City teams with CMHA on mental health counselling subsidy

Aug 19, 2021 | 9:44 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is offering mental health supports to residents.

The City has teamed with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) on a counselling subsidy for those who require financial help to access mental health supports. Nearly $300,000 has been allocated to subsidized counselling in 2021, as part of the Community Wellbeing and Safety Strategy.

System Operations Specialist with Community Social Development at the City of Lethbridge, Takara Motz said that, “we know that counselling services are a critical component in promoting individual wellbeing.”

“To optimize investment in counselling service delivery in Lethbridge, we integrated our funding portfolios this year to ensure services are accessible and available to those in need.”

Funds are administered through the Integrated Coordinated Access (ICA) Network, led by the CMHA, Alberta South Region. The city says this is a new community initiative founded on an integrated delivery model to enhance client experience, increase access to services and reduce service duplication and gaps.

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Peter Imhof, ICA lead at the CMHA said that, “COVID-19 has impacted people’s mental health and we want to ensure Lethbridge residents know there are affordable options to access counselling services in the community.”

“It’s also important for people to know that subsidized counselling is one of many services available, and we are here to ensure those in need are linked to all the services they require to achieve wellbeing.”

The counselling subsidy is administered on a per client basis. The city noted that this approach honours the choice of clients by allowing residents to choose and move between counselling providers to achieve the best fit for their needs. The amount covered is based on one’s income level and funding eligibility.

Those interested in applying are asked to contact their preferred counselling provider. More details are available here or by contacting Peter Imhof at 403-317-0686.

by Justin Goulet