About
LetsConnect Canada is a social venture startup with a mission to make mental health support accessible to everyone, anywhere across Canada. Through the power of technology, we empower psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, and other mental health providers to deliver both online and in-person counselling and therapy sessions, bridging the gap between those in need and qualified professionals.
Engaging in open conversations about mental health and participating in counselling or psychotherapy sessions has been shown to significantly enhance overall well-being. These therapeutic services offer essential support for individuals navigating various mental health challenges, as well as those dealing with life difficulties such as loneliness, relationship issues, grief, divorce, work-related stress, and other personal struggles.
However, accessing mental health support can be overwhelming. Finding a provider who fits an individual's specific needs, preferences, and budget often involves challenges such as location, availability, and cost.
This is where LetsConnect Canada comes in. Our platform simplifies the process of connecting people with mental health providers who are the right fit for their needs. We offer a comprehensive and inclusive directory of trusted professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties.
As passionate advocates for mental health awareness, we are committed to authenticity, transparency, and inclusivity. Our goal is to ensure that individuals across Canada have access to high-quality mental health care and the resources needed to make informed decisions about their well-being. At LetsConnect Canada, we believe everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to seek help and nurture their mental health.
Team
Sophia (Sophie) Athena
Founder
Sophia has navigated her own challenges with depression and learning disabilities, including an early struggle that led to failing fourth grade. With the guidance of her grandmother, an expert in pedagogy, she not only overcame these difficulties but excelled to become a top student. Later, she earned a full scholarship to Capilano University's graduate program in international business. Motivated by her own experiences, Sophia is committed to making mental health support more accessible. Her mental health-focused Facebook page quickly attracted over 58,000 followers, primarily in North America and Europe. Through self-taught skills in UI/UX design and the help of a skilled programming team, Sophia brought the LetsConnect platform to life.
Andrea Rutherford Preissl
Co-Founder
Andrea is deeply passionate about facilitating accessible mental health support. With over 15 years of experience in play-based outdoor education, she has seen how parental well-being can directly impact children's emotional development. From an early age, children absorb and mirror the emotional environment around them, often manifesting in their own mental health challenges later in life. She believes that by empowering everyone to prioritize their mental health and access support, we can break the cycle of intergenerational mental health issues and foster healthier futures for everyone.
Duncan O'Mahony MA, CMPC, RCC
Clinical Advisor
Duncan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who has been in practice for 10 years in British Columbia. He is currently completing his PsyD in Counselling Psychology and will register as a psychologist upon graduation. He has worked at all levels of care, starting off as a crisis clinician with inpatient youth at a regional hospital. He has worked in the community at a provincial youth mental health office, the local school board and even a forensic psychiatric youth facility. In private practice Duncan specializes in couples and the welfare of high-performance athletes. He is excited about this opportunity with LetsConnect and the development of this platform for individuals to access the right care provider. As a therapist Duncan has been in the virtual and telehealth realm for 7 years now and is aware of the benefits it provides for consumers.
