Alberta's government is building a full continuum of care for those facing mental health and addiction challenges. With services including prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery, Albertans are getting access to world-class mental health care that is helping rebuild and strengthen lives across the province. A primary focus is building the Alberta Recovery Model, which is based on the belief that recovery and wellness is possible, no matter what mental health or addiction challenge someone may face.
As part of the Alberta Recovery Model, the province has partnered with CASA Mental Health to make record-breaking expansions to services for children and youth. Through this partnership, Alberta is investing $70 million over three years to bring online a total of up to 60 CASA Mental Health Classrooms across the province. This September marks another step towards that goal with the opening of nine classrooms in seven communities throughout Alberta.
"Services like this are important to the long-term success and well-being of children and youth who are right now facing some very difficult challenges with their mental health. Every kid deserves to know that help is available, and that they can recover and live fulfilling lives. Our government is going to continue with investments like this that change the lives of children, youth and their families."
Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
"Student well-being and mental health is our top priority. This expansion of CASA Mental Health Classrooms will ensure that our most vulnerable students will get the in-school supports they need to help them succeed academically, build healthy relationships and confidently transition into adulthood."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
CASA Mental Health Classrooms provide a unique setting in which students facing complex mental health challenges can receive professional care without disrupting their education. Students are also able to maintain their social lives and stay connected to their peers. Each classroom is staffed with a full-time teacher, mental health therapist, mental health aide and other staff who support students in their recovery. Caregivers are also provided with resources to support the child or youth during and after the program.
"This partnership with the Government of Alberta is bringing services closer to Alberta's children and families. The goal is to provide mental health services earlier to more children and youth to prevent treatment in hospitals and empower them to thrive."
Bonnie Blakley, chief executive officer, CASA Mental Health
"I am excited to see more children and families able to access CASA Mental Health through CASA Classrooms. After many years as a principal, I saw first-hand the benefits of mental health classrooms. I also experienced the impact CASA makes on kids and families. CASA saves lives. School-based supports decrease the risk of treatment in hospitals by providing services in the setting where children and teens learn, grow and thrive."
Janet Hancock, board chair, CASA Mental Health
Alberta's government first supported the introduction of CASA Mental Health Classrooms in 2023 and continues to back their expansion to more schools. As of this September, 17 CASA Mental Health Classrooms are operating throughout the province, more than double what was available last school year. Classrooms will continue to open in a phased approach, with a total of up to 60 Classrooms, supporting about 140 Alberta communities by 2026. Once all are online, CASA Mental Health Classrooms will be helping about 1,500 students each year.
"When our daughter needed help, CASA Classrooms were a healthy space for her to learn and grow in. She gained a multitude of skills and tools to cope with emotional distress, while being academically successful. The CASA Classroom has been a great success for our daughter, and I am thrilled to see more Albertans be able to access this program."
Alicia Long, parent of CASA Mental Health Classroom alumni student
"The partnership with CASA Classrooms makes it possible to continue providing a continuum of essential mental health supports to students in the division. This new classroom aligns with our long-standing commitment to ensuring students have access to learning environments that meet them where they are and help them to grow and thrive at school."
Cathy Allen, board chair, Elk Island Public Schools
CASA Mental Health is a valued partner and the second-largest provider of community-based mental health services for children and youth in Alberta. The non-profit organization focuses on supporting youth who have mental health challenges that are complex but do not require treatment in a hospital or other acute care setting. Provincial funding supports many of their programs, including a CASA House currently operating in the Edmonton region and three new CASA House facilities that will open elsewhere in Alberta over the next few years, along with other specialty services.
Alberta's government is making record investments in mental health services to support Albertans of all ages in their pursuit of wellness and recovery. This includes investing in digital supports like 211 Alberta and Kids Help Phone, supporting youth mental health hubs, increasing access to eating disorder treatment for young Albertans and investing in affordable virtual and in-person counselling.
Quick facts
- Alberta's government is providing $197 million over three years (2023-2026) to CASA Mental Health to support CASA Mental Health Classrooms, CASA Houses and specialty services.
- This includes $70 million for the CASA Mental Health Classroom program.
- CASA Mental Health Classrooms are designed to support students from grades 4 to 12.
- Each can accommodate up to 12 students at a time from anywhere within the school division's boundary.
- There are two opportunities per year for intake - September and February.
- Nine new CASA Mental Health Classrooms opened in September 2024:
- Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary
- St. Cyril School in Calgary
- St. Joseph Catholic High School in Edmonton
- Rosslyn Junior High School in Edmonton
- Bev Facey Community High School in Sherwood Park
- H.E. Bourgoin School in Bonnyville
- Senator Riley School in High River
- St. Gabriel School in Fort McMurray
- Pines Alternative School in Red Deer
- Eight CASA Mental Health Classrooms continue to operate in:
- Fort Saskatchewan Elementary in Fort Saskatchewan
- J.A. Fife School in Edmonton
- St. Gabriel Catholic School in Edmonton
- Guthrie School in Sturgeon County
- Sturgeon Composite High School in Sturgeon County
- Escuela Vista Grande School in Red Deer
- South View Community School in Medicine Hat
- Wetaskiwin Outreach school (C.B. McMurdo) in Wetaskiwin
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