Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$15 Million Over Three Years

Province announces new Kickstand funding for youth mental health

Oct 16, 2025 | 4:51 PM

A not-for-profit organization supporting youth mental health in Alberta, is receiving funding to expand in-person and online care so youth can have more good days.

Kickstand, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to youth mental health and holistic well-being is in line to receive almost $15 million over three years (2023-26) to support it’s early intervention initiatives.

Supports include in-person Kickstand centres, as well as online through Kickstand Connect.

Provincial officials say all Kickstand services are free and confidential, with no wait list or referrals required. Supports are targeted to Albertans aged 11 to 25 and their caregivers.

Meantime, starting this year, the federal government is committing $10 million over four years to support Kickstand’s efforts to expand services.

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“Kickstand’s youth-centred approach helps young Albertans get fast, accessible support for mental health and wellbeing – with no waitlists and no barriers,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, in a press release Thursday. “These investments from Alberta’s government and the federal government will support youth, families and communities.”

“A single door can lead to a world of opportunities and support,” added Marjorie Michel, federal minister of Health. “Integrated Youth Service hubs are changing lives, offering youth and families one entry point to get help they need. Supporting young Canadian today means building a Canada strong for generations to come.”

According to the government, provincially funded, fully integrated Kickstand centres are already operating in Bonnyville, Drayton Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat. Officials say a philanthropically funded Kickstand centre is also operating in Edmonton at West Edmonton Mall. Another five centres, including three in First Nations communities, are operating with varying service levels and working towards full integration.

Officials say the funding also supports Kickstand Connect, a free online portal and mobile app through which young people can access same-day or pre-booked appointments for mental health and addiction counselling, employment services, peer support and more.

This new federal funding is expected to support the opening of five additional centres, at locations still to be determined, for a total of 15 provincially and federally funded centres throughout the province once fully operational.

“This funding will allow us to expand the number of Centres across Alberta and strengthen our integrated service model in collaboration with young people and community partners,” explained Katherine Hay, executive director, Kickstand. “When young people or their families walk into a Kickstand Centre, they are welcomed into a friendly, inclusive and culturally safe space where they can access mental health care, physical and sexual health services, peer support and help navigating life transitions. Investing in young Albertans is investing in a healthier, more connected future for our province.”