It is Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region’s (CMHA Calgary) mission to be a leader in reducing the impact of mental illness and addiction in community. For more than 65 years, we have provided a person and family centered integrated service model focused on early intervention and prevention of a mental health or substance use concern that delivers a measurable increase in community resiliency.
Our long standing belief is that recovery is possible. Our recovery model focuses on wellness by shifting the emphasis from a narrow, limiting view of a diagnosis, towards empowering individuals, building their strengths, resiliency and hope for a meaningful life. This recovery is demonstrated in the advancement of Peer Support where individuals with personal experience of a mental health or substance use concern are trained to support others through shared understanding and hope.
We believe that we have an obligation and duty to provide a platform for advocacy and leadership in the community. We have a proven ability to engage, help organize, empower and support the community in building the capacity to understand and support those living with mental health and substance use challenges.
Our Vision
Mentally healthy people in a healthy society.
Our Mission
A leader in reducing the impact of mental disorders and addiction in promoting mental health, wellness and recovery through community-based services.
Our Values
R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Recovery: We will use recovery-oriented practices in our work with clients.
Empowerment: We will empower our clients to be healthy and independent.
Self-Awareness: We will take the time to assess how we individually contribute to quality client care and a psychologically safe workplace.
Partnership: We will look to grow our programs and services using a partnership model.
Excellence: We will look at new work practices and models of care that support creating a culture of excellence in client services.
Client Focused: In every decision or action we will ask how this effort will serve our clients.
Teamwork: We will further develop and support healthy teams that contribute to a healthy organizational culture.
Annual Reports
See our Annual Report to the Community
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is one of Canada’s oldest national voluntary organizations. Founded in 1918 by Dr. Clare Hincks, the organization’s goals at the time included fighting mental illness and promoting mental health.
CMHA is the only national voluntary organization that addresses the needs of those with a mental illness, the prevention of mental illness, and the promotion of mental health. Today the Association operates in all the provinces and two territories, and includes over 135 local branches and regions.
Over 25,000 members and volunteers support the activities and programs of the Association throughout Canada. These activities range from direct services to individuals with a mental illness and their families, through to public education, community action, and advocacy.
The CMHA was established in Calgary in 1955 and is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness through a comprehensive range of community-based services for individuals, families, groups and organizations.
President and Chair: Dr. Michael Trew
Past President: Rick Wise
Provincial Board Representative: Kerry Brown & Heidi Schubert
Debasis Bhaumik
Kerry Brown
Ted Bobier
Joanne Dial
Fraser Gordon
Nancy Laird
Beatrice Lipman
Asheley Newmarch
Wayne Patton
Hope Sanderson
Heidi Schubert
Karilee Snatenchuk
Steve Sproule
Dr. Michael Trew
Sandra Umpherville
Rick Wise
Executive Director: Sara Jordan
Interim Director, Human Resources: Iroghama Isiekwe
Director, Philanthropy and Stewardship: Karen Gallagher-Burt
Director, Finance & Corporate Services: Greg Elsasser
Director, Strategy, Grants and Performance: Cynthia Badura Berntson
Director, Operations: Kristi Jensen
Call 403-297-1700 or email info@cmha.calgary.ab.ca to contact any of these individuals.
Our Peer Support is still accessible through email (peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca) and phone (403-297-1402). The emails and phone calls will be responded to in a timely manner based on volume received between the hours of 11 am – 3 pm on Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 1 pm – 7 pm on Tuesdays.
Our Counselling Services are available through email (counsellingintake@cmha.calgary.ab.ca) and phone (403-297-1708). Messages will be responded to between 9 am – 4 pm based on volume.
Check our website or social media channels (@cmhacalgary) for further updates.
Main Office:
#105, 1040 – 7 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3G9
Canada
Tel: 403-297-1700
Fax: 403-270-3066
Email: info@cmha.calgary.ab.ca
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories and of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta
Our Welcome Centre is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please connect with our Peer Support through email (peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca) and phone (403-297-1402).
Please note: CMHA Calgary does not provide intervention for individuals contemplating suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the Distress Centre’s 24-hr Crisis Line at (403) 266-HELP or visit their website. If you or a person you know is at immediate risk of harming self or others, please call 9-1-1.
Q: Is CMHA a government organization?
A: No. CMHA is a national non-profit organization with national, provincial and local offices.
Q: How is CMHA Calgary affiliated with CMHA National?
A: CMHA Calgary shares a common vision to deliver community mental health services and promote awareness and advocacy about mental health issues; however, independent regions and branches such as Calgary’s are largely autonomous. The independence of each local office allows us to provide programs and services that best suit the needs of our communities.
Q: Are there CMHA offices in other Canadian cities?
A: Yes. There are more than 135 offices. Find a complete listing of these here.
Q: What is the difference between the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)?
A: CMHA is an independent, non-profit, charitable organization that has been operating in Canada since 1918 and in Calgary since 1955. CMHA is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness through a comprehensive range of community-based services for individuals, families, groups and organizations.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a commission created by the Federal Government in 2007 to promote mental health in Canada and work with stakeholders to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support.
Q: Does CMHA Calgary provide psychiatric assessment services?
A: No. CMHA Calgary provides community-based support services, not medical care. Please see our services for a complete list of our programs and services.
CMHA Calgary receives financial support from the following organizations:
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*We’re part of the Calgary Foundation’s Community Knowledge Centre. We’re proud to be a part of this
ground-breaking initiative that seeks to build community by showcasing Calgary’s diverse and amazing charitable sector.
