SLC Faculty Lead Federally Funded Research to Support Families in Mental Health Care Decisions

Two Nursing faculty members at St. Lawrence College (SLC) have received $350,000 in funding over three years to lead a study aimed at improving support for family members who make critical mental health care decisions on behalf of loved ones. The project was one of only 57 funded proposals selected by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through their College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) from 147 applications, reflecting the significance and potential impact of the research.  

The study, Supporting Family Decision Makers: Co-designing Resources for Use in Community Mental Health Care, is led by Melissa Johnston and Fiona Jager, who both teach in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, Brockville Campus, in collaboration with health care, legal, advocacy, and community partners across Ontario and internationally. Three research assistant (RA) positions for nursing undergraduate students are being created. They will engage in all project activities including but not limited to research ethics grant submission, creating research tools (e.g. surveys), data collection and analysis, liaising with the community partners, creation and evaluation of the knowledge tool, and dissemination activities. 
 
The research focuses on Substitute Decision Makers (SDMs) often family members, who make treatment decisions for someone experiencing serious mental illness and is unable to do so themselves. SDMs play a crucial role in the administration of Community Treatment Orders (CTOs), which allow individuals with significant mental health conditions to receive treatment while living in the community. 
 
Despite the importance of this role, research shows that family members serving as SDMs often lack access to the resources and support they need, according to Fiona. 
 
“Family members are frequently asked to navigate complex healthcare, legal, and ethical decisions while supporting a loved one experiencing serious mental illness,” said Melissa. “This project will work directly with families and community partners to better understand their needs and develop practical tools that can support them in this challenging but essential role.” 
 
Over the next three years, the research team will undertake a multi-phase study that includes surveys and interviews with family member SDMs, the co-development of a new support resource, and pilot testing to evaluate its effectiveness. The resource will be reviewed by experts from multiple perspectives, including health care, legal, advocacy, and lived-experience communities. 
 
“This project demonstrates the power of collaboration between researchers, health-care providers, community organizations, and government partners,” Fiona said. “By focusing on the experiences of families, the team is helping to strengthen community mental health care and improve outcomes for individuals living with serious mental illness.” 
 
This NSERC funded research is the second announced this year. In January 2026, SLC announced that two Nursing faculty were awarded a three-year grant to study changing perceptions of nursing careers in the long-term care sector. Read about that study.  
 
“Having two NSERC-funded studies taking place at SLC is a strong testament to the caliber of our nursing degree faculty and the research capacity of the College,” said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO. “The outcomes of these studies have the potential to positively impact our local communities and extend their influence far beyond.” 

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