A Mental Health Resource Hub for Alberta Forestry Personnel

Wayfound, in partnership with the Government of Alberta Ministry of Forests and Parks, is committed to supporting the mental well-being of forestry personnel throughout the 2025 wildfire season. This resource hub provides tailored mental health support, tools, and services to help you stay resilient in the face of the challenges you encounter on the job.

You are not alone—we’re here to help.

Alberta Forestry and Wayfound want to hear from you!

Alberta Forestry and Wayfound want to hear from you!

Alberta Forestry is asking for your feedback to help us support your well being. It only takes a minute to give valuable feedback that will help shape our mental health program. Click below to contribute your thoughts to a short survey. Your anonymous and confidential responses are being collected by the mental health professionals at Wayfound Mental Health Group.

 

Mental Health Coverage

Access information on mental health benefits available to Alberta Forestry personnel, including benefit coverage for mental health support, and the Telus Health EFAP program. Learn how to maximize your coverage and find resources to support your well-being on and off the job. You may also be eligible for workers compensation coverage, and we can help you navigate the process.

  • Your mental health coverage with Alberta Forestry is dependent on your employment and the options you’ve chosen for coverage within your extended bennefits. Choose the correct category below to review your health plan:

  • All Alberta Forestry employees have access to the Telus Health EFAP program at no cost. Click below for more information.

    Telus Health EFAP Details

  • Psychological injuries from traumatic event(s) at work

    When you experience traumatic event(s) at work, this can result in a psychological injury or stress that can be personally devastating and require treatment to resolve. A claim for a psychological injury can be accepted when you develop a confirmed psychological injury after experiencing a traumatic event(s) at work. The psychologists at Wayfound can help you determine your eligibility for a claim.

    What is a traumatic event?

    A traumatic event at work is defined as direct personal experience of an event or directly witnessing an event that is:

    ·        sudden/unexpected,

    ·        frightening or shocking,

    ·        having a specific time and place, and

    ·        involves actual or threatened death or serious injury to oneself or others or threat to one’s physical integrity (i.e. assault).

    Interpersonal relations between a worker and co-workers, management or customers may be traumatic when they result in behaviours that are aggressive, threatening or abusive and satisfy the overall definition as listed above.

    How does WCB make a decision to accept a claim?

    WCB accepts a confirmed psychological injury when it developed as a result of exposure to a traumatic event(s) at work.

    A confirmed psychological or psychiatric injury is one that has been diagnosed by a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist as defined in the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM). Wayfound psychologists will assess you for claim eligibility on your first visit and file a report directly with WCB if eligible.

    What you can expect when your claim is submitted

    When WCB receives information indicating you may have experienced stressors at work over time and you have a psychological injury, they may help you start treatment immediately (as needed).

    In the meantime, they will confirm both the nature and source of the stressors and the psychological diagnosis. This is confirmed by Wayfound psychologists using the criteria established in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

    To confirm coverage, they may need to gather additional information like medical assessments, interviews with other stakeholders, witness statements, and/or any additional relevant information to support work relatedness and clarify the diagnosis.

    recovery.

    What happens if my claim is not approved?

    WCB may be able to offer help in other ways.

    They will help you understand how you may qualify for help and what support is available to help you access treatment and achieve recovery.

Psychology Treatment Options

If you would like to see a psychologist, we can help you get started. Click the link below to review the options available to you. While coverage for treatment is dependent on your situation, and not automatic, we will work with you to determine your coverage path for treatment. Appointments are scheduled with a registered psychologist who has experience and competency working with first responders, and who has completed special training to understand the unique needs and experiences of forestry personnel. 

Stress Management

This section provides tailored resources to help you manage stress and maintain well-being before, during, and after fire deployments. Access guided breathing techniques for high-pressure situations, mindfulness exercises to enhance focus, sleep strategies for shift work, and peer support programs to support your overall wellness and mental health.

Family & Spouse Support

The families and spouses of AB Forestry personnel play a crucial role in providing support during high-stress fire seasons. This section offers resources to help spouses and loved ones manage stress, and support mental well-being. Find guidance on communication, resilience, and peer support to navigate the unique challenges of this profession together.