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. You can also find a list of local mental health practitioners listed in our business directory.

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 fee schedule.

For more information, or to book an appointment, call 780-992-6267.

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.
PPD and Anxiety Group - Virtual

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. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the virtual link.

For more information call 780-992-6267.

Youth Outreach Program

The Youth Outreach Worker provides short-term, goal-oriented support to youth, aged 6-18 years, and their families. They work with the youth's existing strengths while building connections between families, schools and community services.

Youth Outreach helps 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; and,
  • Social Concerns: problem solving, social skills, communication, peer relationships.

Who is eligible?

This is a confidential, free service provided to Fort Saskatchewan residents. The Youth Outreach Worker is able to meet in a variety of settings – at school, home, our offices, or other community spaces.

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 youth and/or family,
  • Supporting parents to empower themselves and their children, and
  • Working to meet goals while building relationships.

The Youth Outreach Worker does not provide psychiatric assessments or intervention services.

To apply to the program or for more information, please contact the FCSS Intake Line: 780-992-6267.
altView Outreach

The altView Foundation provides supports for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, adults, and families. They provide free peer supports by appointment. Several youth and family focused programs, supports for gay straight alliances, and presentations for schools of all grade levels, school staff, and communities.

For availability and details contact Sophie at: sophie@altview.ca 

Check out altview.ca for more information.
Wellness Resources

A Beginners Guide to Meditation

Coping Mechanisms: A Guide

Weekly Wellness Planner