The face of one of Montréal’s oldest mental healthcare hospitals is changing. After 125 years, the Douglas’ image is being updated with the launch of a new logo to denote its recent status as a Mental Health University Institute.

“This change comes after a year of transformation for the Douglas, beginning with our 125th anniversary celebration and culminating with our new Institute status: a designation recognizing our expertise in mental health care, it acknowledges the quality of our Research Centre and its international influence, and the excellence of our teaching,” says Douglas Director General Jacques Hendlisz. “This is a new chapter for the Douglas, perhaps one of the most important ones in its history. There is hope for people suffering from mental illness and we know that recovery is achievable.”

The new visual identity underlies the Douglas’ mandate to:

• make use of the best possible practices and therapies
• have research and education play a central role
• encourage patients to believe in their recovery and active role in society

“Our vision is recovery through the integration of care, teaching, and research,” says Psychiatrist-in-Chief Mimi Israël, MD. “This calls for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with our partners because we believe that integration brings better results than the sum of individual parts.”

The new image is simple and dynamic. This visual identity emphasizes the status: Douglas Mental Health University Institute. The blue colour of the logo recalls the tradition and past accomplishments of the Douglas, and the lack of a symbol echoes the fundamental role of the Institute. The cursive font evokes a human, dynamic and living environment.

“Our new image says it all,” notes Hendlisz. “The Douglas is a visible force with a strong tradition of excellence and humanitarian care. People are the centre of our mission.”