Dr. Leslie Roos has received the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Implementation Science Chair to embed effective mental health services into care systems.

A clinical psychologist and clinician-scientist at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Dr. Leslie Roos has dedicated her career to helping families establish strong foundations for children’s mental health.

“Having the CIHR award allows us to ‘dream big’ in terms of implementing evidence-based programs that are culturally safe and appropriate for communities,” said Dr. Roos.

She envisions care systems that are responsive to families’ diverse needs. Some parents may need expert information, while others require more intensive services, but what matters most, she explained, is ensuring that protocols exist to meet those unique needs.

Her research is rooted in evidence showing that 70% of serious adult mental health problems begin in childhood and adolescence. She stresses that early intervention is especially crucial for families managing additional challenges related to children’s neurodevelopmental disabilities.

 

Early mental health care for families

Among the leading initiatives of Dr. Roos is BEAM, a scalable digital mental health program for families of children referred to neurodevelopmental services, funded by Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN).

“Long wait times have many consequences for children,” she said. “They may struggle to make friends or develop social-emotional skills. Helping families early on is one of the major ways that we can help kids reach their potential, and doing that in the first five years of life is really critical.”

BEAM offers resources and access to a clinical team as soon as families have concerns about their child’s neurodevelopment. They can also connect with a coach or a parent with lived experience to help with navigating care systems.

“The KBHN funding has been critical in allowing us to provide family mental health programs,” said Dr. Roos. Her team plans to conduct a national trial examining the effectiveness of BEAM in neurodevelopmental disabilities.

 

Innovations rooted in collaboration

Supporting child mental health, along with their families, underpins Dr. Roos’ research and clinical work. “One thing I will say to anyone who will listen is to really start thinking about the next steps after funding—how to implement high-quality mental health programs for families as a whole.”

When asked about her advice to trainees interested in implementation, Dr. Roos highlights the importance of curiosity and collaboration. “Lean into what feels right, and build networks with people you enjoy working with.”

She added that the most rewarding work happens in communities of researchers, staff and trainees who support and inspire one another.

With her CIHR Implementation Science Chair and KBHN-funded innovation, Dr. Roos is charting a future where families across Canada can access timely mental health care.

“Tailored care involves getting the right service to the right family at the right time,” she said. “There are many good ideas out there, but the real challenge is building a care system that truly meets families’ needs. That’s our goal for the next five years.”