Assessing the mental health support needs for Indigenous adolescents residing in rural and remote Sask: A mixed methods study exploring the potential of virtual reality technology

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Suicide statistics of Saskatchewan Indigenous youth clearly indicate that the current approach to providing mental health care is inadequate. Our community-based research team is dedicated to addressing the disparities in mental health services between Indigenous and non-Indigenous adolescents across Saskatchewan by exploring the potential for Virtual Reality (VR) technology within the services offered. Utilizing a virtual platform will allow an environment to be constructed in a manner that is responsive to the users needs and priorities. Culturally informed virtual environments also hold the potential to enhance one's sense of self and identity.Saskatchewan Polytechnic researchers have partnered with Dene High School in La Loche, SK to explore how virtual reality (VR) technology can be used to the promote Indigenous adolescent's mental health and wellbeing. The initial goal is to outline the current status of mental health supports and identify services gaps through the perspectives of Indigenous community members. This assessment will be followed by exploring how VR technology can be used to either address one or more of the gaps or to enhance existing supports.This research will work to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of Indigenous adolescents by partnering with community members to develop culturally responsive mental health supports. This project will build upon existing research of best-practices for utilizing VR to address mental health and wellbeing. By further enhancing VR interventions, our research will serve as a catalyst that pushes the boundaries of a virtual presence in the domain of enhancing mental health and wellbeing.