Loading articles...

Some Other Solutions expanding mental health services

When Some Other Solutions, a Society for Crisis Prevention, (SOS) heard that Borealis Counselling was closing in Dec. 2019, Jason King, Executive Director of SOS wanted to help fill the gap in mental health services.

“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,” said King.

SOS has been in the community for over 30 years providing base level counselling with more in-depth therapy often refereed to other organizations.

He has been working with the team at Borealis Counselling to expand the mental health support SOS offers and has hired some of their 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 expanded counselling program now offered at SOS involves more highly-trained staff allowing for specialized support including family counselling.

The goal is to create a sustainable service model that can grow within the organization.

“If someone has benefits through their employment or other capacity we could put it through if they qualify, the service will start at $100 and range to full market value but that is based on a sliding scale based on income,” said King. “We could take them to that sliding scale to see what their affordability is so they could pay for counselling.”

They will be operating out of both locations, SOS currently facility on Franklin Avenue and the old Borealis Counselling Services in Timberlea for one year before transiting to the main downtown SOS location to be under one roof.

 “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.”

Judith Friesen will be offering counselling out of their Timberlea Location and Rita Uzorchukwuamaka, a registered social worker and new manager of health and wellness will be available for booking.

To access any services SOS offers you can call 780-743-8605.

Within the next week SOS will also be launching an online booking service.