Counselling

As COVID-19 continues to be a concern in our province, Alberta’s government partnered with the Kids Help Phone and Jack.org created the Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub on Jack.org. where youth, educators and parents can find easy-to-access tools and supports. 

The youth-focused resources on this hub include:

• Jack Chapters – Youth-led, community-driven mental health advocacy clubs at schools or in the community.
• Jack Talks – Mental health presentations delivered to young people by young people.
• Jack Summits – Mental health conferences developed by youth, where young people within a region connect, strategize and learn from one another.
• Do Something – Tools to take small, simple steps that make a big difference to youth mental health and the mental health of others.
• Be There – Tools to support someone who may be struggling with their mental health.

Mental Wellness Moment 

The winter break can be difficult as we enter a four-week circuit break in response to COVID-19. Being away from loved ones and family members can heighten the number of people who suffer mental health issues. In support, Alberta Health Services is promoting “Mental Wellness Moment”, a YouTube series with Dr. Nicholas Mitchell, AHS medical director, Addiction and Mental Health. The collection of 25 videos are under three-minutes each and cover a wide-range of topics such as social isolation, household tensions, loneliness, managing cravings, and self-care. 

Wellness Together Canada  
The Canadian government is extending its support, offering wellness resources, self-assessment tools and phone, video and text counselling through its Wellness Together Canada site. Supports are available 24/7, free, and accessible to everyone. 

We are proud to announce Alberta Health Services has officially launched Togetherall, an online, peer-to-peer mental health support network that empowers all Albertans aged 16+ to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7.

View the news release here: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page15657.aspx

As a reminder, Togetherall offers Albertans:

• A safe and vibrant online community where individuals remain anonymous to each other and can draw strength and insights from others that have real lived experiences
• Resources that are easily accessible and active 24/7/365, no formal referral needed
• Peace of mind knowing the community is clinically moderated by registered mental health practitioners who ensure individuals are kept safe and feel supported
• Access to additional self-assessments, recommended resources and self-guided courses to help foster positive mental health and wellbeing
• Creative tools to help members express and track how they are feeling in a way that feels comfortable to them

This tool will help connect Albertans with support during a time when we need it the most. It is important to maintain our social connections and this platform will provide a way for us all to reconnect and support one another. We encourage you to sign up, share with your friends and family and use this tool as an option for your clients to access.

We have attached some tools including an FAQ, interactive digital flyer and printable flyer to help you and your clients learn more about Togetherall. To sign up, visit www.ahs.ca/virtualmentalhealth.

If you or your team would like to schedule a live demo of the platform, please contact Togetherall directly via their general inquires inbox.

Help in Tough Times

At some point in our lives we all have stressful times. We can be impacted by such things as financial pressures, unexpected difficulties, unemployment, or stressful situations such as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Support is available from Alberta Health Service Addiction and Mental Health, although how the services are provided may have changed. Access more information at Help in Tough Times.

Text4Hope

Text4Hope is a free service providing three months of daily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)–based text messages written by mental health therapists. For more information go to Text4Hope

Mental Wellness Moments

Videos are a terrific way to educate ourselves and others about mental wellness. To access several videos on various mental wellness topics created by the Alberta Health Services Provincial Medical Director, go to Mental Wellness Moments Videos

How to Access Counselling Services at SJHS:

1. If currently connected with one of the counsellors, email the counsellor directly.
2. If currently not connected to a counsellor, email sjhscounsellors@rdcrs.ca
3. If you require mental health assistance outside of school hours, text or phone the Kids Help Phone. If you require immediate mental health assistance, go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911.