A new and free Mental Health program is available right here in Portage to those who have Treaty Status.

Registered Psychiatric Nurse Melanie Gessell is heading it up and explains how it came about.

"When I became a provider, I was searching for another organization that had a very similar philosophy and worldview as myself," says Gessell. "I developed a partnership with CMHA in 2017. I was looking for a space where I could provide my practice, and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) came to mind as a good spot."

She says she started last week.

Gessell notes those who are Treaty Status are eligible for up to 22 sessions of mental health therapy or counselling with no charge.

"For women, men, and children, as long as they have a Treaty Number, are eligible for this service," adds Gessell. "It fills a big gap. Initially, when I was looking at becoming a provider, I learned that Portage and surrounding area was without a provider for quite some time. People who are Treaty Status looking for mental health counselling would have to either travel to Winnipeg or Brandon."

Gessell says that posed a significant barrier for people. She says it's wonderful to have the opportunities there, but without access to them, they're not good for you. Gessell is established out of CMHA and provides it all here in Portage.

She says this has always been on her radar, but she hasn't been able to explore Indigenous Services Canada and its benefits that are available. Gessell says her life situation brought a change and she decided to set herself up more in Portage. This, in turn, moved her to explore rural resources. She graduated from Brandon University and did a thesis on Rural Mental Health Services, noting it's something she always wanted to delve into.

Gessell says she saw a serious gap when she made some phone calls back in late fall. She notes there's somewhat of a process to become a provider including strict guidelines, but she began a couple of months ago and achieved provider status at the start of December.

There is not yet a formal referral service established, but if you have Treaty Status and require these counselling services, you can call (204) 903-7876. An assessment will be made during an interview.