Mission & History

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.

Our Vision

Mental Health For All.

Our Mission

Promoting resilient and mentally healthy communities through wellness and recovery-oriented supports and 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.

Our History

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.