Mental Health in Schools Pilot program extended

The provincial government is investing $6.7 million in funding to continue student mental health support during the 2024-25 school year.   

The program was first launched in 2022, focusing on improving the delivery of mental health support and services for students, and providing tools, training, and resources for the school community.  

“With our continued support for student mental health, school authorities, mental health service providers and other organizations are taking collaborative and innovative approaches to support the well-being of students,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education. “By funding dozens of mental health pilot projects, we are helping drive local solutions while also gathering the information necessary to help inform decisions on supporting student well-being across the province for years to come.”  

Through the pilot program, 79 school divisions across the province developed mental health initiatives in their schools to meet the needs of students.   

Initiatives include hiring in-school psychologists and social workers, delivering mental health literacy programs, and providing professional development and training for staff.

59 of the initiatives were set to end in December of this year, but the additional funding will extend the projects for the entire upcoming school year.   

"This extension will assist locally elected school boards in their continued work to address the mental health and well-being of students in their communities,” said Marilyn Dennis, president of, the Alberta School Boards Association.  

At the end of the 2024-25 school year, school authorities will submit reports on the pilot to help inform future policy decisions to support student mental health and well-being.  

Budget 2024 includes $1.5 billion for learning support funding, including funding for school authorities to provide students with psychological and social-emotional support, access to mental health workers, and other wellness support.