The Government of Saskatchewan and Family Services Saskatchewan announced on Monday that its free, rapid access counselling services will be expanding to eight communities, including Moose Jaw. 

The announcement of $1.498 million from the provincial government to Family Services Saskatchewan for the expansion was announced at Moose Jaw Family Services. 

Moose Jaw Family Services will be running its rapid access counselling program on select days in Moose Jaw, Gravelbourg and Assiniboia. Other communities the program is expanding into include, Kindersley, Biggar, Leader, Rosetown and Unity through the West Central Family Services. 

"Connecting those in need of counselling services as soon as possible is crucial for improving the health of our communities," Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence said on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Everett Hindley. "We welcome this important expansion of rapid counselling services throughout the province."   

The program is available for individuals as well as couples and families in need of mental health support ranging from stress and depression to family conflict, addictions and domestic violence. 

This expansion now brings the total to 31 communities in the province that have walk-in mental health counselling services. 

Other communities include Battleford, Estevan, Humboldt, Indian Head, Kamsack, Kelvington, Melfort, Nipawin, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Southey, Swift Current, Tisdale, Weyburn, Wynyard and Yorkton.