AHS offering additional mental health support available for youth in crisis
Central Alberta emergency departments are now better equipped to support youth experiencing crisis with the addition of a new Alberta Health Services (AHS) addiction and mental health team.
AHS says the Child and Adolescent Stabilization Team (CAST) ensures youth and their families in crisis have ongoing mental health services within 48 hours of leaving an emergency department.
“For young people, it is important that we as a government are providing the resources and connections they need to get help where and when they need it,” says Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “This new team will be an important way to get youth and their families onto the path of mental wellness.”
Available at emergency departments in Red Deer, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin, Rimbey and Lacombe, AHS says CAST ensures patients and their families return home after leaving the emergency department with connections to appropriate community services.