Advancing Mental Health Research for Trauma-Exposed Professionals

The Psychological Trauma and Stress Systems (PTSS) Lab is dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research to enhance the mental health and resilience of trauma-exposed professionals including first responders and other public safety personnel (PSP), healthcare workers, military members, and Veterans.

Our research initiatives focus on understanding and mitigating posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) while developing evidence-based solutions for trauma-exposed professionals, their leaders, and their families.

RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study

The RCMP Study is a pioneering research initiative designed to understand and improve the mental health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers throughout their careers. This study monitors mental health trends over time, providing insights that support the development of effective mental health strategies and interventions for law enforcement personnel.

PSP PTSI Study

This study is designed to test a mental health assessment and training program aimed at strengthening the resilience of diverse public safety personnel (PSP), including firefighters, paramedics, police, and public-safety communicators. The study explores effective methods for mitigating posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) and provides psychological safety training for leadership.

AX3 Projects — Launched in 2025

A current national initiative assessing the current mental health challenges experienced by municipal and provincial police, and firefighters.

Search and Rescue Mental Health
Study — Launched in 2022

A current national initiative assessing the current mental health challenges experienced by search and rescue personnel. Upcoming research focused on understanding the unique psychological challenges faced by search and rescue professionals.

Previous Research Initiatives

Expansion and Evaluation of the Before Operational Stress Program — Launched in 2022

A current national initiative assessing the effectiveness of the Before Operational Stress (BOS) program in addressing mental health challenges among public safety personnel and frontline healthcare workers. The study evaluates the impact of BOS on PTSD, depression, and overall well-being, with training delivered through in-person, virtual, and digital formats to reach over 100,000 participants.

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Understanding mental health risks and outcomes in Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) — Launched in 2021

A national initiative examining the mental health challenges faced by RCMP members. This study is designed to identify risk and protective factors influencing mental health outcomes, with the goal of developing evidence-based strategies to enhance psychological resilience and well-being among RCMP personnel.

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Evaluating the Mental Health of Canadian Nurses with the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union—Launched in 2019

A national initiative assessing the mental health challenges experienced by Canadian nurses. The study examineds rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout among nurses, identifying key occupational stressors such as short staffing and workplace violence. Findings aim to inform strategies to improve mental health support and working conditions for nurses across Canada.

Our Research
Commitment

The PTSS Lab works to be a trusted leader and sought-after collaborator for mental health solutions, nationally and internationally. We offer tailored research services to design and implement large-scale studies that facilitate data collection, analysis, and actionable insights for improving PSP well-being.

Get In Touch

For more information about our research projects or to explore collaboration opportunities, contact the PTSS Lab today.

Contact PTSS LAB