Adult Mental Health Treatment Services

Provides individual, couples, group or family therapy to adults:

• who are suicidal or at risk for suicide
• who have an Axis I diagnosis
• who are experiencing a significant impairment in functioning meaning that they are not able to carry out daily activities of living

Clients initially speak with an intake therapist who determines eligibility, risk and urgency. They connect the client with the most appropriate mental health program or refer clients to an appropriate community agency.

The assigned therapist establishes treatment goals with the client based on symptoms and the clients identified goals.

Therapists work collaboratively with family physicians and may refer clients to a psychiatrist, if necessary.

Children's Mental Health Treatment Services

Treatment is provided using a variety of interventions to children who experience

• mood problems with impairment in functioning (health, learning, family, socialization)
• anxiety problems with impairment in functioning (health, learning, family, socialization)
• trauma-related experiences with impairment in functioning (health, learning, family, socialization)
• suicidal behaviour
• psychosis
• complex social, emotional, behavioral problems should be screened in as case coordination and referral may be required. These may include children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, complex trauma, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder etc.
• behavioral issues that are significant and present in multiple settings, consider assessment before referral to other agencies. These externalizing behaviors may be a sign of mood or anxiety disorders

Children who would be referred to other health care services or community agencies for a first intervention include:

• diagnosis for pervasive developmental disorders, should be referred to the family physician or other specialist assessment
• tic disorders and tourettes would be referred to family physician for specialist referral
• grief, separation and loss without associated functional impairment. The initial referral would be to school based or school linked services or to a community resource if available and/or to a walk in clinic where this service exists when some impairment is identified
• referrals related to disorder eating should be referred to physician and dietitian for follow up. Staff may be involved in case conferencing and planning for services
• substance use problems are referred to Addiction Services where substance use is primary
• psychoeducational and learning assessments will be referred to Education. Some clinics may have a wider range of services available. The assigned therapist will discuss available services with the client

Fluoride Protection for Toddlers

Children only need to have a few teeth to start getting fluoride. Applications are given 4 times, once every 6 months. For eligibility information visit our website.

At the appointment:

• The child sits on their parent's lap while staff apply fluoride on the child's teeth using a brush, which takes less than a minute.
• The child can eat and drink right after the treatment.
• The fluoride sticks to the teeth and protects them. It slowly wears off when the teeth are brushed.

If the child has asthma, bring his or her asthma reliever medicine to the appointment.
This provincial prevention service is available in all AHS (Alberta Health Services) zones.

Health Promotion - Community Presentations

Provides community presentations on health promotion topics including:

• preventing and managing chronic disease and illness
• preventing and managing injuries
• community development and capacity building
• wellness in the workplace
• tobacco cessation awareness

Health Promotion Program

Teaches individuals, organizations and communities about making healthy lifestylechoices by:

• building healthy public policy
• creating supportive environments
• strengthening community action
• developing personal skills
• reorienting health services

Topics include:

• tobacco cessation
• injury prevention
• healthy eating
• staying active
• staying safe in the sun

Mental Health Information, Promotion and Prevention

Offers information, workshops and training on preventing and/or coping with: 

• stress, anxiety, depression,  seasonal affective disorder, grief and loss
• suicide
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• ASIST and other suicide intervention training

Mental health promotion facilitators work with schools and various community agencies to strengthen resiliency amongst the population.

Some services are offered directly by Alberta Health Services staff, agencies funded by Alberta Health Services or community partners

Mental Health Services

Mental health problems may include mental illness such as:

• depression
• postpartum depression
• anxiety
• obsessive compulsive disorder
• schizophrenia

If you are not sure if these services are right for you, you can ask to talk to one of our therapists for assistance.

How do I obtain services?

• no referral is necessary and our services are free to Albertans as our costs are covered by your Alberta Health Care
• you can call yourself or a medical practitioner can also refer you

What do we do?

• talk to all callers as soon as possible (one business day)
• discuss problem with caller and develop a plan to meet needs
• provide mental health services through community programs

What services are provided?

•  assessment, diagnosis, treatment, therapy and support
•  referrals to other professional or community agencies when appropriate
•  services and support to mental health patients discharged from hospitals to assist
   them in returning to community life

 Information to individuals, community agencies or groups about mental health/ illness and suicide prevention

What additional community supports are available?

• mental health promotion and prevention
• support for the seriously mentally ill in the community.
• contact the nearest clinic for information on possible travel clinics

Oral Health - Programs and Services

This program offers:

• Targeted School Services: Fluoride varnish applications, oral health assessments and referrals, sealant applications, classroom education, and resource provision. These services are targeted to schools identified with students at oral health risk. Services may vary across the North Zone.
• Preschool Program: Fluoride varnish applications, oral health assessments and referrals for eligible children 12-35 months old. Services may vary across the North Zone.
• Community Education: Education for health professionals, community leaders, parent groups and other community groups to promote oral health. Information on fluoride and private well water sampling to determine fluoride levels available. Services may vary across the North Zone.

School Oral Health Services

Services are offered to eligible schools and may include:

• fluoride varnish, provided to kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2
• dental sealants, provided to Grade 1 and Grade 2

A child diagnosed with asthma must have their short acting asthma reliever medication with them to receive service.

Speech and Language Services

Treatment may involve one or more of the following:

• personal or small group sessions: sessions may be at the health centre or in the school
• classroom consultation/collaboration: SLP's work with teachers, teacher's aides, and/or other school staff to improve childrens speech and language skills in the classroom. Services are provided under the Regional Collaborative Service Delivery Program (RCSD).
• consultation with parents: Focus on how to improve the speech and/or language of their child in the home
• workshops: Daytime and evening workshops for parents or adults on topics relating to development or rehabilitation of communication skills.