If you are in an emergency, in crisis or need someone to talk to, there is help.

View Crisis Resources
Skip to content
  • Contact Us
  • No One Left Behind
  • Join our team
  • Referral Form
  • Virtual Urgent Care
  • Accessibility
CAMH logo
  • Patients and Families
    • Main Page
    • Access CAMH & Referral Form
      • Access CAMH

        Centralized information, intake and scheduling. Access CAMH makes it easy to find support – simply call 416-535-8501, option 2.

      • Referral Form

        For mental health services, a referral form needs to be completed by a healthcare provider. For addictions services, patient can self-refer.

    • Programs & Services
      • Addictions/Substance Use
      • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
      • Anxiety & Depression
      • Concurrent Disorders
      • Developmental Disabilities
      • Mood & Personality Disorders
      • Problem Gambling
      • Schizophrenia & Psychosis
      • Trauma & Stress Disorders
      • Virtual Mental Health and Outreach
      • Other
    • Information for Patients
      • Patient Wellness and Patient Engagement at CAMH
      • What to expect
      • Your Rights
      • Patient and Family Feedback
      • Visiting CAMH

        Planning on visiting CAMH? Find contact information, directions and accessibility for each of our three main sites.

    • Information for Families
      • Family Resource Centre
      • Patient and Family Feedback
      • Visiting CAMH

        Planning on visiting CAMH? Find contact information, directions and accessibility for each of our three main sites.

    • Patient and Family Engagement
      • Patient and Family Partners Program
      • Information and resources
      • Get Involved in Research
      • Volunteer at CAMH
    • Visiting CAMH
      • Visiting CAMH

        Planning on visiting CAMH? Find contact information, directions and accessibility for each of our three main sites.

        Read More
    • MyCAMH
  • Health Info
    • Main Page
    • Mental Illness & Addiction Index
      • Conditions & Disorders
      • Medication Therapies
      • Substance Use
      • Types of Treatment
      • Information in Other Languages
    • Mental Health 101
      • Mental Health 101

        Use this series of free online tutorials as the starting point to learn about and understand a wide range of mental health topics.

        Read More
    • Guides & Publications
      • Guides & Publications

        Accessible, reliable, professionally produced resources on an array of mental health topics for patients, families, students and professionals.

        Read More
    • Crisis Resources
      • Crisis Resources

        If you are in an emergency, in crisis or need someone to talk to, there is a list of resources available for areas in and around Toronto.

        Read More
    • CAMH Store
      • CAMH Store

        The CAMH Store offers a wide array of mental illness and addiction resources for patients, families, students and professionals. Search or browse our catalogue of brochures and booklets, textbooks, manuals and assessment tools.

        Read More
    • CAMH Library
      • CAMH Library

        Open to professionals and the general public, our comprehensive resources and services support and enhance CAMH's research and clinical programs, and they facilitate learning, dynamic knowledge exchange and health promotion initiatives.

        Read More
    • Workplace Mental Health Playbook
    • Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
      • Coping with stress & anxiety
      • Quarantine & isolation
      • Stigma and prejudice
      • Loss, grief and healing
      • Covid-19 Resources for Health Care Workers
  • Research
    • Main Page
    • Research to Drive Change
    • The Discovery Fund
      • The Discovery Fund

        Fuelling the next generation of groundbreaking research and innovation dedicated to finding the causes of and cures for mental illness.

        Read More
    • Research Centres
      • Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre
      • Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry
      • Brain Health Imaging Centre
      • Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder
      • Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression
      • Institute for Mental Health Policy Research
      • Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics
      • Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition
      • Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics
      • Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention
      • The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child Youth & Family Mental Health
    • Clinical Divisions
      • Addictions Division
      • Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division
      • Child and Youth Psychiatry Division
      • Forensic Psychiatry Division
      • General and Health Systems Psychiatry Division
      • Psychology Division
      • Schizophrenia Division
    • Participate in Research
      • Research Connect FAQs
      • Research Ethics
    • Research Ethics
    • Koerner Centre for Research Training
      • Koerner Centre for Research Training

        Each year CAMH provides opportunities to the next generation of scientists: today’s undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Train in a unique learning environment and help contribute to the breakthrough mental health research and treatments of tomorrow

        Read More
    • Science & Research Staff Directory
      • Our Scientific Staff
      • Research Chairs at CAMH
    • Industry Partnerships & Technology Transfer Office
      • Spinoffs
      • Co-Development and Commercialization
    • Digital Innovation Hub
  • Education
    • Main Page
    • Continuing Education Programs and Courses
      • Find the Course That's Right for You

        Browse our entire selection of certificate programs, webinars and workshops.

      • Workplace Education and Consulting Services

        View our full list of workplace mental health workshops and consulting services

    • Collaborative Learning College
    • Simulation Centre
    • TIDES
    • Student Centre
    • Clinical & Research Opportunities for Professionals in Training
      • Clinical Psychology Training Programs
      • Community-Based Research Fellowship
      • Graduate & Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Public Health Policy
      • Clinical & Research Opportunities for Professionals in Training

        Study in a world-class setting to become a leader in the field of mental health.

    • Research in Education
      • Academic & Education Research Excellence
      • Health Equity and Inclusion Framework for Education and Training
    • Evaluation
    • Workplace Mental Health Workshops and Consulting
    • CAMH Education Contacts
  • Professionals
    • Main Page
    • Treating Conditions & Disorders
      • Adult ADHD
      • NAVIGATE - Treating Psychosis in Youth
      • CARIBOU - Treating depression in youth
      • Alcohol Use
      • Anxiety Disorders
      • Dementia
      • Depression
      • Suicide Risk
      • Fundamentals of Addiction
      • Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
      • Mania
      • OCD
      • Opioid use and opioid use disorder
      • Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
      • Personality Disorders
      • Psychosis
      • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
      • Sleep Disorders
      • Smoking Cessation
      • Virtual Mental Health
    • Professionals Projects
      • Climate Change and Mental Health
      • Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities
      • Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project
      • Opioid Use in Primary Care Conference 2024
    • Networks
      • Psychiatry Partnerships with Northern Communities
    • Covid-19 Resources for Health Care Workers
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
  • Get Involved
    • Main Page
    • Ways to Donate
      • Give Monthly
      • Give In Memory or In Honour
      • Start a Fundraiser
      • Gifts of Celebration
      • Leave a Gift in Your Will
      • Employee Giving
      • Donate Goods & Services
      • Gifts of Securities
      • Canvassers & Callers
      • Make a one-time donation

        With your support, CAMH researchers are revolutionizing the ways we diagnose, treat, and prevent mental illness. Donate today.

    • Join the Cause
      • Corporate Partnerships
      • Business Leaders for Mental Health
      • CAMH Engage
      • womenmind
      • Visionary Society
      • Michael Wilson Society
      • Volunteer at CAMH
    • Making a Real Impact
      • Making a Real Impact

        Real stories of courage, hope and discovery. Made possible through your continued support of CAMH.

        Read More
  • Driving Change
    • Main Page
    • About CAMH
      • Leadership Team Directory
      • Performance & Accountability
      • The Role of CAMH Foundation
      • For Reporters
      • Events Calendar
      • For Our Neighbours
      • Contact CAMH
      • Careers at CAMH

        By working at CAMH, you can help people affected by mental illness and support their recovery. Join the team. Everyone who works at CAMH becomes an advocate for mental health.

    • The Crisis is Real
      • The Crisis is Real

        We are in the grips of a crisis that ruins health, threatens lives and hurts economies. Knowing the facts is the first step in creating hope.

      • Mental Health Statistics

        The latest facts and statistics on mental illness and addiction, who's affected and their impact on Canadians.

    • Addressing Stigma
      • Addressing Stigma

        Challenging the stigma associated with mental illness takes understanding, education and a closer look at our own attitudes toward health.

        Read More
    • The Mental Health Facility of the Future
      • The Mental Health Facility of the Future

        Turning what was once a walled institution into a symbol of hope for the future of mental health care.

      • Vision & Guiding Principles

        How do you replace an institution with an urban village? Lots of planning, imagination and a long-term commitment to serving patients, staff and the community.

      • History of Queen Street Site

        Our history—evolving from an asylum into a modern health facility with patients at the centre of care—is the history of mental health care in Canada.

    • Influencing Public Policy
      • Influencing Public Policy

        CAMH advocates for policies that are responsive to the needs of people with mental illness and addictions.

        Read More
    • Health Equity
      • Health Equity

        CAMH believes in the principle of equity. We respect the diversity of the individuals and communities we serve.

        Read More
    • Shkaabe Makwa
    • CAMH News & Stories
    • Strategic Plan
    • Contact Us
    • No One Left Behind
    • Join our team
    • Referral Form
    • Virtual Urgent Care
    • Accessibility
Asian female scientist looking at computer

For Researchers

CAMH Logo
  • For Researchers
Back to top
  • Home
  • Research
  • The Discovery Fund
  • BrainHealth Databank
  • For Researchers
CAMH logo
  • The Discovery Fund
  • BrainHealth Databank
  • Our Team
  • For Participants
  • For Researchers
Back to top

Researchers who are interested in re-using the data within the BrainHealth Databank (BHDB) gain access to a rich repository of information that can help drive their investigations and studies. The BHDB provides a well-organized and curated collection of data that encompasses a wide range of data types, such as survey responses, cognitive assessments, genetic and molecular data, imaging data, data from wearable devices, medical records, and more. These diverse datasets offer researchers the opportunity to explore brain health from multiple angles, to analyze characteristics regardless of the initial or main diagnosis, and to understand interactions between diagnoses.  

By accessing the BHDB, researchers can embark on studies that contribute to the advancement of our understanding of brain health and related areas, ultimately leading to improved diagnoses, treatments, and overall well-being. 

CAMH Researchers can support Open Science and make their data available for secondary re-use by contributing their data to the BHDB. If you are a CAMH researcher and you are interested in releasing your data through the BHDB, please contact brainhealth@camh.ca.  

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the BHDB Portal? 

The BHDB Portal is a user-friendly and comprehensive online platform designed to facilitate access to the diverse array of data and resources stored within the BHDB. This portal provides researchers with a centralized hub where they can explore, search, understand, and download the datasets available for their research endeavors.  

Can I explore datasets in the BHDB Portal? 

The BHDB Portal offers an intuitive interface that enables researchers to navigate through different data types, review metadata, and gain insights into the content and scope of the data stored within the BHDB. The BHDB Portal also often includes visualization tools, making it easier to comprehend complex data through interactive graphs. By providing an in-depth overview of the available data, the BHDB Portal empowers researchers to make informed decisions regarding the data they need for their studies and aids in the formulation of research protocols. 

Can I download datasets from the BHDB Portal? 

Yes, after gaining necessary approvals, researchers can conveniently download datasets directly from the BHDB Portal. This streamlined process ensures that approved researchers have access to the data required for their studies. 

What is the first thing I need to do to use the BHDB Portal? 

The first step is to register as a user for the BHDB Portal. To register as a user, provide the information requested here (link forthcoming). 

What kind of data is in the BHDB? 

The BHDB contains a diverse and comprehensive range of data that collectively contributes to advancing research in the field of brain health. This data encompasses multimodal types of information, including but not limited to:  

  • Survey Responses 
  • Cognitive Assessments 
  • Clinical Data  
  • Biological Analyses 
  • Genetic and Molecular Data 
  • Imaging Data, including neuroimaging data 
  • Data from wearable devices 

The BHDB aims to provide a holistic view of brain health by integrating these diverse data types. Researchers can access and analyze this data to gain insights into brain-related conditions, develop new treatments, and make meaningful contributions to the field of brain health research. 

 
Is the BHDB only for human research data? 

No, the BHDB can encompass data beyond human data. In addition to human data, the BHDB can hold animal data, pre-clinical data, and synthetic data. By incorporating these different types of data, the BHDB aims to create a comprehensive resource that supports research across various facets of brain health, including studies that involve animal models, experimental research, and data simulations. This diversity of data enhances the potential for breakthrough discoveries and a better understanding of brain health and related conditions. 

Who governs the BHDB?  

The BHDB is governed by the BHDB Steering Committee, which is composed of various members including CAMH leaders, clinicians, researchers, and patient representatives. The committee is responsible for overseeing the management and use of the BHDB, and ensuring that all research is conducted ethically and within legal and regulatory guidelines. 

Who approves access to researchers? 

The Data and Biosample Access Committee (DBAC) is responsible for deciding which researchers can access the data and biological samples in the BHDB. The DBAC includes representatives from various research areas, including patient advocacy, research ethics, privacy, and members of the community impacted by the research. The DBAC is responsible for reviewing requests from researchers who want to access the data and biological samples in the BHDB, and assess any ethical, legal, and privacy considerations. If a request is approved, the BHDB will work with the researcher to provide the information they need to apply for Research Ethics approval. 

How do I add my research study data to the BHDB? 

To contribute your research study data to the BHDB, you must be a CAMH Researcher. You can also contact the BHDB Liaison by email at brainhealth@camh.ca. They will provide you with the necessary guidelines, policies, and procedures for obtaining consent from participants (for human research data) and for data submission.  

It's important to ensure that your data adheres to ethical standards and meets the requirements set by the BHDB. By adding your data to the databank, you contribute to a secure, valuable resource that advances brain health research. 

 
How do I access datasets in the BHDB? 

Access to datasets within the BHDB is available to researchers (both at CAMH and beyond) who have a legitimate research purpose. This typically involves submitting a research proposal and detailing your intended use of the data. The proposal is then reviewed by the BHDB Data Access Committee and your institutional REB to ensure alignment with ethical guidelines and research objectives. Upon approval, you will be granted access to the datasets relevant to your research study. 

What is the first step to access data? 

To access data within the BHDB for your research, the initial step involves exploring summaries of the available datasets through the BHDB Portal and its Explorer Dashboard. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the types of data and information present in the BHDB. Subsequently, you can create a research protocol tailored to your specific research questions. 

Can we count on your support?

Donate to help us improve mental health care for everyone.

Follow us
  • Patient and Family Care
  • Health Info
  • Science and Research
  • Education
  • Professionals
  • Get Involved
  • Driving Change
  • About CAMH
  • Job Openings
  • Purchase Publications
  • Referral Form
  • For Reporters
  • Donor Services
  • Events

CAMH Switchboard

From the GTA: 416 535-8501


Toll-free: 1 800 463-2338

To Access CAMH Clinical Services

416 535-8501, press 2

We have multiple locations. Find directions.

Map of CAMH's Queen Street Site
  • Staff Tools

Copyright 2025 CAMH

  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Site Map

Keep in touch with CAMH

Keep your finger on our pulse – latest CAMH news, discoveries and ways to get involved delivered to your inbox.

Please select a newsletter

Please complete the following:

    Required Fields

    Please select a newsletter option

    Please input a first name

    Please input a last name

    Please input an email address

    By clicking Sign Up below, I consent to receive electronic communications (as selected above) from CAMH and CAMH Foundation. To unsubscribe at any time click the link in our mailing or email: unsubscribe@camh.ca

    Please agree to the Terms of Use

     

    Thanks for Subscribing.

    We look forward to keeping you informed, inspired and involved in all things CAMH.

    Help us change mental health care forever.

    Every donation moves us closer to a future where no one is left behind.

    $
    Other Ways to Give
    Join our team