Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental health and well-being are an important part of overall health. Mental health affects how we feel, think, and interact with the world around us. Everyone has mental health! FCSS offers short term, preventative mental health services that help to support individuals build resiliency and connect to community services.

altView Outreach
altView Peer Support is offered in the lower level of City Hall on Mondays from 9:00am – 12:00pm. The altView Foundation provides support and resources to youth, adults and families on LGBTQ2+ concerns. Check out altview.ca to make an appointment or find out more of the services offered.
Counselling

The FCSS Counselling Program is an affordable, professional service designed to address short-term counselling needs and focuses on resolving client concerns. Our counsellors use solution focused, cognitive behavioural approaches to assist clients in meeting their counselling goals.

Who is it for?

It can often be helpful in life's problems to access outside support. This can make the difference between resolving a problem quickly and going through a long period of struggle.

Support is provided for a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, loss, marital and relationship issues, stress, family conflict, parenting challenges, self-esteem and others.

All FCSS counselling services are confidential and provided on a sliding fees schedule.

For more information, or to book an appointment, call 780-992-6267 or toll free at 1-866-992-6267.

Meet Our Counsellors

Valerie Jansen-Lakusta (B.A., M.Ed.)

Valerie is a Registered Psychologist and has been working as a counsellor with the City of Fort Saskatchewan since 1998. Val has experience with youth, adults, couples, families and seniors.

Penny Smith (B.Ed., MC)

Penny is a Registered Psychologist who has been working with the City of Fort Saskatchewan since 2011. Penny has experience with individuals, couples, youth and seniors.
Family School Liaison Program

Family School Liaisons (FSLs) provide short-term, goal-oriented support to students, aged 6-18 years, and their families. They work with a student's existing strengths while building connections between families, schools and community services.

FSLs help students with...

  • Emotional Concerns: self-esteem, managing emotions, grief and loss, stress, life changes, coping skills
  • Family Concerns: separation or divorce, parent-teen conflict, sibling conflict, parenting tools, advocacy
  • School Based Concerns: transition to a new school, attendance issues, improve communication between families and the school
  • Social Concerns: problem solving, social skills, communication, peer relationships

Who is eligible?

This is a confidential, free service provided to Fort Saskatchewan residents. FSLs are able to meet with students in a variety of settings – at school, home or at the office.

Individual sessions may focus on:

  • Connecting the family to community resources
  • Acting as a liaison between the school, community agencies and the family
  • Identifying strategies to support both the student and/or family
  • Supporting parents to empower themselves and their children
  • Working to meet student goals while building relationships

Family School Liaisons do not provide psychiatric assessments or intervention services.

How can services be accessed?

To apply to the program or for more information, please contact the FCSS Intake Line: 780-992-6265.

 
PPD and Anxiety Group

Postpartum can be a very difficult time. If you are looking to connect with other moms and receive support in this area this group may be for you.

  • This group runs for 6 weeks.
  • Sessions are on Friday mornings from 10am – 12pm at Families First Society.
  • Free childcare is provided.
  • There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. 

Check back to see when the next group session starts.

For more information call 780-992-6267.