Accessible mental health care through Rapid Care Counselling
Rapid Care Counselling (RCC) is a new partnership with CUPS and the Catholic Family Service (CFS), funded by the Calgary Homeless Foundation, designed to provide barrier-free mental health services to anyone experiencing homelessness. This unique program makes mental health care accessible within three business days for vulnerable community members.
When a client is referred, or self-refers, to the Rapid Care program, they will receive a single mental health counselling session from a CFS counsellor. Through that session and integrated care planning, if the client needs ongoing mental health support, they are connected to CUPS.
CUPS currently has three full-time counsellors earmarked for this program. When a client is referred to the CUPS Rapid Care team, they will have a counsellor available to them to provide mental health support for however long they may need it.
“Through this partnership, we are not only able to address clients’ immediate needs, but we engaged them in long-term, integrated care planning for additional support,” explains Michael Sornberger, CUPS’ Shared Care Mental Health Program Manager. “This could be anything from re-connecting clients with single counselling sessions, linking them to other community resources, or providing ongoing care through the Shared Care Mental Health team at CUPS.”
Removing barriers
The easier it is for clients to access mental health counselling, the more likely they are to participate in the sessions. Rapid Care is designed to be as barrier-free and accessible as possible.
Clients don’t need ID or Alberta Health Care Cards
Open to all clients experiencing homelessness: individuals and families of all faiths and all backgrounds are welcome
Open to individuals, couple and families with kids of all ages for any counselling and mental health concern
Available by video, phone and in-person following COVID safety protocols
Rapid Care is easily accessible through an online booking system; however, there are several other opportunities for clients to access support if they don’t have a computer. Clients can phone in to book an appointment, or work through any of the partner organizations to arrange counselling.
Currently in pilot stage
Rapid Care Counselling began operating in the city in mid-February as a pilot program with the goal to establish it as a permanent mental health treatment program in our community.
We know that education, prevention and early intervention initiatives can make a significant impact in dealing with mental health challenges in our community. This partnership with Catholic Family Service and the Calgary Homeless Foundation is one more way we can work together to provide a stronger support system for those who need it most.