Indigenous Community Mental Health Program

Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, the Indigenous Community Mental Health Programme provides culture based mental health services to Indigenous people regardless of their legal definition. Programme services include supportive counselling, cultural support services, education and awareness, intervention, advocacy, intakes and assessment, and referrals. Delivery of cultural sensitivity for mainstream service providers is a key component in addressing partnerships.

All programming is LGBTQQ and two-spirited welcoming.

Program Goal

To provide individualized assessment, care planning and evaluation of services provided to the client and advocacy on behalf of the client as needed.

Program Objectives

  • To maintain a working relationship and to network with government and social agencies concerned with the mental health of urban Indigenous people.
  • To provide mental health programmes and services to urban Indigenous people regardless of their legal definition.
  • To promote culturally appropriate mental health services for clients.
  • To provide Indigenous cultural sensitivity training to mainstream mental health service providers as a key component in addressing partnerships and a continuum of care for Indigenous clients.

Target Group / Eligibility Criteria

Self-identified Indigenous people sixteen years of age and older.

Community Outreach and Prevention

  • Linking and networking with native and non-native agencies, organizations, services, to promote and provide services for clients who are experiencing mental health issues.
  • Promoting culturally appropriate, social/recreational and programme activities that minimize the negative effects of mental health issues in the Indigenous individual, family and community.
  • To provide culturally appropriate alternatives to existing mainstream programs.

Community Education / Awareness

  • Research and develop culture-based mental health information material.
  • Design, develop and deliver mental health educational presentations to individuals, families, community organizations and services.
  • Design, develop and deliver cultural awareness training to mainstream service providers.

Intervention

  • Provide assistance to individuals, families or communities who request assistance or information concerning mental health services.
  • Make initial contact with client (individual, family or community) or with significant concerned other.
  • Assist in arranging for emergency assistance as may be required for clients to access.
  • Mental Health Services internally or externally.

Referral

Research, network and outreach with Native and non-Native services that will assist clients in addressing mental health issues and any other referral services required i.e. Shelters, Housing, Legal Services, Jails, Medical Services Branch