Free mental health counselling available at SOS*

*Eligibility requirements must be met

Counselling has always been part of Some Other Solutions (SOS), but the social agency is reaffirming its commitment to provide free mental health counselling for those who can’t afford to pay.

The pro-bono program initially began in January 2020 when SOS enhanced their counselling program to provide more in-depth therapy support. With more highly-trained staff, the organization has been offering more specialized support such as family counselling.

The society for crisis prevention has set aside a block of free mental health counselling sessions each week for those who can’t afford to pay full market value for psychologists.

Currently, the Red Cross covers the costs of flood-related counselling and until August 2021, the provincial government is covering the cost for COVID-related counselling. Some Other Solutions is hoping the fee-for-service sessions, donations and local business partners will assist in covering free mental health counselling sessions, even when the grants run out.

“Fort McMurray has experienced a lot of trauma in the last five years,” says Jason King, Executive Director of SOS. “Our community doesn’t have sufficient affordable counselling to meet the demand and so it is important for us to be a safe, neutral place for anyone who needs support.”

To access mental health counselling

If you are looking for free mental health counselling related to the flood or COVID, you can apply directly on the SOS website.

For other areas, please call our office and we will review your application to determine eligibility.

To support the pro bono initiative

You can directly support the free mental health counselling program at SOS through a donation. Learn more about our organization and please consider donating.