CASA Mental Health Classrooms is an innovative program delivered by CASA Mental Health to support students facing complex mental health challenges while continuing their education. In these classrooms, students receive individual therapy, group therapy and psychiatric care to support their recovery.
Currently, CASA Mental Health Classrooms exist within five schools throughout the province. With an investment of $10 million this fiscal year, CASA Mental Health is expanding their reach across Alberta. This February, classrooms will open in three new schools: the Wetaskiwin Outreach school, Escuela Vista Grande School in Red Deer, and Southview Community School in Medicine Hat. With the addition of these schools, there will be eight CASA Mental Health Classrooms operating in the province with 12 more on the way, representing a total of $30 million from Alberta’s government over three years.
“Our government is proud to have partners like CASA Mental Health that support the well-being and recovery of young Albertans. Expanding mental health programs like these classrooms is a priority for the province as we invest in prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.”
“I’m encouraged to see more of these classrooms opening across the province to help address mental health concerns we are seeing in the classroom. The partnership between CASA and the respective schools will continue to find solutions to best meet the need and provide adequate care to students.”
These CASA Mental Health classrooms can support up to 12 students per cohort from across the school district. In addition to a full-time teacher, each classroom is staffed with a mental health therapist, mental health aide and other support staff to ensure students can get the treatment they need to excel in their learning.
“This partnership with the Government of Alberta addresses the need for services closer to Alberta students by bridging a child’s mental health and school needs. The goal is to provide mental health service earlier to more children and youth to prevent treatment in hospitals and empower them to thrive.”
“We are excited to partner with CASA Mental Health on a new classroom as we continue our commitment to fostering supportive learning environments for all students. By providing a dedicated space for mental health resources, we aim to create an inclusive atmosphere where students can thrive emotionally, socially and academically. This initiative reinforces our commitment to nurturing the holistic development of every student, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary for success.”
“Mental health for students in our region is a top priority for me as MLA, and I am grateful to see our government’s investment making a difference in this area. I look forward to the success of this program and the positive impact it will have on students in Wetaskiwin.”
“As MLA for Red Deer-North, I am confident that this initiative will bring significant benefits to our community and, most importantly, to our students.”
“Mental health for our children is a top priority for all of us, in particular parents. It can be very hard for parents supporting their children suffering with mental health challenges. I am grateful to see our government investing in supporting mental health of children and families in Red Deer school classrooms.”
“I am proud to support a government that puts funding forward for mental health in the classroom. As they learn, students deserve all we can offer to ensure their needs are met for a successful future.”
Alberta’s government is making record investments in mental health and addiction to support Albertans of all ages in their pursuit of recovery. This includes investing in digital supports like 211 Alberta and Kids Help Phone, supporting youth mental health hubs, increasing access to eating disorder treatment for young Albertans, and investing in affordable virtual and in-person counselling.
Quick facts
- CASA classrooms are currently operating in the following schools:
- Fort Saskatchewan Elementary in Fort Saskatchewan
- Gibbons School in Gibbons
- J.A. Fife School in Edmonton
- St. Gabriel Catholic School in Edmonton
- Sturgeon Composite High School in Sturgeon County
- Budget 2023 committed $92 million over three years to provide critical mental health supports for children and youth in partnership with CASA Mental Health through programs including CASA House, Adolescent Day Program, CASA Classrooms and CASA’s Core program.
- CASA Mental Health is the second-largest provider of community-based residential services for children and youth in Alberta, after Alberta Health Services.
- Albertans experiencing addiction or mental health challenges can contact 211 for information on services in their community.