Subsidy program available to assist with suicide bereavement counselling

By Medicine Hat News on February 11, 2021.

A subsidy program has been announced to assist southeastern Albertans with suicide bereavement counselling.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta Southeast Region says the program provides support for family members and friends who have suffered a loss due to a death by suicide.

The funding was provided through Alberta Ministry of Health to the Coordinated Community Response to Suicide Program.

Asking for help can sometimes be difficult and financial constraints can be a deterrent. CMHA ASER wants to help remove this barrier so family and friends who need the support can access it without financial concern.

The Suicide Bereavement Counselling Subsidy Program allows individuals of any age who need support to get up to six sessions with a counselling professional.

A list is being compiled of professional counsellors in the region who are currently accepting new patients.

“Those patients who have already engaged services are able to continue working with their current service, and those using extended benefits will be allowed to access the subsidy once their benefits have been depleted,” states a press release.

Counselling services will be asked to direct bill CMHA of Alberta Southeast.

“We know the impact to our community over the last year has been significant. Our goal with this grant is to help provide hope to those left behind after a death by suicide,” says Sandra Milne, newly appointed executive director. “It is important for this funding to help family members and friends through their grief and to understand they are not alone in this journey. We are here to help through education, support and referrals.”

The organization will backdate any professional counselling services to the date the contract was signed. Any eligible participant who paid for support from Oct 21, 2020 to the current date will be reimbursed based on a paid receipt. Please contact aser@cmha-aser.ca to get details on how to receive a reimbursement.

Additional information is available online: https://mentalwellnessmatters.ca/blog-news/suicide-bereavement-counselling-subsidy-program.