Alberta Blue Cross® partners with Calgary Counselling Centre to offer free online depression screening
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
October 6, 2026
For immediate release
Alberta Blue Cross is teaming up again with Calgary Counselling Centre this year for National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) from October 5 to 11. During this week, individuals of all ages are encouraged to complete the short self-assessment that screens for depressive symptoms at areyoufeelingok.com. As a champion for wellness in the community, Alberta Blue Cross is honoured by the opportunity to help Albertans check in with their mental health.
This anonymous, free, 3-minute self-assessment can be taken anywhere from phone, tablet or computer. For many individuals, taking this quick self-assessment can be an important first step toward feeling better.
According to Calgary Counselling Centre, 1 in 5 people are impacted by depression at some point in their lives, and depression is the leading cause of suffering and disability worldwide. However, since effective and reliable treatment is available, the main problem is not the prevalence of depression but rather that less than half of those with depression seek treatment.
“So many people put off checking in on their own mental health because it feels like a big undertaking,” says Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner, chief executive officer of Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta. “The NDSD quiz removes that barrier—it only takes a few minutes and can be an easy first step to getting help.”
Last year, 2,286 Albertans checked in on their mental health by completing the self-assessment, and 63 per cent of them were recommended or strongly recommended for further evaluation, a slight decrease from 65 per cent in 2024.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to check in on ourselves. This self-assessment gives Albertans a simple way to pause, reflect and explore support if they need it,” says Narissa Kanji, director of Community Impact at Alberta Blue Cross. “We’re proud to partner with Calgary Counselling Centre to help make that first step easier.”
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About Alberta Blue Cross
Alberta Blue Cross is a lifelong partner in health and wellbeing, helping people and organizations navigate life’s meaningful moments with clarity, care and confidence. For more than 75 years, we’ve supported individuals, employers, communities and governments through coverage and guidance to help people live well. Rooted in Alberta, we invest locally in initiatives that strengthen the communities we serve.
About Calgary Counselling Centre
Calgary Counselling Centre has been serving the community for over 60 years. We are a charitable organization and a leader in counselling, providing unapparelled client results. Calgary Counselling Centre is a widely recognized Centre of Excellence in counselling research and the largest counselling training provider in Western Canada.
For more information, please contact Amy Heise, communications officer, Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross aheise@ab.bluecross.ca or 780-498-7389 or Katherine Hurtig, communications officer, Calgary Counselling Centre Katherine.hurtig@calgarycounselling.com or 403-691-5905.