Navigating Mental Health on the Prairies: A Guide to Resources
Rural and remote areas in Canada often experience disparities in access to mental health services compared to urban centers. While there are challenges, there is also hope. Canada’s prairies have mental health resources and support. Let’s explore the resources available in each province.
Mental Health Resources in Manitoba
Manitoba's mental health services are overseen by five Regional Health Authorities (RHAs). Each RHA is responsible for planning, delivering, and managing the mental health services within its region.
Specialized long-term treatment
The Selkirk Mental Health Centre is a provincial facility that provides long-term inpatient care and rehabilitation for individuals with complex mental health needs. It is a 252-bed facility offering specialized inpatient mental health and acquired brain injury treatment and rehabilitation services to Manitobans with complex needs. It also provides mental health services to Nunavut residents who lack access to local inpatient facilities. SMHC offers five specialized programs: Acute, Geriatric, Rehabilitation, Forensic, and Acquired Brain Injury.
Rapid access and crisis services
There are rapid access programs in Manitoba available. A crisis can refer to any situation in which the individual perceives a sudden loss of their ability to use effective problem-solving and coping skills. Crisis services offer immediate, short-term help to individuals who experience an event that produces emotional, mental, physical, and behavioural distress or problems.
It's important to note that most crisis services are voluntary and will only respond to the request of the person experiencing a mental health crisis.
Indigenous mental health services
Manitoba's Shared Health Indigenous Health team works closely with the Provincial Indigenous Health Network to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities. The Shared Health team focuses on delivering specialized Indigenous health services, collaborating with various healthcare providers to address unique health needs.
Youth mental health services
The province of Manitoba offers programs and services to support youth mental health. These include Community Child & Adolescents Treatment (CCATS) for children and youth aged 5-18 and their families in Winnipeg and the Strongest Families Institute, which provides free e-mental health services. For more intensive care, the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre (MATC) has services for young people experiencing various mental health concerns.
Canada 211
Manitoba 211 is a valuable resource connecting individuals with community services, including mental health support programs.
Mental Health Resources Saskatchewan
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health is the main government body responsible for developing and overseeing policies and programs related to mental health, addictions, and community wellness in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS) provides a continuum of care from preventative measures and early intervention to highly specialized treatment.
Specialized long-term treatment
Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford (SHNB) is a 284-bed psychiatric facility located in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. It offers rehabilitation services, including vocational training, leisure education, and life skills development, for people with mental health problems. Southeast Integrated Care Centre (SEICC) is a comprehensive healthcare facility in southeastern Saskatchewan with 85 beds, including 58 private long-term care rooms.
Rapid access and crisis services
The rapid access and crisis resources in Saskatchewan provide immediate support for those experiencing mental health crises or addictions. These services often include 24/7 crisis lines, mobile crisis teams, walk-in clinics, and emergency department services. These resources are essential for stabilizing crises and connecting individuals with ongoing support.
It's important to note that most crisis services are voluntary and will only respond to the request of the person experiencing a mental health crisis.
Indigenous mental health services
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) connects First Nations and Métis people to culturally appropriate treatment. SHA's First Nations and Métis Health Services (FNMHS) offers services addressing mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. These services are available in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Broadview.
Youth mental health services
The Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth is an independent officer of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. They work to protect and promote the rights, interests, and well-being of Saskatchewan's children and youth. While they do not directly provide mental health services, their website is a wealth of information for youth resources and much more.
Canada 211
Saskatchewan's 211 has a directory connecting individuals with various community resources, including mental health support programs.
Mental Health Services in Alberta
Multiple entities oversee mental health services in Alberta. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of these services. Alberta Health sets policies and standards for the healthcare system, including mental health, and allocates funding to organizations like Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Recovery Alberta. Recovery Alberta, which took over mental health and addictions services from AHS in September 2024, plays a significant role in delivering these services.
Specialized long-term treatment
The Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury offers specialized inpatient treatment for individuals struggling with severe mental illness and addiction. This 22-day voluntary program provides assessment, treatment, and support to help patients develop the necessary skills for independent living. The program focuses on trauma-informed care, concurrent disorder treatment, and individual and group therapy.
Rapid access and crisis services
Alberta’s provincial intake centre is for adults wanting urgent and non-urgent mental health resources. It’s accessible 24-7 and provides a single point of access to addiction and mental health services throughout the province. These services include 24/7 access to screening, assessment, referral, consultation, crisis intervention, outreach, and short-term stabilization.
It's important to note that most crisis services are voluntary and will only respond to the request of the person experiencing a mental health crisis.
Indigenous mental health services
The Indigenous Health Division is dedicated to improving access to culturally appropriate and safe healthcare for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people across Alberta. Their website is organized by region to help people find local Indigenous mental health support services throughout Alberta.
Youth mental health services
Alberta offers robust funding and comprehensive programs specifically designed to address youth mental health, setting a high standard compared to many other provinces in Canada. Alberta Health Services youth programs offer information and counseling services available in-person, online, and through mobile outreach programs. Youth can access day treatment programs, residential detoxification, and residential treatment programs in various locations across the province.
Canada 211
Alberta’s 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to each community and social service, including mental health support in Alberta.
