The Complete Guide to Calgary Mental Health Resources (2024)
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
John Green
- Calgary provides a comprehensive network of crisis and emergency mental health supports, ensuring immediate assistance.
- A wide array of community programs and peer supports in Calgary facilitate social connectedness and wellness.
- Innovative resources, including digital apps and online platforms, complement traditional mental health services.
When dealing with mental health challenges, it's important to know where to find help. Whether you're seeking immediate crisis intervention or long-term recovery programs, Calgary's network of mental health resources provides a variety of solutions.
This guide is a comprehensive look at the local landscape of wellness supports. For those considering a more structured approach to mental health, there are also a range of professional therapy services in Calgary.
Crisis & Emergency Mental Health Supports in Calgary
In times of crisis, having a dependable source of support and guidance is essential. Emergency contacts and crisis support services in Calgary address urgent mental health needs and contribute to improving safety.
Resources
Services Offered: Distress Centre provides 24-hour support through phone, text, and online chat, focusing on suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing.
How to Contact:
- Phone or Text: 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357)
- Online Chat: Visit calgaryconnecteen.com
- Website: Distress Centre Calgary
Services Offered: This new, national three-digit helpline provides urgent, live support by phone and text for those considering suicide or experiencing a crisis.
Phone: Dial 9-8-8 to access the helpline.
Provides walk-in crisis mental health assessment and therapy.
How to Contact:
- Phone: (403) 955-6200
- Address: 1213 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0X7. Open 24/7.
For non-emergencies, where police assistance or advice is required, and for situations where immediate police response is necessary.
How to Contact:
- Non-Emergency Phone: (403) 266-1234
- Emergency Phone: Dial 9-1-1
- Website: Calgary Police Service
Peer Supports & Community Programs in Calgary
Research shows that peer support groups improve social connectedness, reduces the stigma of mental health, and enhances self-esteem. Here, we list a range of these support groups in Calgary.
Resources
Mental Health Support Group: Provides a supportive atmosphere for sharing concerns and exploring issues with skilled facilitators leading the sessions. Weekly meetings last 2.5 hours.
Reach for Recovery Support Group: Offers a safe space for those dealing with addiction and mental health concerns, with focuses on relapse prevention, self-care, and post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Meets once a week for 1.5 hours.
Phone: (403) 266-8711
The CMHA can help you connect with peer support workers who have lived experience, offering individual or family-focused peer support via phone, Zoom, or in-person appointments. Also provides training for those interested in becoming peer support workers, enhancing the network of support and employment opportunities in Peer Support roles.
Websites: Community Connect YYC, CMHA Calgary
Offers various groups for adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, providing a supportive environment for engaging in meaningful activities. Participants develop friendships and community, improving overall wellness and reducing hospitalizations.
How to Contact:
- Call Program Director Mylaine Tsaprailis for details.
- Website: CASS
Prevention & Wellness Supports in Calgary
Numerous resources in Calgary aim to promote mental awareness and offer preventive measures for maintaining mental health. These organizations and initiatives employ innovative strategies and provide essential support to the community.
Resources
Comprehensive referral service. Provides mental health information and referrals for supports.
How to Contact:
- Phone: (403) 943-1500 / 1-844-943-1500
- Email: mental.health@albertahealthservices.ca
- Website: Access Mental Health
This service provides free support for parents and caregivers of children, guiding them toward appropriate resources in the community.
Website: Hull Services
Offers a variety of workshops, classes, and drop-in groups aimed at mental health awareness and prevention. One-on-one support services are also available.
Website: CMHA Calgary
Specifically designed for youth aged 12 - 24, YouthSMART provides mental health learning sessions and engagement opportunities. It’s a direct approach to educating and informing young people about mental health.
Website: YouthSMART
An educational approach focusing on helping people recognize their own resourcefulness and resilience. It offers classes that develop skills conducive to recovery journeys.
Website: Recovery College
Addiction Supports in Calgary
The journey to recovery from addiction is a profound challenge that requires support, understanding, and resources tailored to individual needs. There are a range of addiction resources in Calgary, designed to support individuals at every step of their recovery.
Resources
Provides a broad range of services for individuals struggling with alcohol, drugs, and gambling, staffed by nurses, social workers, and psychologists.
How to Contact:
- Phone: 1-866-332-2322
- Website: Alberta Health Services
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Focus on support for alcohol use challenges. Contact: Calgary Helpline (403) 777-1212. Website: calgaryaa.org.
- Al-Anon Family Groups: Assistance for friends and family of individuals struggling with substance use. Contact: Calgary Helpline (24 hours) 403-266-5850. Website: al-anon.ab.ca.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): A 12-step program for those dealing with drug use issues. Contact: Calgary Helpline (403) 991-3427. Website: chinookna.org.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: Support for friends and family affected by someone else's substance use. Website: naranon.ca/meetings.htm.
Comprehensive referral service. Helps individuals navigate addiction supports in Calgary.
How to Contact:
- Phone: (403) 943-1500 / 1-844-943-1500
- Email: mental.health@albertahealthservices.ca
- Website: Access Mental Health
Support and information for facing mental health and addiction concerns.
Website: CMHA Calgary
Support Services for Youth & Children in Calgary
Calgary offers a variety of mental health resources personalized to meet the unique needs of youth and children. Here, we list descriptions and contact information for these resources.
Resources
Focuses on day hospital and community-based treatments for children and youth facing mental health challenges. Walk-in mental health services are available for those under 18, with no referral needed.
Website: The Summit: Marian & Jim Sinneave Centre for Youth Resilience
Includes programs like Bridging the Gap for ages 16-24 with mental health concerns, and the Lasting Impressions program for families where a parent has a mental illness. The Mental Health and Addiction Navigator aids parents and caregivers of children and youth.
Website: Hull Services
Delivers urgent and intensive care for youth requiring mental health assistance in Calgary.
Offers various mental health supports for children and youth, catering to a wide spectrum of concerns.
Website: Alberta Health Services
Distress Centre Calgary provides 24-hour crisis support, professional counselling, and peer support aimed at youth. ConnecTeen is a service offering teen and youth peer support via phone, text, and chat.
Website: Distress Centre Calgary, ConnecTeen
Specialized programs for youths, including acute mental health problem treatments within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Services unit.
Phone: (403) 955-7211
The Trellis Society facilitates peer support as a method of fostering resilience among youth.
Website: Trellis Society
The Black Youth Helpline serves children, youth, and families dealing with mental health challenges, taking cultural factors into account.
Website: Black Youth Helpline
Bridging the Gap addresses mental health issues among young individuals through community support.
Website: Bridging the Gap
Offers free confidential crisis intervention, professional counselling, and advice on student mental health concerns.
How to Contact:
- Phone: 1-877-303-2642
- Website: University of Calgary Mental Health Resources
Long-Term Recovery Programs in Calgary
Calgary offers a range of recovery and rehabilitation resources aimed at promoting sustained mental wellness. Here's a closer look at some of the long-term support options available.
Resources
The Calgary Dream Centre offers a seven-week residential recovery program designed to help participants address addiction in a supportive and structured environment, focusing on long-term recovery. It also provides transitional housing and professionally led counselling and therapy sessions.
How to Contact:
- Website: Calgary Dream Centre
- Phone: (403) 243-5598
The University of Calgary offers a community-based support system for students on recovery journeys. Provides supportive strategies and peer connections.
Lists resources spanning short-term and long-term support options, with the goal to support mental health recovery in Calgary.
How to Contact:
- Phone: (587) 288-2730
- Website: Unique Pathways Counselling Services
Financial & Legal Mental Health Resources in Calgary
Encountering financial or legal issues can significantly impact one's mental health. Fortunately, Calgary offers a variety of resources aimed at helping individuals navigate these challenges. Below is a list of services providing financial and legal assistance related to mental health concerns.
Resources
Provides resources for mental illnesses like depression and mood disorders, offering guidance on managing financial strains related to mental health treatment.
How to Contact:
- Phone: 1-877-303-2642
- Website: CMHA Alberta
Comprehensive referral service. Provides information, advice, and referrals to Alberta Health Services, assisting with financial and legal challenges derived from mental health issues.
How to Contact:
- Phone: (403) 943-1500 / 1-844-943-1500
- Email: mental.health@albertahealthservices.ca
- Website: Access Mental Health
A Canada-wide initiative offering free access to financial and legal mental health resources.
Website: Wellness Together. Download the PocketWell app.
Free Mental Health Resources in Calgary
Calgary offers a variety of free mental health services. Below are a few key organizations. For a more comprehensive list, please view our guide to the best free and affordable therapy in Calgary.
Resources
Comprehensive referral service. Provides information on a range of free counselling services in Calgary. Learn more at Access Mental Health.
Contact: Telephone 403-943-1500 / 1-844-943-1500, Email: mental.health@albertahealthservices.ca.
Organizations like CUPS, YW Calgary, and Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre offer counselling services, psychiatric assessments, and support for diverse needs, including specialized services for Indigenous communities.
For more information, visit CUPS Calgary, YW Calgary, and The Mustard Seed.
Offers access to mental health therapists for short-term support on issues such as depression, anxiety, stress management, PTSD, and relationship issues.
Website: Mosaic PCN
Offers affordable professional counselling with sliding fee scales.
How to Contact:
- Phone: (403) 691-5991
- Website: Calgary Counselling Centre
Apps & Other Innovative Resources
Digital services like phone apps can supplement other mental health supports in Calgary. Below, you will find a list of apps that provide a range of unique services.
Resources
Offers meditation, sleep stories, and nature sounds with both free and premium models. Premium access is priced at various rates, including monthly and lifetime subscriptions.
Website: Calm
Utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy techniques to aid users in dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress. Available for free on iOS and Android.
Developed by a diverse team, Youper offers emotional health assistance through a user-friendly interface designed to help manage emotional wellbeing.
Website: Youper
Renowned for meditation, sleep management, and mood control with a 14-day free trial followed by subscription options.
Website: Headspace
Geared towards youth and young adults, providing a free online tool that should be used with guidance from mental health professionals.
Website: Innowell
Daylio enables mood tracking without typing a single word, offering a private journaling experience. It's free to download, with optional premium features for an enriched tracking experience. Perfect for keeping a private diary and mood tracking.
Website: Daylio
SAM is a user-friendly app offering tools to manage anxiety effectively. It assists users in understanding their anxiety with practical management tools developed to help them understand and manage their anxiety.
Website: SAM
Be Safe by MindYourMind provides users with a digital safety plan for immediate crisis support, detailing local resources and contacts for urgent help. It's tailored for immediate support in troublesome situations, helping you create a digital safety plan.
Website: Be Safe
Mental Health Volunteering in Calgary
Engaging in community support and volunteering in the mental health sector helps those in immediate need and contributes to the community's wellbeing. Whether it's by directly interacting with those seeking help or supporting behind the scenes, your efforts can make a significant difference. Before volunteering, consider these questions to find the best fit for your skills and interests.
- What mental health issues am I most passionate about addressing?
- Do I prefer direct interaction with those seeking help, or do I thrive in supportive or administrative roles?
- How much time can I commit to volunteering?
Resources
Offers 24/7 crisis intervention, professional counselling, and referrals via phone, text, and online chat. Volunteer as a crisis line responder or offer administrative support.
Website: Distress Centre Calgary
Provides education, support, and recovery programs, including Peer Support, YouthSMART, and Recovery College. Contribute by participating in peer support programs, educational sessions, and community outreach initiatives.
Website: CMHA Calgary
A 24/7 mental health service offering confidential support in English and French to youth across Canada. Support the platform by volunteering in areas like fundraising, advocacy, or content creation.
Website: Kids Help Phone
Contact the centre for volunteer opportunities in mental health support and crisis intervention.
Phone:
: (403) 955-6200Targeted at youth and adults ages 12 and over, this program enhances community capacity for mental health by identifying natural helpers within communities and offering training to strengthen their skills. It takes place in community settings and is not a counselling service.
Phone: Dial 8-1-1 for more information.
Summary
Calgary offers an extensive array of mental health supports, spanning from crisis intervention to long-term recovery options. This diversity of resources ensures that regardless of the immediate need or specific circumstance, individuals can find appropriate and effective support.
For anyone seeking to begin or continue their journey toward mental health recovery, understanding these resources can be an empowering first step. If you need personalized guidance or if the journey seems overwhelming, consider booking a free 20-minute consultation. At Therapy Calgary Emotions Clinic, we understand the importance of mental health and want to help you find the support you need.
