Saskatchewan government has launched a new online mental health course for new and expecting parents, aiming to improve access to care for those experiencing anxiety or depression during or after pregnancy.The Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents, developed by the University of Regina’s Online Therapy Unit, is free and accessible anywhere in the province. The course is supported with $380,000 in provincial funding and includes a dedicated resource for non-birthing parents, which will be further developed in 2025–26.“We want new mothers and their partners to know they are not alone if they face challenges with their mental health,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “This free online course offers easy, flexible access to mental health support from anywhere in the province.”The course officially began accepting clients in February. It is an eight-week program using Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT), which combines therapist support with self-paced online learning. ICBT was pioneered at the University of Regina and has helped nearly 14,000 Saskatchewan residents since 2015..“This is a much-needed doorway to care,” said Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, director of the Online Therapy Unit. “It meets new and expecting parents—both birthing and non-birthing—with compassion, flexibility, and evidence-based support.”The government is spending more than $1.6 million this fiscal year to support ICBT services in Saskatchewan. As part of its broader strategy, the province is also boosting HealthLine 811 funding by $6.6 million to add nurse and counsellor support for maternal mental health calls. A new maternal mental health coordinator will also be appointed.This initiative is part of Saskatchewan’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, which includes a commitment to develop a new provincial approach to maternal mental health.The announcement was made on World Maternal Mental Health Day. It is estimated that 20% of women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth.
