One dozen post-secondary schools, including the University of Lethbridge, will expand the number of mental health professionals they can train. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

U of L among schools getting funds to train more mental health workers

Aug 30, 2024 | 12:55 PM

The Government of Alberta looks to have more mental health professionals trained in the province.

They have announced nearly $10 million over three years to create 761 new seats in 12 post-secondary institutions, including:

• Bow Valley College – 75 seats
• Burman University – 60 seats
• Grant MacEwan University – 90 seats
• Keyano College – 30 seats
• King’s University – 37 seats
• Medicine Hat College – 50 seats
• Mount Royal University – 105 seats
• Northwestern Polytechnic – 152 seats
• Portage College – 32 seats
• Red Deer Polytechnic – 70 seats
• St. Mary’s University – 45 seats
• University of Lethbridge – 15 seats

Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney says the money will enable these schools to increase program capacities, improve educational offerings and prepare a new generation of mental health professionals to meet Alberta’s emerging needs.

“We are committed to ensuring that every Albertan has access to the care they need, where they need it. This investment will bridge gaps in mental health care and give more post-secondary institutions the tools they need to provide critical services and support communities across our province,” says Sawhney.

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The impacted programs can include psychiatric nursing, psychology, social work, child and youth care, and addiction counselling.

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Dan Williams adds that there is a growing need for mental health services in the province.

“No matter what part of Alberta someone call’s home, they deserve access to consistent, high quality mental health care,” says Williams. “Our government is proud to be working with post-secondary institutions, making sure services are available to Albertans in need.”

The new Mental Health Professions Enrollment Expansion grant is considered by the Alberta Government to be a critical step forward to train and educate more mental health professionals.