Business Details
38 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Child & Family Mental Health Services in Alberta
CASA Mental Health has been dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families through comprehensive mental health care since 1988. Founded in response to a critical gap in community-based services for children with mental health challenges, we have grown into a trusted leader in trauma-informed, culturally safe care. Our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and therapists collaborates with families, schools, and community partners to deliver evidence-based programs tailored to individual needs. Accredited by Accreditation Canada, we prioritize inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, ensuring services reflect the diverse lived experiences of those we serve.With programs spanning early childhood to adolescence, including specialized initiatives for trauma, FASD, and Indigenous communities, we advocate for systemic change while maintaining financial accountability through partnerships with Alberta Health Services and community donors. Our commitment to research and education, in collaboration with the University of Alberta, reinforces our position as a pioneer in child and adolescent mental health services across Alberta.
Services
Mental Health Assessment
Trauma Program
FASD Group
Family Therapy
Indigenous Services
Live-In Programs
Day Treatment
School-Based Classrooms
Parenting Support
Peer Support Programs
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized experience in child and adolescent mental health
- Multidisciplinary team including trauma experts and certified professionals
- Culturally safe, family-inclusive care integrated with community partners
- Free-of-charge evidence-based programs for Alberta families
- Accredited by Accreditation Canada with university and government partnerships
Associations and certifications
- Accreditation Canada
Services
Core Program
The Core Program provides comprehensive mental health treatment for children aged 3-17 with diverse needs. Our therapists assess each family's situation and develop customized treatment plans that may include individual therapy, family sessions, or referrals to specialized services. As Alberta's entry point for many families, we ensure seamless transitions between service levels while maintaining trauma-informed care principles throughout treatment.
Trauma Program
This specialized program addresses caregiver-child relationship challenges following traumatic experiences. Available in Edmonton and Calgary, our trauma experts use evidence-based interventions to rebuild trust and safety through joint therapy sessions. The program emphasizes attachment theory while incorporating cultural considerations for Indigenous families through dedicated support workers and traditional healing practices.
FASD Group
A short-term skills development group for caregivers of children with prenatal alcohol exposure diagnoses. Facilitated by experienced therapists, this program teaches adaptive parenting strategies while connecting families with community resources. Participants receive educational materials about FASD impacts and access follow-up support to implement learned techniques at home.
Indigenous Services
Our Indigenous-specific services integrate cultural safety with mental health care through land-based healing, traditional ceremonies, and community partnerships. Programs incorporate Indigenous worldviews while addressing intergenerational trauma through Elders' guidance and community-led initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and family connections.
CASA House
This live-in program offers intensive support for teens with severe mental health challenges. Located in Northern Alberta, teens stay an average of four months while receiving 24/7 therapeutic care combined with academic programming. The structured environment focuses on skill-building, emotional regulation, and preparing youth for successful reintegration into community and school settings.
People
Bonnie Blakley
Chief Executive Officer
Leading CASA Mental Health since 2023, Bonnie Blakley brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience focused on child mental health advocacy and organizational development.
Dr. Andrea Yu
Director, Medical
As Medical Director, Dr. Andrea Yu oversees clinical operations and medical staff, ensuring evidence-based practices across all treatment programs for children and youth.
Tanya Kendall
Director, Clinical (CASA House and Day Programs)
Tanya Kendall manages residential and day treatment programs, specializing in intensive mental health interventions for youth with complex needs across Alberta.
Carrie Avveduti
Director, Clinical (Inclusivity and Indigenous Initiatives)
Carrie Avveduti leads CASA's equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, developing culturally safe programs that honor Indigenous traditions and community knowledge.
Dena Pedersen
Director, Clinical (Outpatient Clinics)
Dena Pedersen directs outpatient services, coordinating community-based mental health clinics that provide accessible care for families across Alberta's urban and rural regions.
Questions
How do I refer a child to CASA Mental Health?
Caregivers can self-refer for children aged 3-5. For ages 5-17, referrals come through Recovery Alberta or healthcare professionals. Forms are available on our website.
Are CASA Mental Health services free?
Yes, all programs and services are provided at no cost to Alberta families through government funding and community donations.
What areas does CASA Mental Health serve?
Primarily Edmonton and surrounding areas, with select programs in Calgary and Alberta-wide school-based mental health classrooms.
What mental health specializations does CASA offer?
We specialize in trauma recovery, FASD support, Indigenous cultural programming, family therapy, and intensive day/residential treatment programs.
How is CASA Mental Health accredited?
We maintain accreditation from Accreditation Canada and collaborate with the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services for quality assurance.
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