REGINA — The Saskatchewan government has launched a new online therapy course to support new and expecting parents experiencing mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety.
The Well-being Course for New and Expecting Parents is being offered through the University of Regina's Online Therapy Unit, supported by $380,000 in provincial funding. The program also includes a Non-Birthing Parents Resource, which is set to 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," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "This free online course offers easy, flexible access to mental health support from anywhere in the province and our government is proud to work with the University of Regina to provide it."
The course began accepting clients in February.
"We are grateful for this important investment from the Government of Saskatchewan," said Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, psychology professor and director of the Online Therapy Unit. "Our new eight-week online course provides a much-needed doorway to care, meeting new and expecting parents — both birthing and non-birthing — with compassion, flexibility, and evidence-based support. For those facing barriers like distance, time or privacy, this funding means we can be there when and where they need us most."
The program uses Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT), developed at the University of Regina, to support Saskatchewan residents dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, and other challenges related to chronic health conditions. The service is delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and involves therapist-supported educational modules.
Since 2015, nearly 14,000 residents have accessed ICBT services. This fiscal year, the province is providing over $1.6 million to support the program.
"At the University of Regina, we are committed to research that makes a real difference in people's lives," said Dr. Jeff Keshen, president and vice-chancellor of the university. "The launch of the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents is a powerful example of responding to needs within our community and turning research into action to support mental health, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities across Saskatchewan."
An anonymous client who completed the ICBT course said, "More people should know about and take the course because it is so helpful. [The course] makes you feel that normalcy. These feelings with becoming a parent are normal, and there are solutions."
In addition to the new course, the province has increased annual funding for HealthLine 811 by $6.6 million for 2025-26. The added funding will support more nurse and counsellor positions handling mental health, addictions and maternal mental health calls. The Ministry of Health is also working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to create a maternal mental health coordinator role at 811.
As part of its Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, the province committed to developing a provincial approach to maternal mental health, aiming to better support mothers and families during and after pregnancy.
Further work to enhance maternal mental health supports is ongoing, informed by the Maternal Mental Health Saskatchewan Advisory Group and community-based organizations.
The announcement coincides with World Maternal Mental Health Day. It is estimated that two in 10 women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth.
