A validating group experience, rooted in the belief that everyone has the wisdom to determine the best route for themselves to recovery. It is a place of mutual respect, open communication and safety. It is a place where judgement is suspended and people are free to ask questions, vent frustrations or fears, explore answers for themselves and solace. It is a place where the participant is surrounded by people who ‘get it’ and the facilitator plays an important role but is not the only teacher in the room. No records are kept. All participants agree to abide by the rules of the group including confidentiality.

A professional, confidential and medically oriented process to achieve psychological health. Accurate records of the content of the meetings are kept. Typically, there is a stated objective or desired outcome.

Medical intervention aimed at addressing specific health concerns. Treatment is overseen by members of the healthcare team and may include a qualified medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, and dietitian. Each healthcare provider keeps records and tailors the treatment plan to meet individual needs and operates under the guidelines of the health system.

Canadian Mental Health Association-Edmonton Region

Offers support groups for caregivers of people with mental illness. (NOTE: this is not solely for families facing eating disorders, but there may be common themes of self-care, healthy boundaries, overcoming isolation and stigma).

• website: https://alberta.cmha.ca/
• ph: 780-414-6300

If you are in need of assistance, call 211 (AB only) or the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642

Caregivers Alberta

Caregiver program helps caregivers balance their own well-being with the challenges of caregiving. Offers Caregiver Support Line and online programming for individuals or group setting during COVID.

• Phone: 780-453-5088
• Toll-Free: 1-877-453-5088
• Email: support@caregiversalberta.ca

Family Centre

The Family Centre offers programs to improve mental health and well-being. Counselling is available over the phone, online, and in person.

• Free drop in, single session, no appointment necessary.
• 6 different locations in Edmonton.
• Open 6 days a week.

University of Alberta Counselling and Clinical Services

Aims to provide accessible and compassionate psychological and psychiatric services to U of A students. 

Phone: 780-492-5205​

YMCA of Northern Alberta

Offers courses and programs on nutrition and mental health.

• Food & Nutrition
• Mental Health

Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders

Multi-approach Center employing a comprehensive team of professionals with experience treating and supporting people with eating disorders. Team includes psychologists, dietitians; support is also available for caregivers and families. It also offers short-series yoga workshops to support eating disorder recovery.

• Phone: 780-977-7062
• Email: albertawellnessed@gmail.com

Kickstand 

Operated by Alberta Health Services, Kickstand seeks to offer wrap-around services for those 12-25 years of age. Users of the platform can be connected with counsellors, peer workers, employment resources, support, and more. All services offered on the platform are free, and many offer a ‘walk in’ type of registration- get help right away!

• Register through all programs on Kickstand through Kickstand Connect

Silver Linings Foundation

Silver Linings offers support groups for parents and loved ones coping with the many challenges of caring for someone they love with an eating disorder.  They also offer support groups for those directly affected.

Lionheart Foundation

Lionheart Foundation offers therapeutic support to young people between the ages of 12-25 who reside in the Calgary area and struggle with internalizing anxiety-based mental health conditions in the mild to moderate range. Specializations include generalized anxiety, panic disorders, disordered eating (clients must be medically stable), mild to moderate mood disorders and mild to moderate trauma.

Alberta Health Services

Provincial Addiction and Mental Health Helpline.

• Call 811 – dial 6
• 1-403-340-5466

Note: Other organizations offer support groups, peer support, and workshops. While not all services at all organizations are open to folks in Alberta, many of the supports offered are.

Please consult the individual organization for more information, or send an email to: info@edsna.ca