Some Other Solutions expands mental health support

Some Other Solutions expands mental health support

Struggling individuals and families in Northern Alberta will have the opportunity to access expanded mental health resources as a Fort McMurray social agency enhances their counselling program.

Some Other Solutions, a society for crisis prevention, has been providing mental health and wellness support in the community for more than 30 years. Base level counselling has always been part of the service offering; however, more-in depth therapy support was often referred to other organizations. With another local social agency closing at the end of 2019, Some Other Solutions is stepping up to fill an important gap.  

“We are all partners when it comes to mental wellness and it’s important we come together as a community to ensure the services and support are available to everyone who needs it,” says Jason King, Executive Director of Some Other Solutions.

With the news that Borealis Counselling was closing in December, King worked closely with their team to learn more about how their service model worked and put together a plan to build more counselling into what was offered at Some Other Solutions. The plan also includes hiring some of the Borealis counsellors.

“By keeping counselling patients in-house, we can avoid anyone falling through the gaps in the system. I’d like to thank Borealis for what they provided to our community for many decades and assure anyone in need of help that we’re here,” says King.

The newly-enhanced counselling program involves bringing on more highly-trained staff, which will allow for more specialized support, such as family counselling. The new model is fee-for-service, with clients paying what they can on a sliding scale. The cost will start at $100 per session and range to full market value. The goal is to create a sustainable service model that can grow within the organization.

“Our community has faced some tough times in the last several years, with the downturn in the oil industry and the wildfires in 2016,” says King. “People are facing monumental challenges — everything from stress to emotional distress, loneliness and suicidal thoughts. We are here to help them build resilience and face their struggles."

The expanded counselling program at Some Other Solutions is available for the community, effective immediately.