The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding mental health services for new and expecting parents by funding a new initiative aimed at addressing maternal mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
In collaboration with the University of Regina’s Online Therapy Unit, the province will invest $280,000 to develop the Well-Being for Expecting and New Mothers Course, with a separate resource for non-birthing partners set to be introduced later. The course, expected to launch by March 2025, will offer online mental health support for new mothers, while the partner resource is anticipated to be available in 2026.
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod emphasized the importance of accessible mental health care for parents during the challenging postpartum period. “It is important that new mothers feel supported in their mental health and wellbeing,” McLeod said. “At a busy time with infants, having virtual options can make care easier to access. I am proud that we can work with the U of R to bring internet-delivered therapy to moms across our province.”
The new initiative is part of the province’s ongoing effort to enhance mental health services, particularly through internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT). This method, developed at the University of Regina, has been used to assist Saskatchewan residents coping with depression, anxiety, substance use, and chronic health conditions. Since its introduction in 2015, more than 13,000 people in the province have used the service.
Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, Director of the university’s Online Therapy Unit, highlighted the significance of the new course. “We are honoured to be working on this vital project, which will provide a new mental health care option for expecting and new birthing and non-birthing parents across Saskatchewan,” Hadjistavropoulos said. “By offering internet-delivered therapy, we hope to make a real difference for families navigating mental health challenges before and after birth.”
In addition to the new course, the province has increased annual funding for HealthLine 811 by $3 million. Part of this funding will go towards hiring additional nurses and counsellors, with a focus on mental health, addictions, and maternal mental health. The Ministry of Health will also collaborate with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to create a maternal mental health coordinator position within the 811 service.
