The Government of Saskatchewan announced Monday that it will provide nearly $2 million in annual funding to Family Services Saskatchewan.
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The $1.498 million will support a total of eight additional free quick access counseling service locations in the South and West Central regions of the province.
The program is available to individuals, couples, and families who need support with mental health issues ranging from stress and depression to family conflict, addiction, and domestic violence.
“Connecting those who need counseling services as soon as possible is crucial to improving the health of our communities,” said Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence on behalf of Mental Health and Addiction Minister Everett Hindley.
“We welcome this significant expansion of rapid advisory services across the province.”
The addition of the new services brings the total to 31 communities in Saskatchewan that are receiving walk-in mental health counseling services.
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Moose Jaw Family Services will provide the Quick Access Counseling Program on select days at Moose Jaw, Gravelbourg and Assiniboia. West Central Family Services will be based in Kindersley and will provide services in Biggar, Leader, Rosetown and Unity.
“Reaching out to a counselor is a big step for some,” said Shellie Pociuk, Family Services Saskatchewan board member and executive director of Family Service Regina.
“Having affordable and accessible support when you need it is crucial to keeping individuals and families safe.”
In total, the Ministry of Health will invest $470 million in mental health and addiction services in 2022-23.
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