The Salvation Army promotes use of a recovery model across its social services. This means recognizing it is possible for people to recover from mental health unwellness, the most effective recovery is client-centred, and supportive relationships contribute to wellness and recovery. Through its supports and services, The Salvation Army seeks to foster holistic wellness for people including emotional, relational, vocational, cultural, spiritual, financial, environmental, physical, and intellectual wellness.

Working in over 400 communities across Canada, The Salvation Army is often the first point of contact for someone experiencing poor mental health. The need for mental health care is evident across all The Salvation Army’s program and service areas, including community and family services, shelter and housing services, correctional and justice services, and addictions programs. To meet these needs The Salvation Army has developed a range of responses. Many programs offered by The Salvation Army have integrated mental health workers or supports to meet the needs of participants. In addition, The Salvation Army works closely with its vast network of community partners to connect clients with services to meet their mental health needs.

The Salvation Army has identified an increased need for mental health support in its programs and services and is providing Mental Health First Aid training across Canada for employees. Mental Health First Aid is an evidenced based program that helps people provide help to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis.

The Salvation Army has also developed programs that primarily provide mental health services.

For example…

A growing number of The Salvation Army’s locations are offering psychotherapy. During psychotherapy, a person talks with a qualified and registered professional to discover and understand their moods, feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. Psychotherapy helps a person to learn how to take control of their life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.

The Rivage at Montreal Booth Centre is a program that provides housing and support to clients who have severe and persistent mental health concerns. This program facilitates client integration in the community and keeps people from cycling between the hospital and experiencing homelessness.

The Yellowknife Corps and Resource Centre Mental Health Support Services (MHSS) provides individualized care to adults experiencing severe and persistent mental health concerns in both group and independent living environments.