Mental Health and Addictions

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS) represent a continuum of care ranging from prevention/early intervention through to very specialized treatment, are provided free of charge to residents of Saskatchewan. 

Access to all SHA Mental Health and Addiction Services offered in community based settings is through general access numbers listed by geographical area within the SHA. Services closest to you can be found by vising the General Access Numbers page.

A Saskatchewan resident may refer themselves by phoning the general access number or be referred by a family physician. To determine which services are most appropriate, a standardized assessment including a triage is completed. Services offered may include referrals to programming from other community agencies.  Other human services ministries also make referrals and there are many collaborative partnerships established to provide services to common clients.

Access to detox and addiction treatment centres can also be facilitated by calling the general access numbers.

Decisions about mental health and addiction services offered in hospital settings, including involuntary assessment and treatment, are made by admitting physicians. 

Children and Youth

Services are designed and delivered to address the unique mental health needs of children and youth, including youth substance misuse and abuse. When working with children and youth, clinicians consider the characteristics of a young person’s environment, family and community. A team-based approach is used and may include a psychiatrist, social worker, psychologist, speech and language pathologist, developmental pediatrician, mental health therapist, occupational therapist, community mental health nurse, addiction counsellor and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. It is common for clinicians to include school staff and other organizations involved with the family as part of the team based approach.

Some services are offered in inpatient settings including mental health inpatient units in general hospitals, detox units and addiction treatment centres. 

Adults

A wide range of community-based services are provided for individuals who are having significant problems related to their mental health including issues with alcohol and drug use. A team-based approach is used and may include a psychiatrist, social worker, psychologist, community mental health nurse, addiction counsellor, pharmacist, occupational therapist, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. 

It is common for clinicians to work closely with other organizations as part of a team-based approach. 

Some services are offered in inpatient settings such as mental health inpatient units in general hospitals, detox centres and addiction treatment centres. 

While the SHA provides many services directly, it also contracts with many other organizations to provide selected and adjunct services.