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Are you feeling overwhelmed, alone, or isolated? Consider Togetherall to connect to your veterinary peers in an anonymous, asynchronous, safe space to share, get support, and start to feel better.
Do you want to speak with a mental health professional who understands the unique challenges of veterinary medicine? Find counsellors, social workers, and certified coaches through the CVMA VetConnect Directory.
Counselling services may also be available through your provincial veterinary member assistance plan. Contact information can be found in the Who Ya Gonna Call list.
Are you having persistent negative thoughts, thoughts of suicide, or are in a crisis? Call the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 or text 9-8-8 to connect to a crisis responder and get help without judgement. Or call 911 or visit the nearest hospital.
CVMA’s RISE Program
The CVMA’s national Wellness, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Program, RISE, is founded on the principles of DEI, accessibility, and psychological health and safety. It supports the well-being of veterinary professionals and the development of healthy teams, positive workplace cultures and environments rooted in caring, trust, belonging, and psychological safety. Built around four pillars: Healing, Maintaining Well-being, Protection from Psychological Harm, and Amplifying Joy in Veterinary Medicine, RISE offers a growing collection of courses, tools, and resources to help individuals and teams thrive. Featured offerings include:
- The Working Mind is a practical mental health training program that helps individuals recognize changes in themselves and others, start supportive conversations, strengthen coping skills, and foster a healthier, more psychologically safe workplace culture. The Working Mind for Veterinary Medicine customization is coming soon! Developed by Opening Minds of the Mental Health Commission of Canada and sponsored by Petsecure.
- Togetherall is a safe, anonymous online space available 24/7/365, where you can connect with others who understand the unique pressures of veterinary life. Moderated by licensed mental health professionals and available in English and French, this peer-to-peer platform is free for anyone working in the Canadian veterinary profession — anytime, anywhere with internet access. Sponsored by Western Financial Group.
- CVMA VetConnect Directory connects veterinary professionals with licensed and registered psychologists, social workers, therapists, and certified coaches who also have deep experience in veterinary medicine and understand the culture. Vet-focused help when you need it.
- Mental Health First Aid Courses provide practical skills to recognize, respond to, and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Sponsored by Merck Animal Health. Course offerings are updated regularly.
- Based on the EDI RACE-approved educational webinar series with Dr. Jordan Woodsworth, a full on-demand RACE certificate series will be available in fall 2026. Sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets.
- Mental Health Webinar and Video Series, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, features open and honest conversations about mental health in the veterinary community, decreases stigma around talking about mental health, and creates a community where we look out for and help one another.
- The CVMA Insurance Program helps support mental health by providing access to counselling and other health and workplace benefits for veterinarians and staff and offers clinic owners and leaders a practical way to strengthen staff wellbeing, retention, and workplace sustainability. Offered through Western Financial Group.
- The CVMA Cyberbullying Support Line provides confidential support and guidance for veterinary professionals experiencing online harassment, helping them navigate and respond to cyberbullying safely and appropriately.
Please contact Dr. Kathy Keil, CVMA Director, Wellness, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility with comments or questions.