Featured Member: Lawson Collab

Michael Lawson didn’t set out to open a mental health clinic. But after years of navigating the system himself, he knew something had to change.

“Lawson Collab opened on July 1, 2023, driven by numerous conversations and a shared frustration with long waitlists, fragmented care and siloed providers that left a support gap at critical moments,” says Michael. “Our mission is to offer Calgarians high-quality mental health care that’s accessible when it matters most, without the wait or the worry.”

It’s not just talk. Lawson Collab is a place where care feels different. With a team of PhD-level psychologists and a staff psychiatrist all working under one roof, the clinic prioritizes a seamless, collaborative approach.

“We’ve rethought how mental health care should feel: warm, timely and grounded in evidence,” says Michael. “Whether it’s talk therapy or, starting this summer, non-invasive tech for treatment-resistant conditions, we’re here to support clients with what works.”

A personal journey fuels a bold mission

Michael’s passion for mental health isn’t from textbooks or boardrooms, but from his own lived experience.

“I came to this work through the personal experience and challenge of living with anxiety and depression,” he shares. “That journey shaped my belief in what truly matters when seeking help: compassion, trust, accountability and timely access to care.”

It’s that journey that defines the spirit of Lawson Collab. The clinic space is intentionally warm and welcoming with no sterile waiting rooms or clinical coldness. With their physical environment being a high priority, Michael explains the importance of it being a place where people can let their guard down.

“Our space is warm and disarming by design. It was built to respect both the vulnerability of clients and the expertise of practitioners.”

Innovation, community and what’s next

At Lawson Collab, care isn’t static, it’s evolving. Michael shares that the team is always asking what more they can do, what tools they can bring in and how they can keep meeting Calgarians where they are.

“Our focus is threefold: team, tech and community. We’re constantly challenging our team to be exceptional practitioners who embody our collaborative approach and deliver the high-quality care our clients look for and deserve.”

And the future is already arriving. This summer, the clinic will introduce a powerful new treatment tool: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, a non-invasive option for people with treatment-resistant conditions.

“This treatment will support clients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and OCD - broadening access to non-invasive, evidence-based options,” says Michael,

But innovation doesn’t stop at technology. The clinic is also investing in education, launching a redesigned website with an online resource library.

“We’re re-designing our website with a fresh new look supported by an online resource library to help Calgarians better understand mental health conditions and treatment options,” says Michael.

And then there’s the community. Lawson Collab is stepping outside the clinic walls to sponsor events like the Calgary Chamber’s Talking About Mental Health Engagement Forum on May 13, a conversation that Michael highlights as a significant one to support.

“These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to timely, integrated and impactful care that evolves alongside the needs of our city.”

Building something that lasts

While others rush to scale, Michael is focused on depth and getting every detail right before thinking bigger.

“Over the next five years, our focus is on strengthening the foundation by cultivating an exceptional clinic culture, refining operations and embedding excellence into every aspect of our standalone Calgary location. While that may sound unglamorous, we firmly believe getting the fundamentals right is what earns long-term trust.”

That trust is the cornerstone of what Lawson Collab hopes to replicate elsewhere in the future.

When it comes to community engagement, Lawson Collab has also been active in supporting and elevating the topic of mental health, especially through the company's connection with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“We joined the Calgary Chamber during our startup phase in summer 2023, hoping to build local connections and grow visibility,” says Michael. “What we found was a powerful platform for advocacy, relationship-building and business growth.”

With a solid foundation and strong community ties, Lawson Collab is demonstrating how focused, quality-driven care can make a real difference. As they continue to grow with intention, their work stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when mental health is prioritized at every level.

To learn more about Lawson Collab, visit: lawsoncollab.com.

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