(Fort Smith, January 23, 2024) The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is providing notice to residents about available mental health and wellness supports both in Fort Smith and other regions of the NWT.

NTHSSA has mental health and wellness supports in Fort Smith:

• The first point of access should be the Community Counselling Program – available Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5pm by phone at 867-872-6310
• Mental Health staff will also be on call outside of regular business hours.  To access support, call the Fort Smith Emergency Department at 867-872-6200 and you will be connected with the Counsellor on call.

Additional counselling staff have been deployed to Fort Smith to assist residents and ensure increased capacity over the coming days.

We also recognize that traumatic events may impact individuals not just in communities where they take place, but in any region. All NWT residents can access information and supports through their local community counseling program.

Virtual Supports

Virtual supports are also available for self-care and mental wellness support. These are accessible 24/7 from any location.

Wellness Together Canada - Offers a variety of mental health services including an optional brief assessment to identify resources and tools. Visit www.wellnesstogether.ca or call 1-866-585-0445. This service offers live counseling support 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and other supports.

Root’d - An app to understanding and managing panic attacks and anxiety. This includes interactive tools for in the moment panic attacks. Most features are free. www.rootd.io

Breathing Room - Supports youth and young adults learn new ways to manage stress, depression and anxiety. Download the app using this code: XXQTGPUE

7 Cups - 7 Cups is an app based in peer support and self-help and is available to youth (13-17) and adults of all ages. www.7cups.com

Strongest Families Institute - The Strongest Families Institute (SFI) delivers distance services to families primarily via telephone. Contact your local community counseling program for more info.                         

Other Ways to Access Supports

GNWT employees can access supports for themselves and their families through the Employee Family Assistance Program.  For immediate and confidential assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 1-844-880-9142 or visit www.login.lifeworks.com . Reach out to your manager if you require additional information or support.

Individuals are encouraged to contact their employers to understand what wellness programming or counseling may be available to them through their employee benefits.