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By Chris Brown

Online assessment, five sessions

NDP calls for more COVID-19 mental health supports

Dec 11, 2020 | 12:02 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s NDP Opposition is calling on the government to increase mental health supports of Albertans as the province heads into a COVID-19 induced shutdown over the holiday season.

The NDP wants the province to launch an online tool for Albertans to assess their mental health and then be connected with a registered health-care provider for five provincially-insured therapy sessions.

“Albertans have endured incredible stress throughout this year, from job losses to social isolation to the loss of loved ones,” said NDP Leader Rachel Notley, in a release. “Heading into the holidays, I know how painful it is that we won’t be able to gather with our friends and extended family. For many, the holidays are always tough, and this year will be especially hard.”

The NDP says that using the provincial health-care plan means no out-of-pocket costs for anyone with a provincial health number.

The Opposition is recommending the government make a commitment to fund up to $100 million worth of mental health support through this program.

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“The pandemic has made our lives much more difficult, and it’s also driven home how important it is to be proactive about our own health,” said Heather Sweet, opposition critic for Mental Health and Addiction. “This is an opportunity for the province to give Albertans the tools to do that.”

Throughout the pandemic, the government has issued three calls for proposals for community grant funding for mental health supports. The total funding was $25 million.

If you or someone you know is in crisis resources are available. In the case of an emergency dial 9-1-1. The Alberta Mental Health Help Line can be reached at 1-877-3030-2642. The Kids Help Phone can be reached at 1-800-668-6868.