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A new online therapy course is now available in Saskatchewan to support the mental health of new and expecting parents.
Launched through the University of Regina’s Online Therapy Unit, the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents is designed to help people experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges during and after pregnancy. The province is providing $380,000 to support the initiative.
“We want new mothers and their partners to know they are not alone if they face challenges with their mental health,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a statement. “This free online course offers easy, flexible access to mental health support from anywhere in the province and our government is proud to work with the University of Regina to provide it.”
The program began accepting clients in February and includes resources for both birthing and non-birthing parents. Additional development of resources for non-birthing parents is planned for 2025-26.
Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, director of the Online Therapy Unit and a psychology professor at the university, said the course fills a gap in accessible mental health services.
“We are grateful for this important investment from the Government of Saskatchewan,” she said. “Our new eight-week online course provides a much-needed doorway to care, meeting new and expecting parents — both birthing and non-birthing — with compassion, flexibility, and evidence-based support. For those facing barriers like distance, time, or privacy, this funding means we can be there when and where they need us most.”
The course is based on Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT), an evidence-based approach developed at the University of Regina. ICBT includes a series of educational modules supported by trained therapists and is used to treat depression, anxiety, substance use and other challenges.
Since 2015, nearly 14,000 Saskatchewan residents have accessed ICBT services. The province is investing more than $1.6 million in the program this year.
“At the University of Regina, we are committed to research that makes a real difference in people’s lives,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, the university’s president and vice-chancellor. “The launch of the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents is a powerful example of responding to needs within our community and turning research into action to support mental health, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities across Saskatchewan.”
One anonymous client who completed the course said it helped normalize their experiences.
“More people should know about and take the course because it is so helpful,” the client said. “(The course) makes you feel that normalcy. These feelings with becoming a parent are normal, and there are solutions.”
The initiative is part of Saskatchewan’s broader Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions. The Ministry of Health has committed to developing a provincial approach to maternal mental health, including better coordination of care and targeted supports for new and expecting mothers.
To support these efforts, the province is also increasing annual funding to HealthLine 811 by $6.6 million for 2025-26. The funding will support nurse and counsellor positions focused on maternal mental health, mental health and addictions. The ministry is also working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to create a maternal mental health coordinator position within 811.
Additional development of maternal mental health services is being informed by the Maternal Mental Health Saskatchewan Advisory Group and other community organizations.
The announcement was made Wednesday on World Maternal Mental Health Day. According to estimates, one in five women experiences mental health challenges during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth.