Calgary

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Mental Health and Wellness

Guidance on accessing mental health services, counseling, and resources for maintaining personal wellness.

Sections

1. Counseling Services

Counseling services in Calgary are available through public health systems, private clinics, and non-profit organizations. These services cater to individuals, couples, families, and children.

Public Counseling Services

  • Alberta Health Services (AHS):
    • AHS provides free or low-cost counseling services through its mental health programs. Services include individual therapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention.
    • Access Mental Health: AHS offers a free service to help individuals navigate mental health resources. They assess your needs and connect you to appropriate services. Call 403-943-1500 for assistance.
    • Community Mental Health Clinics: These clinics provide short-term counseling and therapy for individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns. Locations include the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre and South Calgary Health Centre.

Non-Profit and Low-Cost Counseling

  • Calgary Counselling Centre:
    • Offers sliding-scale fees based on income, ensuring affordability for all. No referral is needed.
    • Services include individual, family, and couples counseling, as well as specialized programs for depression, anxiety, and trauma.
    • Website: calgarycounselling.com
  • Distress Centre Calgary:
    • Provides free, short-term counseling for individuals in crisis. They also operate a 24/7 crisis line: 403-266-HELP (4357).
    • Website: distresscentre.com
  • Catholic Family Service:
    • Offers counseling services on a sliding fee scale, regardless of religious affiliation.
    • Website: cfs-ab.org

Private Counseling Services

  • Private clinics and therapists are widely available in Calgary. Costs typically range from $150 to $250 per session, but some extended health insurance plans may cover these fees. Websites like Psychology Today or Theravive can help you find licensed therapists in Calgary.

2. Support Groups

Support groups provide a safe space for individuals to share experiences and receive peer support. Calgary has a variety of support groups for different mental health challenges.

  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Calgary:
    • Offers peer support groups for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
    • Website: cmha.calgary.ab.ca
  • Alberta Health Services Support Groups:
    • AHS facilitates support groups for specific conditions, such as postpartum depression, grief, and addiction recovery.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA):
    • These groups provide free, peer-led support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
    • Website: calgaryaa.org
  • Mood Disorders Society of Canada:
    • Offers support groups for individuals with mood disorders and their families.
    • Website: mdsc.ca

3. Public Mental Health Facilities

Public mental health services in Calgary are primarily provided through Alberta Health Services (AHS). These services are covered by Albertaโ€™s provincial health care system, which is free for residents.

  • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre:
    • Provides walk-in mental health services, including crisis intervention and short-term counseling.
  • Foothills Medical Centre and Peter Lougheed Centre:
    • Both hospitals have psychiatric units for acute mental health crises and inpatient care.
  • Access Mental Health:
    • A free service that connects individuals to appropriate mental health resources. Call 403-943-1500.

4. Private Clinics

Private mental health clinics in Calgary offer specialized services, including psychotherapy, psychiatric assessments, and treatment for specific conditions like PTSD or ADHD. Some notable clinics include:

  • Living Well Counselling Services:
    • Offers therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Fees range from $150 to $200 per session.
    • Website: livingwellcounselling.ca
  • Insight Psychological:
    • Provides therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. Offers online and in-person sessions.
    • Website: insightpsychological.ca

5. Costs and Accessibility

  • Public Services: Free for residents with an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This includes most services provided by Alberta Health Services.
  • Non-Profit Services: Sliding-scale fees or free services are available through organizations like the Calgary Counselling Centre and Distress Centre Calgary.
  • Private Services: Costs range from $150 to $250 per session, but many private insurance plans cover a portion of these fees. Check with your employer or insurance provider for details.

6. Accessibility for Newcomers and Low-Income Individuals

Calgary has several initiatives to ensure mental health services are accessible to newcomers and low-income individuals:

  • Language Support: Many organizations, such as the Calgary Immigrant Womenโ€™s Association (CIWA), offer counseling in multiple languages.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Organizations like the Centre for Newcomers provide culturally sensitive mental health support tailored to immigrants and refugees.
  • Financial Assistance: Non-profits like the Calgary Counselling Centre and Distress Centre Calgary offer free or low-cost services. Additionally, the Alberta government provides income support programs for low-income individuals, which can help cover mental health costs.

7. Government Programs and Initiatives

  • Alberta Health Services (AHS):
    • AHS is the primary provider of public mental health services in Calgary. Services are free for residents with AHCIP.
  • Mental Health Helpline:
    • A 24/7 confidential helpline operated by AHS. Call 1-877-303-2642 for immediate support.
  • Wellness Together Canada:
    • A federal initiative offering free online mental health resources, including counseling and self-help tools. Website: wellnesstogether.ca
  • Community Initiatives:
    • Programs like the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) provide integrated health and social services for low-income individuals.

8. Tips for Navigating the Local Mental Health System

  1. Start with Access Mental Health:
    • This free service helps you navigate Calgaryโ€™s mental health resources. Call 403-943-1500 to get started.
  2. Use Crisis Services if Needed:
    • If youโ€™re in immediate distress, contact the Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-HELP (4357) or visit the nearest emergency room.
  3. Check Your Insurance Coverage:
    • If you have private insurance, review your plan to see if it covers therapy or psychiatric services.
  4. Explore Non-Profit Organizations:
    • Many non-profits offer affordable or free services, especially for newcomers and low-income individuals.
  5. Be Patient:
    • Wait times for public services can be long. If you need immediate support, consider non-profits or private clinics.

9. Cultural Considerations

  • Calgary is a multicultural city, and many organizations provide culturally sensitive services. For example:
    • Centre for Newcomers: Offers mental health support tailored to immigrants and refugees.
    • CIWA: Provides counseling and support for immigrant women in multiple languages.
  • Stigma around mental health may vary across cultures. Calgaryโ€™s mental health providers are trained to address these concerns with sensitivity.

10. Additional Resources

  • Kids Help Phone: Free, 24/7 support for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
  • 211 Alberta: A free helpline that connects you to community, health, and social services. Dial 211 or visit ab.211.ca.

By leveraging these resources, you can access the mental health and wellness support you need in Calgary. Let me know if youโ€™d like further assistance with any specific service!