New service expands Sun Life's connected care experience, helping Canadians access mental health support and continue managing their health in one place.
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- Sun Life announced the launch of Online Counselling, by Dialogue, giving Canadians a new way to connect with registered mental health professionals through secure virtual appointments. Available through Sun Life's digital healthcare experience, Online Counselling makes it easier for Canadians to access mental health care as part of a broader network of health, wellness and benefits support.
Mental health needs continue to grow across Canada with many facing barriers to accessing support. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 41 per cent of adults (aged 18 and older) and 36 per cent of youth (aged 2 to 17) with diagnosed mental health conditions report their needs are only partially met or unmet. Online Counselling helps bridge this gap by offering individuals aged 14 and older in Canada access to registered mental health professionals through secure virtual appointments*.
The launch is a part of Sun Life's continued focus on making health support simpler, more connected and designed around the realities of Canadians' lives. Navigating healthcare can be complex and as health needs evolve, the need for simpler, connected experiences continue to grow. By bringing care, coverage and health expertise together in one digital experience, Sun Life is helping Canadians access support more easily and confidently.
"A health challenge rarely affects just one part of a person's life," said Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President, Sun Life Health. "Mental health concerns can affect work, relationships and financial well-being. Caring for a family member can impact stress levels, productivity and personal health. We're focused on creating support that helps people access the care and resources they need in ways that fit naturally into their lives."
Through Sun Life's enhanced digital experience across mobile and web, Canadians can access Online Counselling alongside a growing range of connected health and wellness services, including finding healthcare providers, accessing virtual care and wellness resources. They can also review their benefits, submit claims and manage prescriptions, all in one place, making it easier to manage their health with greater ease.
This connected approach recognizes that access to care is only one part of achieving better health outcomes. Ongoing support, coverage information and healthy habits can help people stay on track and address issues sooner.
"Meaningful health support doesn't end with a single appointment or interaction," says Côté. "It's about helping people take the next step, and the one after that. By connecting access to care with coverage, resources and ongoing support, we're helping Canadians build healthier habits, address challenges earlier and feel supported throughout their lives. That's how we can improve health outcomes while helping create healthier, more resilient workplaces and communities."
*subject to applicable eligibility, consent and provincial/territorial requirements
About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2026, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.70 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.
To contact Sun Life media relations, please email Media.Relations@sunlife.com.
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.
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