Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Child Mental Health Services
CASA Mental Health is an accredited non-profit organization delivering holistic, culturally safe mental health services to Albertans aged three to 18 and their families. Founded in 1988, we specialize in trauma-informed care, offering assessment and treatment for over 11,000 children, youth, and families annually. Our multidisciplinary teams collaborate with community partners, including the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services, to provide evidence-based programs. We prioritize child-centered, family-inclusive care, with services ranging from outpatient clinics to residential treatment. Accredited by Accreditation Canada, our team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists.We advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and accessibility. Our five-year roadmap expands services province-wide, including new facilities and school-based mental health classrooms. We maintain financial stability through diverse funding sources, including government partnerships and community donations. Our mission is to build resilience through compassionate care, empowering children, youth, and families to thrive.
Services
Core Program
Trauma Program
Family Therapy
Residential Treatment
Preschool Day Program
CASA Classrooms
Indigenous Services
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Group
Adolescent Day Program
Live-In Treatment
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed, family-centered care with over 35 years of experience.
- Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
- We provide free, evidence-based programs tailored to children and youth.
- Our services are culturally safe and inclusive, with Indigenous-focused initiatives.
- We collaborate with Alberta Health Services and the University of Alberta for integrated care.
Associations and certifications
- Accreditation Canada
What people say
Life-changing support
Caring staff
Effective trauma treatment
Family-centered approach
Culturally safe environment
Services
Core Program
The Core Program provides initial mental health assessment and treatment for children aged 3-17. Our therapists address diverse concerns, stepping families into appropriate care levels. Services include individual and family therapy, focusing on emotional regulation and behavioral challenges. This program serves as the entry point for most families seeking support.
Trauma Program
Our Trauma Program specializes in treating children and teens aged 5-17 with complex developmental trauma. Using attachment-focused therapies, we help rebuild caregiver-child relationships. Services include intensive outpatient treatment and consultation for other providers, available in Edmonton and Calgary locations.
CASA House
CASA House offers live-in treatment for teens with severe mental health challenges. Residents stay an average of four months, receiving 24/7 therapeutic support. The program integrates education and life skills training, preparing youth for reintegration into community settings.
Preschool Day Program
This program supports children aged 3-5 with mental health challenges through structured classroom therapy. Children attend two days weekly, focusing on social-emotional development. Services include play therapy and caregiver education to reinforce learning at home.
CASA Classrooms
Embedded mental health classrooms operate within Alberta schools for grades 4-12. Students receive academic instruction alongside therapeutic interventions. Our team addresses anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, helping youth succeed educationally and socially.
People
Bonnie Blakley
Chief Executive Officer
Bonnie leads CASA Mental Health with over 20 years of executive experience in non-profit healthcare. She champions system-level change for children's mental health access across Alberta.
Dr. Andrea Yu
Director, Medical
Dr. Yu oversees psychiatric services, ensuring evidence-based care for youth. With a focus on developmental psychiatry, she bridges clinical practice and research to improve treatment outcomes.
Darby Semeniuk
Director, Corporate and Community Relations
Darby manages community partnerships and public engagement. She hosts the Circle of Care podcast, educating families about mental health resources and system navigation.
Tanya Kendall
Director, Clinical (CASA House and Day Programs)
Tanya leads residential and day treatment programs, specializing in intensive mental health care. She develops trauma-informed protocols for youth with complex needs.
Carrie Avveduti
Director, Clinical (Inclusivity and Indigenous Initiatives)
Carrie spearheads equity initiatives and Indigenous cultural safety programs. She works with First Nations communities to create culturally responsive mental health services for Indigenous youth.
Questions
What age groups does CASA serve?
We provide services for children and youth aged 3-18, with specialized programs for preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents.
Do you offer Indigenous-specific services?
Yes, our Indigenous Services program delivers culturally grounded mental health care, incorporating traditional practices and worldviews into treatment.
How can families access services?
Families can self-refer for preschool programs or get physician referrals for other services. Contact our intake team at 780-342-4415 for assessment.
Are services free?
All our mental health programs are free of charge, funded through government partnerships and community donations.
What crisis resources are available?
For immediate danger, call 911. For urgent mental health crises, contact the Edmonton Distress Line at 780-482-4357 or visit our website for regional resources.
Do you offer school-based programs?
Yes, CASA Classrooms embed mental health services directly into Alberta schools for grades 4-12, combining education with therapeutic support.
Reviews (1)
Rob MacDonald
Sep 15, 2017
Report
This is a fantastic place to help adolescents and younger children learn new skills to help them manage with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. It also helps teach parents techniques to help support and communicate with their kids. There are many caring people here who want to help.
