FAQs

Our courses offer more structured learning experiences than many group programs. They’re designed with input from qualified and experienced educators AND people with lived experience. Each course has clear learning outcomes and activities to explore and build knowledge. Peer Support is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe everyone in the room has valuable insight to share. We see everyone as a teacher and a learner at the same time, including our facilitators.

Nothing! All courses are free, but you must register before attending.

All of our courses are open to everyone at all levels and at all stages of recovery. All we require is an open mind, a willingness to participate and be respectful of the other learners in the room.

Our courses are friendly, informative, engaging and enjoyable to help learners on their recovery journey. Two trained facilitators run each course, one who has personal experience of recovery and will share their experience as part of the course, the other an expert by education.

CMHA Edmonton offers several drop-in classes to support wellness and recovery, which don’t require registration, and are free of charge. To learn more, visit: Peer Support Services.

The majority of courses are held at CMHA Edmonton’s offices at Transition Place, but we will also have classes in community venues across Edmonton. Locations for each course can be found in the course summary.

Anyone aged 16+ affected by mental health or substance use issues who wants to explore their recovery journey and their own wellness. Anyone who is supporting a family or friend with a mental illness or substance use issue, as well as people working in the mental health field are welcome to attend. No referral is needed.

If you need help registering, please call 211, drop by our office (#300, 10010-105 Street NW, Edmonton) or email us at recoverycollege@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca.

211 is a 24-hour information and referral line that helps people connect to social, health and government services. 211 Alberta – Edmonton and Area is a program that is operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton and is funded by United Way Alberta Capital Region, City of Edmonton, FCSS and Children’s Services. Click here for more information.

If you are living with mental illness or supporting a loved one with mental illness, we can help you find the right support. We assist individuals living with a mental illness, their family members and friends with finding support, information and resources from social, government and health services. Click here for more information.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help caregivers recognize and review risk and intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. It is by far the most widely used, acclaimed and researched suicide intervention training workshop in the world. Click here for more information.

For workplaces, community groups, and other adult audiences, we offer mental health presentations on various topics. We also provide information displays for education related events and free educational materials. Click here for more information.

If you’re in distress, call 780-482-HELP (4357). If you’re outside of the greater Edmonton region, call our Rural Distress Line at 1-800-232-7288. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have you experienced abuse? Are you contemplating suicide? Now is the time to talk about it. Click here for more information.

CMHA Edmonton offers several drop in classes to foster wellness, share skills, and create connections. Classes are free of charge and held at Transition Place CMHA. Click here for more information.

Drop-In Single Session Counselling offers NO-COST single-session counselling to individuals, couples, and families when they need it most. This is a drop-in service with multiple locations throughout Edmonton with flexible days and times. CMHA Edmonton is a proud partner of this essential service. Click here for more information.

Goal: to provide quality, secure, and affordable housing for people with mental illness and/or low income. The program works with tenants and their supports to maintain long-term housing. Eligibility: Must be over the age of 18; with a history of mental illness or low income; capable of independent community living; and in need of subsidized housing. Click here for more information.

Presentations for classrooms and youth groups on stress, mental illness and recovery, stigma, and suicide for youth ages 12 and up (grade 7-12). Click here for more information.