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-centred 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.
Mental Health For All.
Promoting resilient and mentally healthy communities through wellness and recovery-oriented supports and services.
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.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is one of Canada’s oldest national voluntary organizations. Founded in 1918 by Dr. Clarence Hincks, the organization’s goals at the time included supporting those with mental illness while 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, to public education, community action, and advocacy.
CMHA Calgary was established 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.
Is CMHA a government organization?
No. CMHA is a national non-profit organization with national, provincial and local offices.
How is CMHA Calgary affiliated with CMHA National?
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.
Are there CMHA offices in other Canadian cities?
There is currently one national office, 11 divisions in all provinces and one territory, and 75 community-based branches/regions. Support is provided to over 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 5,000 staff and 11,000 volunteers.
What is the difference between the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)?
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.