The advocate for New Zealanders mental health
BY Nicky White

eMHIC25: Building the future of mental health, together

• 4 min read

What would mental health systems look like if they were designed today, from the ground up, for equity, for connection, for everyone? That’s the question that underpins our work at the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) and the motivation behind our Global Congress.

At eMHIC, we believe that mental well-being is a human right. A right that must be accessible to everyone, regardless of geography, background, or circumstances.

As a global charitable organisation, we exist to unite those working in—or passionate about—digital mental health and substance use across all sectors and borders.

And in November this year, our global collective will convene to share solutions, spark innovation, and drive lasting change.

Welcome to eMHIC25, our 10th annual digital mental health global Congress.

From 19–21 November 2025, Toronto, Canada, will become the global epicentre of digital mental health thought leadership. Thanks to our fully immersive virtual experience, you can join from anywhere in the world.

The eMHIC Congress is more than a conference; it’s a collaborative, cross-sector forum where technology meets compassion, where we will turn ideas into action, and the future of mental health will be shaped by those who show up.

This is the must-attend digital mental health event. We invite you to be part of it.

Register for eMHIC25 here!

Why the congress matters now more than ever

In just a decade, digital mental health has evolved from an emerging concept to a cornerstone of national and global strategies. Yet, there is still important work to be done to scale what works, share knowledge across borders, and embed equity as the foundation, not an afterthought.

This work matters to us

At eMHIC, our mission has always been more than organisational. It’s personal.

We’ve seen what happens when people are left to navigate fragmented systems, when help is out of reach, when cultural needs are overlooked, or when digital solutions are designed without the voices of those they’re meant to serve. And we've also seen what’s possible when innovation is grounded in compassion, when technology is harnessed to close gaps rather than widen them, and when lived experience shapes the entire journey.

That’s what drives us. We don’t just bring together experts. We bring together people who care deeply about doing things differently. People who know that the challenges we face are global, but that the most powerful solutions are often local, community-led, and co-designed.

eMHIC25 is our opportunity to build on that vision together.

We’ll explore the most pressing opportunities and challenges in our field, including:

  • AI-driven mental health tools and the ethical frameworks that guide them
  • Scalable digital models already working in real-world settings
  • Cross-border partnerships that fuel innovation and dismantle access barriers
  • Lived experience leadership that ensures person-centred design and delivery
What sets the eMHIC Congress apart is its spirit of collaboration. This isn’t just a space to listen and learn; it’s a space to contribute, connect, and co-create. Whether you’re a policymaker, service provider, funder, innovator, or lived experience leader, your voice matters.

Where we write the future of mental health

This year, our theme is 

Global Mental Health Equity: Digital Solutions for an Interconnected World.

We’ll explore how today’s most effective digital solutions can support fairer, more connected mental health systems globally. You’ll hear from those shaping policy, funding innovation, and implementing scalable digital models in diverse contexts.

At eMHIC25, you will:

  • Gain insider perspectives from global leaders
  • Explore proven solutions with real-world impact
  • Learn about regulatory trends and future-focused digital policy
  • Build connections with global changemakers

Truly global accessible from anywhere

We understand not everyone can travel to Toronto. That’s why we’ve built a dynamic, interactive virtual platform to ensure everyone can participate, especially our colleagues across Aotearoa New Zealand and New Zealand.The Virtual Congress is more than a livestream. It’s a rich, purpose-built experience designed for meaningful engagement and lifelong learning.

Virtual attendees will enjoy:

  • Four live-streamed channels of keynotes, panels, and showcases
  • seven-channel agenda, available on demand after the Congress
  • Global perspectives and practical insights from across sectors

    Wherever you are in the world, your participation counts.

Explore Virtual Attendance

Regional leaders at the forefront

eMHIC is proud of the digital mental health leadership demonstrated across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Our Congress consistently features insights from regional pioneers advancing inclusive, culturally grounded, and community-led models of care.

At eMHIC25, you’ll hear from organisations making real impact at home and inspiring change globally, including:

ANSTA, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Centre for Mental Health at Griffith University, Flinders University, La Trobe University, LifeLine International, Liquid, Melbourne, MindSpot, Monash University, MQ Health, Nous Group, Propagator, Queensland University of Technology, SANE Australia, South Australian Government, The Bouverie Centre, the New Zealand Government, Transforming Life LLC, the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Valentia Technologies, and Whakarongorau.

We invite you to join us in person or virtually to help shape the future of mental health and substance use care.

Be part of the movement

If you’re passionate about creating a future-proof, equitable, digitally enabled mental health system, eMHIC25 is your moment to connect, learn, and lead.

Join us. Shape the future.

Together, we’ll build a world where mental well-being is a right, not a privilege, and digital is a trusted, inclusive pathway to care.

Register for eMHIC25 here!

For any enquiries please email nicky@emhicglobal.com

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