Alberta Medical Association study finds gaps in pediatric mental health care

“Early access to mental health care is critical to long-term outcomes, yet too many children go without it, and often during the very stages when intervention matters most. Families are doing everything they can to get help and still come up short.”

Pattison Media Alberta asked the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction for comment.

In a statement, the ministry says supporting the wellness of young people is a top priority, and acknowledged that striving for improvements to the system is important.

“Alberta provides pediatric mental health services across a continuum of care to ensure children, youth, and families can be connected to different levels of support based on their needs, whether they require earlier intervention, community-based care, crisis support or more intensive treatment,” they said.

“We know the importance of improving system navigation when it comes to helping Albertans access the supports they need. As announced May 5, 2026, 2-1-1 is now the provincewide number to call to get connected to a variety of mental health supports, including clinical services, counselling and crisis support. By creating one simple access point, we are making it easier for Albertans of all ages to access timely and appropriate services.”

They also noted the partnership with CASA Mental Health, which provides school-based mental health classrooms and new live-in CASA House treatment facilities. There are 28 CASA classrooms operating across the province, including in Red Deer, with up to 60 expected to be operational, eventually.

The Alberta government also provides funding to Kickstand, a not-for-profit supporting youth mental health, officials noted.

by Josh Hall

Alberta Medical Association study finds gaps in pediatric mental health care

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