To better support caregivers across Canada, ALS Canada has expanded its Caregiver Mental Health Program, offering individualized therapy sessions with registered mental health professionals, thanks to generous funding from the Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation..

About the Program

The ALS Canada Caregiver Mental Health Program provides up to four one-on-one virtual therapy sessions with a registered therapist from AWC Grief Support. These personalized sessions are designed to support caregivers currently caring for someone living with ALS.

Sessions may help caregivers with:

  • Navigating the emotional impact of ALS
  • Managing stress, anxiety, and burnout
  • Coping with grief, loss, and anticipatory grief
  • Having difficult or important conversations
  • Building personal coping strategies and supports

Each session is 50 minutes in length and must be used within a six-month timeframe.

Who Is Eligible

This program is available to current caregivers of people living with ALS anywhere in Canada.

To participate, caregivers must:

  1. Complete an intake form with ALS Canada
  2. Complete the AWC Grief Support registration process
  3. Schedule sessions directly with a registered therapist

Caregivers can expect to be connected with a therapist within approximately one to two weeks of completing the intake process.

COMPLETE THE INTAKE FORM

Important Program Information

  • Sessions are delivered virtually, ensuring access regardless of where you live in Canada.
  • Therapy sessions are personalized to your needs.
  • Participants are asked to complete brief feedback forms (each taking less than five minutes). Your feedback helps ALS Canada understand the impact of this program, share outcomes with our donors, and continue advocating for sustained funding so caregivers can access this support.

To better understand your experience and how your needs may change over time, feedback will be requested at three points:

  • Before your first session with a therapist from AWC Grief Support;
  • After you have completed your four therapy sessions; and
  • Three months after your final session.

Please note: This program is not intended for acute or emergency mental health concerns. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact your local health-care team or provincial mental health services immediately.

Our Commitment to Caregivers

This national expansion builds on learnings from a successful caregiver mental health pilot launched in Ontario in 2025. Strong uptake and feedback highlighted the urgent need for accessible, timely mental health support for caregivers across Canada.

On National Caregivers Day and every day, ALS Canada recognizes the vital role caregivers play, reminding you that you are not alone. Through therapy, support groups, webinars, and trusted resources, we are committed to supporting your well-being while you care for someone living with ALS.

Together, we are working toward a future where caregivers feel supported, valued, and equipped – and ultimately, toward a world free of ALS.

If there are any questions about ALS Canada’s Caregiver Mental Health Program, please contact us.

communityservices@als.ca
Complete Intake form