Canadian Mental Health Association

Q: Is the CMHA a government organization?
A: No. CMHA is a multi-level, nation-wide, non-profit organization, with national, provincial and local offices.

Q: How is the CMHA, Calgary Region affiliated with CMHA National?
A: Independent regions and branches such as ours are largely autonomous, but share a common vision surrounding the delivery of community mental health services.

Q: Are there CMHA offices in other cities throughout Canada?
A: Yes. There are more than 135 offices. You can find a complete listing of these at the CMHA National site : www.cmha.ca. Click here for a listing of all Alberta CMHA offices.

Q: What is the difference between the Alberta Mental Health Board (AMHB) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)?
A:The AMHB is a provincial health authority (established by the Government of Alberta) that is accountable to the Minister of Health and Wellness. It has a governance mandate for province-wide services and programs, as well as responsibility for promoting mental health in Alberta.

CMHA is a national voluntary (non-government) organization that addresses itself to the needs of those with mental health concernsl, to the prevention of mental disorders and to the promotion of mental health. In Calgary, CMHA was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness through a comprehensive range of community-based services for individuals, families, groups and organizations.

Our Services:

Q: Does the CMHA provide psychiatric assessment services?
A: No. CMHA is a community-based organization, we do not provide medical services. We can, however, give referrals to other organizations where you can get help.

Q: What is Suicide Bereavement counseling?
A: Suicide Bereavement is individual or group counseling, available to someone who has experienced loss through suicide.

Q: What kinds of services does the CMHA provide?
A: Please refer to the section called Programs on the main menu.

Q: Does the CMHA advocate for a person living with a mental disorder?
A: Yes. Our Advocate can help with a large number of problems, including minor legal problems, such as landlord-tenant difficulties or helping with AISH application forms.

Q: Does the CMHA provide counseling?
A: We only provide counseling in certain specific areas: For example:
- Suicide bereavement
- A family member of a person with a mental disorder .
We also provide a comprehensive range of support services, including housing and life-skills training.

Q: Does the CMHA still have any programs at their 14th. Street offices?
A: Yes. Our Leisure/Recreation and Peer Support programs still operate from there.

Housing at CMHA:

Q: Is there a waiting list for housing?
A: Usually yes. The waiting list depends on a person's specific need. Details can be obtained from our intake coordinator.

Q: Can a person obtain Independent Living Support, while living in their own accommodation?
A: Yes. Please contact the Independent Living Support program.

Q: Can the CMHA find housing for me?
A: The CMHA does have housing in the form of apartments and group homes. You should contact our 'Intake' Coordinator for details.

General information on mental health and mental disorders:

Q: What is mental health?
A: Striking a balance in all aspects of your life - social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental.

Q: Where can I find information on different specific mental disorders?
A: Have a look in our 'Virtual Library'.

Q: Are people with a mental disorder likely to be violent?
A: No. People with a mental disorder are more likely to be the victims, rather than the perpetrators of violence.

Q: Are mental disorders hereditary?
A: Sometimes, but not always. Mental disorders can affect anyone, regardless of intelligence, social class or income level. For more information on this topic, please refer to our links page.

Q: What is ‘stigma’?
A: Societal prejudice that can prevent people in need from speaking out or seeking help.

Volunteering with CMHA:

Q: How can I get to your office by public transit?
A: The #7 bus stops at 11th.Ave. and Centre St. (1 block)
The # 10 bus stops at Macleod Trail and 12th.Ave. (1 block)
The nearest LRT station is Victoria Park ( 2 blocks)

Q: Where can I park while visiting the CMHA?
A: There are 6 volunteer spots beside our building - parking here is free, but only for two hours and you must check in at the front desk. There is lots of 2-hour and meter parking on the streets around the building and several Impark lots in the vicinity.

Q: Is the CMHA a volunteer organization? Do you have paid staff and if so, what are their qualifications?
A: CMHA has a paid staff of approximately 60. All staff are highly trained - their qualifications depend on the demands and expectations of their position.We are strongly supported by more than 200 volunteers, who contribute upwards of 35,000 hours of volunteer work each year!

Q: How can I become involved with the CMHA as a Volunteer?
A: Volunteers are active in all program areas with the CMHA. If you are interested in volunteering, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 297 1713.

Fundraising:

Q: How can I contribute financially to the CMHA?
A: Very simple. Click here to visit CanadaHelps.org.