One number for mental health and addiction support

Press Release

May 05, 2026

211 Alberta is now the main access point for mental health and addiction services in Alberta, providing a single, consistent starting point for people seeking help.

By making 211 Alberta the provincewide number to call for mental health and addiction services, Alberta’s government is simplifying access and making it easier for people to find the right support, at the right time. Albertans can call, text or chat online with 211 Alberta community navigators and get connected to mental health and addiction supports, as well as community and social services, any time and anywhere in the province. Individuals who are feeling overwhelmed or need help right away are connected to immediate, confidential support.

Previously, people faced navigating multiple phone numbers and entry points to access mental health and addiction services. This created confusion, duplication and challenges navigating the system – particularly for those reaching out during difficult or stressful moments.

For many Albertans, mental health and addiction challenges are closely connected to housing, income, employment and family needs. Effective recovery means helping people access all of these supports together, in a coordinated way.

“Finding mental health and addiction support shouldn’t be confusing or be difficult to navigate. With 211 Alberta as the provincewide number to call, people have a clear place to start. We want to make sure help is easy to find when it matters most.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

“With 211 Alberta as the number to call for mental health and addiction support in our province, we’re reducing barriers and putting people at the centre. When someone reaches out during a difficult time, they’ll speak with a trained community navigator who understands their needs and can connect them directly to the next step to get help. That’s the kind of compassionate, coordinated system Albertans deserve.”

Patricia Skagen-Emokpae, director, 211 Alberta

Through 211 Alberta, people can connect with a variety of mental health and addiction supports, including:

clinical services offered by Recovery Alberta
support and guidance from qualified mental health and addiction professionals
peer support services for those who need non-clinical emotional support
immediate crisis support (988 still continues to provide suicide crisis support)
affordable professional counselling through Counselling Alberta
211 Alberta also connects people to many other community and social resources, including:
housing, employment, financial and food/basic needs, and more
specialized support for children and youth, families and Indigenous communities

The service is provided in partnership by United Way Alberta of the Capital Region, Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton Region and Distress Centre Calgary.

While 211 Alberta is now the main access point for mental health and addiction services, there is no wrong access point to get help. Existing mental health and addiction phone lines remain operational, and Albertans can still access support through familiar pathways.

By aligning access pathways and improving how services work together, this initiative supports the Alberta Recovery Model’s broader goal of a more connected, responsive and efficient mental health and addiction system of care – one that reduces barriers and helps Albertans access timely and appropriate services.

Quick facts

211 Alberta is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 240 languages. The service is free and confidential. Albertans can call or text 211 or visit ab.211.ca for chat.
In Alberta, 211 service was first established in Edmonton in 2004 and has continued to evolve, expanding provincewide and launching as 211 Alberta in 2020.
From Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, 211 Alberta responded to more than 121,000 total interactions including calls, texts and online chats.
Budget 2026 includes $4.9 million for 211 Alberta to support the sustained increase in the volume of calls, texts and live chats.

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