The CUPS Mental Health Team: Who We Are and How We Help

May is Mental Health Month…A time to highlight the importance of accessible, inclusive care for all. At CUPS Calgary, this work happens every day through our integrated approach to health and wellbeing. Mental health plays a vital role in every area of life, including relationships, housing, physical health, and community connection. At CUPS, we recognize that mental health care cannot exist in isolation. It must be accessible, collaborative, and deeply human.

Who We Are: Meet CUPS Calgary’s Mental Health Team!

Our Mental Health Team brings together a diverse group of professionals with expertise in therapy, nursing, psychology, outreach, and care coordination. Together, they support individuals with complex needs by providing trauma-informed, person-centered care.

Each team member contributes a unique skill set while working closely with colleagues across CUPS to ensure that mental health is supported alongside other essential needs. Whether someone is walking through our doors for the first time or reconnecting with services, this team helps create a space where people feel safe, respected, and supported in their journey toward stability and wellness.

Riana
Riana is the Mental Health Program Administrator at CUPS. She helps ensure care is smoothly coordinated between clients, counsellors, and psychiatrists. She also supports collaboration across CUPS programs and with external partners, and manages administrative tasks related to Community Treatment Orders (CTOs). As a first point of contact for many clients, Riana is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

Christine
Christine is the Nursing Case Manager on the Mental Health Team. She works closely with clients who are on Community Treatment Orders, administering medications, assessing mental health needs, and helping clients set and work toward their goals. Christine collaborates with the psychiatry team to ensure coordinated and responsive support.

Petra
Petra is a registered provisional psychologist who supports individuals navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, and related challenges. She uses evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to promote healing and growth. Petra is dedicated to creating a safe and compassionate space for each client.

Kassie
Kassie is a Mental Health Therapist at CUPS who provides client-centered, compassionate counselling. She believes that no one is broken or needs to be fixed, and that everyone is capable of growth and change. Kassie considers it a privilege to support individuals on their journey of personal development.

Jon G
Jon is a registered social worker with over 5 years' experience supporting individuals and families navigate mental wellness, trauma and systemic challenges. He is grounded in holistic, trauma informed, and strength-based practices while incorporating elements of CBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused approaches. Jon is passionate about meeting clients where they are at while navigating meaningful growth and change.

Tiffany
Tiffany is a Mental Health Therapist who supports adults navigating trauma, identity, and life transitions. She draws from EMDR, psychodynamic, and ego state/IFS perspectives to help clients explore their experiences, understand the roots of their challenges, and move toward clarity and healing.

Jon B
Jon is a Canadian Certified Counsellor who joined CUPS in March 2024. He has worked with both the Rapid Care Counselling program and the onsite Mental Health Team. His approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, with a focus on supporting individuals who have experienced substance use, homelessness, and significant mental health concerns.

Josie
Josie is the Outreach Mental Health Counsellor at CUPS. She works with individuals facing trauma, addiction, and major life transitions. Josie uses a combination of ART, Solution-Focused Therapy, and CBT, tailoring her approach to each client’s needs. She is passionate about creating safe spaces for healing and change.

Kim
Kim is a Registered Psychologist with 20 years of experience in community mental health. She provides clinical supervision and consultation to the CUPS Mental Health Team. Her work is grounded in values of wholeheartedness, connection, and integrity, and she is deeply committed to helping people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Anne
Anne is the Program Manager of the Mental Health Team and a social worker by background. She supports the team in delivering accessible, trauma-informed, and client-centered mental health care. Anne values the opportunity to help create an environment where people feel supported in their journey toward wellness.

How We Help (and why it matters):

Mental health does not exist in a vacuum. A person’s ability to care for their mental wellbeing is shaped by their physical health, environment, relationships, and access to basic needs. For someone facing poverty, trauma, or housing instability, addressing mental health means addressing the broader context of their life.

That is why CUPS uses an integrated care model. Our teams work together across multiple disciplines to provide wraparound support. No matter where someone enters our system, they are connected to the right mix of services. This model brings mental health into the larger picture of care and recognizes that people thrive best when all parts of their wellbeing are supported.

Our mental health team works hand in hand with:

  • Basic Needs and Housing: Stable housing, food security, and access to transportation are essential to a person’s sense of safety and mental wellbeing.

  • Health Services: Our medical, addiction, and mental health teams share knowledge and coordinate care to support the whole person.

  • Child and Family Development: Supporting parents and children together helps build stronger relationships and improve mental health outcomes across generations.

This collaborative approach helps participants build trust, feel seen, and gain the consistency and care needed to move toward stability and long-term wellness.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health support, CUPS is here to help.

If you are new to CUPS, you can walk in to access our mental health support. We offer walk-in times with the CUPS mental Health Team, and our team here will work with you to understand your needs and help you get connected to the right supports:

Mental Health Team Walk in Times:

  • Mondays & Tuesdays: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

  • Friday mornings:  8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

If you are already connected to any CUPS program: you can self-refer to the Mental Health Team. No staff or healthcare provider referral is required.

  • Call 403-221-8780

  • Email us at mentalhealth@cupscalgary.com

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact one of the following resources for immediate support:

  • 998 Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7): Call or text 988

  • Distress Centre Calgary (24/7): Call 403-266-HELP (4357) or visit  www.distresscentre.com.  Phone, text, and chat support are available.

  • Access Mental Health – Alberta Health Services: Call 403-943-1500 for non-emergency support, information, and referrals. Available 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

  • Call 911 if there is an immediate risk of harm.

Austin Crawford