Counselling Centre dealing with a record number of calls

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Demand is rising sharply for services at the Calgary Counselling Centre.

The office saw a record number of calls last month with more than 1,100 requests for services. So far this year, requests are up nearly 18 per cent.

While the spike shows more people may be struggling with job losses and other stresses, there might be a hidden bright side according to Calgary Counselling Centre CEO Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner.

“I also think the stigma for mental health is decreasing and some of the increase is related to that–that people are feeling more comfortable requesting help and coming in for help. That’s a good thing,” said Babins-Wagner.

Babins-Wagner says they have never seen these numbers in nearly 60 years of operation. People needing help are urged to still call and request an appointment as anyone making a request can be seen within two days.

“We know that if somebody wants help and they get the courage to call and they don’t hear back or they have to wait… they’re less likely to seek support in the future,” said Babins-Wagner.

“We want people to come in for help and we are here to serve them.”

She says there’s also an urgent file at the office–every day there are two open spots for people who staff think are in a more serious situation.

“The priority for those spots are domestic violence clients–maybe people who have either been abused or who are concerned they may be abusive to their partner–but we also will accommodate other people who just can’t wait until tomorrow to speak to someone.”

Babins-Wagner says the influx in calls could continue for the time being with uncertainties in Alberta’s economic future.

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