Mental health in the workplace: Addressing issues of access and stigma

Dr Keith Dobson, Dr Bruce Dick, Brian Hamel

Panel 9 – Occupational Health Stream –Fostering Workplace Mental Health through trauma, stigma, and recovery perspectives

September 25th Day Three – Macleod Hall A & B South Building 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Mental health in the workplace: Addressing issues of access and stigma

Dr Keith Dobson

Session Description

Mental health challenges are a common feature in the contemporary world of work. Employers have a legal obligation to ensure a workplace that is safe from physical and psychological harm, and it is to their benefit to support the mental health of their workforce, both in its own right but also as a competitive advantage. In this presentation, the issue of mental health stigma, and its negative role in the development and maintenance of a resilient workforce is addressed. The various forms in which stigma may present will be defined, as well as some of its key signs or indicators. The presentation will highlight work by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to address workplace stigma, including evidence- based programs that have been developed and implemented. Some of the successes of this approach and areas for future development will be highlighted. A national set of guidelines for psychologically health workplaces, and an audit system that can be adopted in a wide variety of workplaces will be shared, for employers to consider.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the negative effects of mental health stigma in the workplace
  • Recognize key signs of the different forms of mental health stigma
  • Understand key elements of successful stigma interventions in the workplace
  • Consider areas for future development for mental health programs in the workplace

References

  • Dobson, K. S., Szeto, A. C. H., & Knaak, S. (2019). The Working Mind: A meta-analysis of a workplace mental health and stigma reduction program. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 64, Supplement 1, 39S–47S. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743719842559
  • Szeto, A. C. H., Dobson, K. S., Luong, D., Krupa, T., & Kirsh, B. (2019). Workplace anti stigma programs at the Mental Health Commission of Canada: Part 2. Lessons learned. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 64, Supplement 1, 13S–17S. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743719842563
  • Dobson, K. S., & Stuart, H. (Eds.) (2021). The Stigma of Mental Illness. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
  • Dobson, K. S., Lindsay, B., Termeer, J., Mineva, E., & Szeto, A. C. H. (2025). Reducing mental health stigma in the workplace: A meta-analysis of The Working Mind program in virtual delivery format. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 69, DOI: 10.1177/07067437251328366

Bio

Dr. Dobson is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary, where has served in roles such as the inaugural Director of the Clinical Psychology Program, and Head of the Department of Psychology. His research has focused on both models and the treatment of depression, particularly using cognitive-behavioural therapies. In addition to his research in depression, Dr. Dobson has examined psychological approaches and the integration of evidence-based treatments in primary care. Further, he has written about developments in professional psychology and ethics and has been actively involved in organized psychology in Canada, including a term as President of the Canadian Psychological Association. Dr. Dobson is also a Principal Investigator for the Opening Minds program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, with a focus on stigma reduction related to mental disorders in the workplace.

Dr. Dobson’s research has resulted in over 340 published articles and 80 chapters, 17 books, and conference and workshop presentations in many countries. His recent books include the Handbook of Cognitive-behavioral Therapies, 4th Edition (2019), Law, Standards and Ethics in the Practice of Psychology, 4th Edition (2021) and The Stigma of Mental Illness (2021). In recognition of his work, he has received numerous awards including the Canadian Psychological Association Gold Medal for Lifetime Contributions to Psychology, Fellow status with the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada, and Officer status in the Order of Canada.

Other Panel Members

Join us for the Alberta Recovery Summit, hosted by the 9th Annual Recovery Capital Conference taking place on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2025.

 Session Streams

  • Health Care and Recovery
  • Indigenous Health
  • Occupational Health and Safety

 Key Details

  • DAY ONE September 23rd – 5:30 pm 6:30: Early Badge Pick Up and Networking Reception, 6:30 pm to 8 pm Pre Conference Presentation
  • DAY TWO September 24th – 8:45 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions
  • DAY THREE September 25th – 9 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions

 Hotels

Book your hotel at one of our host hotels and save money. Click on the links for the discount rates and book early as rates will go up, and they always sell out.

Schedule

Speakers

Registration

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