Our Story – Why We Exist

It is Calgary Mental Health Association (CMHA) Calgary’s mission to be a leader in reducing the impact of mental illness and addiction in our community. For more than 65 years, we have provided free, accessible, inclusive services focused on helping those in need of mental health supports, and supporting overall wellness, while demonstrating measurable impact in improving resiliency with our clients and community.

We have a proven ability to engage, empower, and support our community in building capacity to understand the needs, and support those living with mental health and substance use challenges.

Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region Programs

Individual and Family Support: Provides support, education and information to help people support their loved ones and/or look after themselves through one-on-one counselling, peer support, as well as drop-in and therapy groups. Generous community support allows people to connect and heal, one-on-one face to face, virtually, over the phone, or in our Welcome Centre.

Individual and Community Education and Training: A wide range of health education programs and courses for individuals, community groups, workplaces and organizations. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are available for each program.

• YouthSMART: Youth Supporting Mental Health and Resiliency Together (YouthSMART) provides mental health education and engagement opportunities for individuals and groups aged 12-24 in 45-90-minute sessions at school or in community settings.
• EQUIPPED: An online educational platform that builds on the concepts taught in YouthSMART and expands knowledge for an audience of emerging adults ages 16-24.
• Peer Support Training: People learn to use their lived experience with mental health and/or addiction issues to support their community. Students are given 83 hours of training and 50 hours of practicum experience and opportunities to connect to the Peer Support Community of Practice.
  Recovery College: Helps adults recognize and develop their own resourcefulness and awareness in order to support themselves or their loved one’s recovery journey.
• Adult and Workplace Education: Virtual or in-person mental health educational programs for adult community groups, workplaces, and organizations. Topics include health awareness, stress management and healthy coping, suicide prevention and sessions developed for your unique interest and needs.

Post Discharge and Supportive Living Programs: Serves individuals 18 years of age and older with moderate to severe mental health and addiction concerns and reduces the risk that people will be (re)admitted to hospital. There are numerous sponsorship and donation opportunities to help offset the cost of food, holiday gifts, event experiences, welcome home packages and unfunded program expenses.

Continuing Connections: Assists individuals between 18 and 65 years of age who reside in long-term care centres and who have complex needs, often managing both long-term physical and mental health concerns. This recovery-based program is designed to increase clients’ confidence and to facilitate healthy living while restoring hope.

Ways to Give

When you donate to CMHA Calgary, your investment helps fund programs and services in Calgary and makes a difference in the lives of people who have been affected by a mental health or substance use concern.

Donate by phone, mail, online or meet with us in person. Pledge a monthly gift or make a one-time donation. Host a fundraising event. Contribute sales revenue. Donate publicly traded securities. Plan a legacy gift. Or contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities. CMHA Calgary’s donation website is available by clicking here. You’re also invited to contact us directly: [email protected]; 403-297-1700.

Thank you for supporting CHMA Calgary and for improving people’s mental health in the Calgary community.