
There are multiple mental health agencies and professionals that are available to assist you and your loved ones during this challenging time. Many are providing services at a distance via technology (phone, email and video conferencing). Please see the list of some local service providers below, there are also private counsellors/psychologists still taking clients if you contact your school FSLC they can provide you with some referral information.
This list may be added to as more info becomes available.
Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)
Available across Southern Alberta
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
Cardston Area Mental Health
Cardston Addiction and Mental Health Services
Raymond Area Mental Health
Raymond Addiction and Mental Health Services
Lethbridge Area Mental Health
Lethbridge Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program

Access mental health supports and services online, by phone, or by text.
- Health Link | Call 811
- Alberta's Community and Social Services | Call 211 or text 'INFO' to 211
- Alberta Mental Health Helpline | 1-877-303-2642
- Distress Line of Southern Alberta | 403-327-7905 or 1-888-787-2880
- AHS: COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
- AHS: Help in Tough Times
- AHS: Virtual Mental Health
- AHS Virtual Workshops: Learn to Manage Stress in Challenging Times
- Alberta Health Services – Text4Hope
- Kid’s Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868 | Text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868
- ConnecTeen | www.calgaryconnecteen.com | Call or Text 587-333-2724
- Teen Mental Health
- Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub
- Addiction Services Helpline | 1-866-332-2322
- Family Violence Info Line | 403-310-1818
- Abuse Helpline | 1-855-443-5722
- Tex4Hope Programs
- Text 'Open2Change' to 393939 for addiction assistance
- Text 'CancerCare' to 393939 for cancer assistance
- Text 'COVID19HOPE' to 393939 for COVID-19 assistance
- Anxiety Canada
- Togetherall online network that offers anonymous, peer-to-peer mental health service
- Canadian Mental Health Association - Lethbridge | 403-329-4775
- Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
- Family doctor - While many of us only see our doctor for our physical health, having conversations about how we are coping is important to our overall well-being. If you are not connected to a doctor at this time, you can locate one at www.albertafindadoctor.ca.
- Rural Mental Health Project resources
- BeThere.org - resources to help someone you care about who is struggling with their mental health
- ATA Can We Talk
- Jack.org - Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub

The pandemic's challenges and pressures have exacerbated feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness for many students.
The Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub on Jack.org. provides youth, educators and parents with easy-to-access tools and mental health supports. The youth-focused resources on this hub include:
Jack Chapters – Youth-led, community-driven mental health advocacy clubs at schools or in the community.
Jack Talks – Mental health presentations delivered to young people by young people.
Jack Summits – Mental health conferences developed by youth, where young people within a region connect, strategize and learn from one another.
Do Something – Tools to take small, simple steps that make a big difference to youth mental health and the mental health of others.
Be There – Tools to support someone who may be struggling with their mental health.
Visit https://jack.org/Resources/ABHub to learn more.
The following mental health resources are available to support students, families and school staff:

Whether working in the school or from home, the pandemic has changed school-based staff's experience. These resources will help you address the challenges, stresses, and opportunities of school during COVID-19.

Find resources for talking, calming anxiety, healthy habits, and mindfulness. Remember: self-care isn't selfish.
- AHS: Help in Tough Times - Self-Help
- My Alberta: Heping You Recover from a Disaster or Emergency
- My Alberta: Helping Children and Teens Recover from a Disaster or Emergency
- VIDEO: Institute of Child Psychology -Helping Children Manage Anxiety Related to COVID-19
- Psychology Canada Strong Minds Strong Kids - Resources
- VIDEOS: Helping Kids Manage Anxiety Around Coronavirus - 4 Experts
- Supporting Kids During Coronavirus
- Applying Mindfulness to Quell Anxiety
- Independent Play and Homeschool Strategies

First Nations families can find local resources here.
For Blackfoot Confederacy members livings off-reserve, food hampers are available. Email arnoldj@blackfootconfederacy.ca and include your name, nation, contact information, physical living address, and the number of people in household.
- Blood Tribe Social Development - during work hours call (403) 737-3974
- FCSS Food Bank - (403) 737-2888
- Native Counselling of Alberta
- Alberta Health Services Indigenous Peoples & Communities COVID-19
- Hope For Wellness
- WeMatter - a place to help indigenous youth get through hard times
- First Nations Health Authority - Staying Connected During the Pandemic
- Indigenous Services Canada Video Playlist

These resources for students with special needs and their families may support your child at home.

Learn more about the Government of Alberta's information, resources, and support for mental health in our schools.

Find supports for financial assistance, food banks, shelter, emergency preparedness, and more.
- Practical and Emotional Preparedness for a Pandemic
- Government of Alberta Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Social Services (especially when in need of shelter or need to leave home) 1-866-644-5135
- Alberta 211
- Financial assistance, counseling, support with isolation, food, shelter etc. (multi-lingual)
- CALL – 211 TEXT - 211
- LIVE CHAT - https://www.ab.211.ca/

These articles and resources may help you in talking to your child about COVID-19 and its impacts.
- PDF: Talking to Kids About COVID-19
- Harvard & Alberta Teachers' Association: Talking to Kids About Coronavirus
- How to Talk to Your Child
- How to Talk to Your Child About the News
- Talking with Children about COVID-19
- Talking to Your Child about COVID-19
- Talking to Children About COVID-19
- Child Friendly Book About COVID-19
- Get Daily Advice About Structuring the Day During COVID - 19
- Harvard University Center on the Developing Child Article
- A Kids Guide to Handling Change
- Schools Are Closed Social Stories
- Social Story Changes
- Why I Can't Go to School: A Social Story
- What is a Virus: A Social Story
- Coping Strategies for Kids at Home
- PBS: Talking to Your Kids About Coronavirus and Healthy Habits Videos

Being physically and mentally active will help mitigate boredom and loneliness during social distancing and school closure. Check out these online resources to help.
- Be Fit For Life: Active at Home
- Be Fit For Life: Blackfoot Movement Story
- Be Fit For Life: AniMoves Indigenous Language Edition
- Physical Activities to Do at Home: BOKS
- Physical Activity Games: BokSopoly
- Active After School Resources
- My Feelings Journal
- Gratitude Journal
- Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
- Ted Ed: Ted Talks for Kids
- National Geographic Kids
- Learn a Language for Free
- Kids Podcasts
- OverDrive Shared Digital Library Collection
- Storyline Online
- Virtual Museum
- Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
- Random Acts of Kindness
- Over 30 Virtual Field Trips with Links
- 100 Activities to Do at Home
- 70 Things to Do With Kids at Home
- Arcade Games
- Crazy Games Online
- Christmas Games
- Winter Activities for the Whole Family
- Art for Kids Hub