Walk-in mental health counselling expanding in Sask.

More communities in Saskatchewan are set to offer free walk-in mental health counselling.

The Government of Saskatchewan set aside $1.2 million for the services in the 2019 provincial budget, but the locations were just finalized.

Walk-in counselling services already had been available in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Humboldt and Melfort.

The slate of communities offering the service is being expanded to also include Battleford, Estevan, Indian Head, Kamsack, Kelvington, Nipawin, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Southey, Swift Current, Tisdale, Weyburn and Wynyard. Some communities will have more than one location.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Family Service Saskatchewan (FSSask) also are working to determine the locations of five additional sites around the province.

“These walk-in counselling services in communities throughout Saskatchewan are free to anyone experiencing a mental health challenge,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding said in a media release.

“People will receive local help and will be connected to any ongoing supports they may need to manage their mental health. With more communities offering these important services, more Saskatchewan people can receive timely care closer to home.”

Help will be available for anyone dealing with issues including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict and urgent mental health needs.

“This new funding is dedicated to improving access to mental health services in Saskatchewan for everyone,” Trish St. Onge, the chair of FSSask, said in the release.

“The great thing about walk-in counselling is that people don’t have to wait for a first appointment. It can be a big step reaching out to a counsellor and we are able to serve people immediately.”