Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Diabetes and Mental Health

Health coaching is the active component of TECC-DM. In weekly 1-hour sessions, the coach builds a therapeutic relationship, supports goal-setting and behaviour change, addresses mental health needs, coordinates resources, and empowers participants to navigate care. Coaching is delivered according to a standardized protocol, in consultation with the virtual care team, and targets improvements in quality of life and goals of care. Coaches do not provide pharmacological treatment or replace usual diabetes care.

Participants receive usual diabetes care (e.g., primary care, endocrinology, community supports) plus 10 standardized educational emails over 12 weeks, delivered according to a consistent protocol. Unlike TECC-DM, this approach does not involve a therapeutic relationship, health coach, or interdisciplinary care team.