The Town of Hanna and Special Areas are dedicated to improving access to affordable mental health services, through support for organizations like the Hanna Family and Marriage Therapy program. In 2021, Starland County joined the program. In 2024, this initiative has been renamed the Prairie Sky Subsidized Counselling Program.
This renaming better reflects the expanded reach and range of services offered to a broad region, including the Town of Hanna, Special Areas, and Starland County.
This important support program supports the delivery of critical mental health services through the provision of subsidies to residents of Hanna, Special Areas, and Starland County. This helps ensure that individuals, couples, and families can access professional counselling services in their local communities. The subsidy is available for a limited number of sessions to those without other insurance coverage, and the fee charged is based on a sliding scale according to income.
Expanded Coverage and Services
Prairie Sky Subsidized Counselling Program is managed by a dedicated group of partners that include Town of Hanna, Special Areas, Starland County, Hanna Agricultural Society, Lynks, and Anchor Psychology, the program’s therapy provider. Recently, Starland County joined the program as a funder, further extending its capacity to reach more individuals in need. The Town of Hanna, Special Areas and Starland County contribute to the delivery of these services through direct financial contributions to the program. Lynks provides office space and the Hanna Ag Society does the record keeping, grant applications and has even added to the fund over the years when a shortfall was apparent.
“Our partnership with various stakeholders in the Prairie Sky Subsidized Counselling Program exemplifies our collective commitment to mental health and well-being. By working together, we are not only enhancing access to counselling services but also fostering a supportive environment where individuals and families can thrive.” said Michele Toews, Town of Hanna Family and Community Support Services.
The rebranding was designed to reflect not only the program’s broader geographic scope but also the wide array of therapy options available. Counselling is offered for a variety of issues, from trauma and crisis intervention to family and marriage support, and sessions are available in person, via telephone, or through video consultations.
Services and How to Access Them
Residents can access counselling services through two main providers:
1. Anchor Psychology Inc. – Offers trauma-informed counselling services to individuals, couples, and families. Sessions are available in-person in Hanna, or remotely by phone and video. The practitioners focus on creating a safe, supportive environment for clients to work through personal challenges. Contact: 403-334-9599 or bowens@anchorpsych.ca.
2. Rapid Access Counselling – This service offers single-session counselling aimed at providing immediate support and practical steps for individuals dealing with crises or ongoing issues. Counselling is available by secure telephone or video appointments, with availability throughout the week. Contact: 1-877-244-2360 or www.racalberta.ca.
Launching the New Identity
While the new Prairie Sky Subsidized Counselling Program name has been in use for a few months, the partners are now preparing for a more comprehensive public launch. This will include promotional efforts across the partners’ social media channels and websites to ensure the community is aware of the services available to them.
“The rebranding to Prairie Sky Subsidized Counselling Program represents our commitment to making mental health support accessible to everyone in our community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and grow, and this program ensures that financial barriers won’t prevent anyone from seeking help.” said Peggy Rehill, Hanna Agricultural Society.
Support the Program
The Prairie Sky Subsidized Counselling Program is funded by generous contributions from local municipalities and partners, but charitable donations are also welcomed to sustain and expand services. Contributions can be mailed to the Hanna Agricultural Society, and tax receipts will be provided. Recently, an estate left funds to the Hanna Ag Society earmarked for this program. This was a nice boost as demand grows every year. In 2023, the Town of Hanna subsidized a share of the $58,130 required in 2023, covering all or a portion of 380 appointments.
For more information about accessing subsidized counselling services or to inquire about the program, please contact:
Anchor Psychology or Rapid Access Counselling. These professionals will initiate an intake process that assures confidentiality. None of the partners listed are aware of who is receiving the subsidy. Each case is assigned a number and that becomes the identifier when reporting statistics.
Anchor Psychology: Brittany Owens at 403-334-9599 or bowens@anchorpsych.ca
Rapid Access Counselling: 1-877-244-2360 or www.racalberta.ca