Medicine Hat getting added mental health support through funding for CASA Mental Health

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 8, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Budget 2025 will help to provide increased mental health support to the province, including within Medicine Hat, via a partnership with CASA Mental Health.

CASA Mental Health is the province’s second-largest provider of community-based youth mental health services, focusing on youth aged 12-18 who are experiencing mental health challenges that are complex but do not require treatment in an acute-care setting or psychiatric hospital, say the province.

The budget would provide $47 million in capital grants to CASA Mental Health, for live-in and day program youth facilities in three new locations: Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray and Calgary.

This capital grant funding will quadruple the number of CASA House beds in Alberta to about 80.

“Through the Alberta Recovery Model, we are continuing to invest in the infrastructure, programs and services that will give Albertans access to the supports they need to live meaningful, fulfilling lives,” said Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “Our partnership with CASA Mental Health is increasing access to services and bringing supports closer to home.”

These facilities provide services which are fully funded by the province, and help to achieve outcomes such as helping youth build stronger relationships, manage conflict, solve problems, maintain positive health and wellness and transition to a community school setting.

“CASA Mental Health is expanding to provide services to children and youth, and hope to the families supporting them, by bridging the gap between home and hospital. We’re pleased to partner with the Alberta government to bring timely mental health care to more children and youth throughout the province,” said Bonnie Blakley, chief executive officer of CASA Mental Health.

The target for completion of the Medicine Hat facility is 2029.

“Since being elected two years ago, I have worked with community organizations and service providers to connect with each other and make a mental health and addiction system that works for Medicine Hat,” said Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright. “A new CASA House in the city will fill a gap I often hear about, which is the need for more access to mental health services tailored specifically to youth.”

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