 2020 to Feb 2022 |

It is a Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship, from Feb 2020 to Feb 2022, and it is a joint program: Academic supervisor is Dr. Alavi and the partner organization is OPTT Inc.

Publications

Click here for a full list of Publications

Comparison of online and in-person cognitive behavioral therapy in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder: a non-randomized controlled trial

Objective: The increased prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) amid the COVID-19pandemic has resulted in substantial growth in online mental health care delivery. Compared to its in-person counterpart, online cognitive behavioural therapy (e-CBT) is a time-flexible and cost-effective method of improving MDD symptoms. However, how its efficacy compares to in-person CBT is yet to be explored. Therefore, the current study compared the efficacy of a therapist-supported, electronically delivered e-CBT program to in-person therapy in individuals diagnosed with MDD. Methods: Participants (n = 108)diagnosed with MDD selected either a 12-week in-person CBT or an asynchronous therapist-supported e-CBT program. E-CBT participants (n = 55) completed weekly interactive online modules delivered through a secure cloud-based online platform (Online Psychotherapy Tool; OPTT). These modules were followed by homework in which participants received personalized feedback from a trained therapist. Participants in the in-person CBT group (n = 53) discussed sessions and homework with their therapists during one-hour weekly meetings. Program efficacy was evaluated using clinically validated symptomatology and quality-of-life questionnaires. Results: Both treatments yielded significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. Participants who opted for in-person therapy presented significantly higher baseline symptomatology scores than the e-CBT group. However, both treatments demonstrated comparable significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life from baseline to post-treatment. e-CBT seems to afford higher participant compliance as dropouts in the e-CBT group completed more sessions on average than those in the in-person CBT group. Conclusion: The findings support e-CBT with therapist guidance as a suitable option to treat MDD. Future studies should investigate how treatment accessibility is related to program completion rates in the e-CBT vs. in-person group.
‍‍
‍Alavi N, Moghimi E, Stephenson C, Gutierrez G, Jagyat J, Kumar A, Shao Y, Miller S,Yee CS, Stefatos A, Gholamzadehmir M, Abbaspour Z, Shirazi A, Gizzarelli T,Khan F, Patel C, Patel A, Yang M, Omrani M. Comparison of online and in-person cognitive behavioural therapy in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder: A non-randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry –Digital Mental Health. 2023;14:1-10. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113956.

Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

Background: Post-secondary students frequently experience high rates of mental health challenges. However, they present meagre rates of treatment-seeking behaviours.This elevated prevalence of mental health problems, particularly after theCOVID-19 pandemic, can lead to distress, poor academic performance, and lower job prospects following the completion of education. To address the needs of this population, it is important to understand students' perceptions of mental health and the barriers preventing or limiting their access to care. Methods: Abroad-scoping online survey was publicly distributed to post-secondary students, collecting demographic, sociocultural, economic, and educational information while assessing various components of mental health. Results: In total, 448 students across post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, responded to the survey. Over a third (n = 170; 38.6%) of respondents reported a formal mental health diagnosis. Depression and generalized anxiety disorder were the most reported diagnoses. Most respondents felt that post-secondary students did not have good mental health (n = 253; 60.5%) and had inadequate coping strategies (n = 261; 62.4%). The most frequently reported barriers to care were financial (n = 214; 50.5%), long wait times (n = 202; 47.6%),insufficient resources (n = 165; 38.9%), time constraints (n = 148; 34.9%),stigma (n = 133; 31.4%), cultural barriers (n = 108; 25.5%), and past negative experiences with mental health care (n = 86; 20.3%). Most students felt their post-secondary institution needed to increase awareness (n = 231; 56.5%) and mental health resources (n = 306; 73.2%). Most viewed in-person therapy and online care with a therapist as more helpful than self-guided online care.However, there was uncertainty about the helpfulness and accessibility of different forms of treatment, including online interventions. The qualitative findings highlighted the need for personal strategies, mental health education and awareness, and institutional support and services. Conclusions: Various barriers to care, perceived lack of resources, and low knowledge of available interventions may contribute to compromised mental health in post-secondary students. The survey findings indicate that upstream approaches such as integrating mental health education for students may address the varying needs of this critical population. Therapist-involved online mental health interventions may be a promising solution to address accessibility issues.
‍
Moghimi E, Stephenson C, Gutierrez G, Jagayat J, Layzell G, Patel C, McCart A, GibneyC, Langstaff C, Ayonrinde O, Khalid-Khan S, Milev R, Snelgrove-Clarke E, SoaresC, Omrani M, Alavi N. Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study. BMC – Public Health. 2023;23(655):1-16. doi:10.1186/s12889-02315452-x.

Benefits of Digital Mental Health Care Interventions for Correctional Workers and Other Public Safety Personnel: A Narrative Review

Chronic exposure to stressors and potentially psychologically traumatic events contributes to the high prevalence of mental health disorders in correctional workers (CWs) and other public safety personnel (PSP). Digital mental health interventions are an accessible and scalable method of improving and maintaining the mental health of this population. The current review explores the benefits of digital mental health interventions for PSP with a focus on CWs and how these innovations can address the limitations of in-person mental health care. A systematic literature search of five databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar) was conducted until March 2022. The search yielded 16 publications that focused on digital mental health interventions or care available to CWs and other PSPs. The benefits of digital innovations were summarized into five categories which discussed (1) their ability to enhance accessibility and reduce stigma; (2) the provision of evidence-based and structured psychotherapy programs; (3) variability in the degree of therapist engagement; (4) the integration of proactive interventions; and (5) enhancing engagement by acknowledging unique experiences and interpersonal relationships. Although digital mental health technologies for CWs are still in their infancy, there is strong evidence to support their effectiveness in ameliorating symptoms of mental distress. Future research should consider how ethnicity, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status can be integrated into these therapies and how the interplay between different stakeholders and organizations can impact the effectiveness of online therapies and programs.
‍
Moghimi E, Knyahnystka Y, Omrani M, Nikjoo N, Stephenson C, Layzell G, Simpson AIF, Alavi N. Benefits of digital mental health care interventions for correctional workers and other public safety personnel: A narrative review. Frontiers inPsychiatry. 2022;13:921527. doi: 10.3389/ftsypt.2022.921527.

The Efficacy of PowerPoint-based CBT Delivered Through Email: Breaking the Barriers to Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A lack of resources and cultural stigma associated with mental health treatment necessitate the development of innovative and economical individualized treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of delivering computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) presented through Microsoft PowerPoint and delivered via email in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to Iranian patients, as a means of overcoming treatment barriers. Participants (N=80) of Iranian descent were recruited through announcements on psychology websites, Iranian organization websites, weblogs, and in flyers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an e-CBT or a control group. The e-CBT group received 12 weekly modules and homework assignments through email, presented using PowerPoint. The control group received no treatment (individuals in the control group were able to pursue another treatment, but would then be excluded from the study although they could continue with the program). All emails were sent by an attending or resident psychiatrist, who also provided feedback on weekly homework via email. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to measure levels of anxiety before study onset and changes in levels of anxiety upon completion of the program at 12 weeks, and at 6-month and 1-year follow-up in both groups. Beck Anxiety Inventory scores were significantly reduced in the group who received PowerPoint e-CBT modules delivered via email, compared with the control group, following 12 weeks of treatment, and the reductions were maintained at both follow-up points. Delivery of PowerPoint e-CBT modules via email was found to be a viable method for delivering CBT to individuals with GAD and a simple method for overcoming language, cultural, and travel barriers to accessing mental health resources. This simplified approach to the individualization and delivery of treatment modules has the potential to improve access to CBT as a treatment option throughout the world.

Citation: Alavi, Nazanin & Hirji, Alyssa. (2020). The Efficacy of PowerPoint-based CBT Delivered Through Email: Breaking the Barriers to Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Journal of psychiatric practice. 26. 89-100. 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000455.

Do you offer any vegan options?

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?

Do you offer any vegan options?

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?

Do you offer any vegan options?

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?

Do you offer any vegan options?

Do you offer any gluten free options?

Can I clone these sections?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo di am libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros

Why is Webflow so amazing?

Do we need to write a business plan?

How can we get funding for our start up?