UVic partners with local startup to digitize mental-health assessments
Published 1:15 pm Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The University of Victoria partnered with local mental health technology company HiBoop to modernize their clinical assessments, aiming to streamline care and improve patient outcomes.
The integration introduces a secure digital system at the UVic Psychology Clinic, where graduate students train under the supervision of licensed psychologists. The platform is designed to enhance screening, reduce administrative work and support data-informed treatment decisions.
“Research shows that regularly screening and tracking mental health over time leads to better outcomes for patients,” said clinic director Jill Robinson. “Using modern tools in a clinical setting will alleviate the administrative burden and provide actionable insights, allowing more time to focus on the therapeutic relationship.”
The clinic provides practicum placements for master’s and doctoral students, offering assessment and treatment services to adults and children across Greater Victoria, often at reduced rates.
Through the partnership, clinicians can administer standardized digital assessments that adapt in real time based on patient responses. The system also enables ongoing monitoring of symptoms, helping track progress and outcomes more efficiently.
HiBoop CEO Jason Morehouse said the platform is intended to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
“Too many patients face needless delays in diagnosis and treatment,” he said. “By removing those barriers, our platform helps people begin care sooner.”
The platform combines multiple validated assessments into a single workflow and uses machine learning to analyze response patterns, identify potential conditions and flag related concerns.
While it supports screening, final diagnoses remain the responsibility of licensed clinicians.
The rollout includes training for staff and students, along with ongoing technical support and data security measures.
Robinson said incorporating digital tools into training prepares students for modern clinical practice while maintaining privacy protections for patients.
