New Child Psychiatrist Set to Enhance Services in Prince Albert

Child and youth psychiatric services in Prince Albert are set to improve significantly with the announcement of a new psychiatrist joining the local healthcare team in March 2026. This addition will more than double the in-person psychiatric services available in the city, addressing a long-standing gap in mental health care for young people.

Currently, residents of Prince Albert have access to in-person psychiatric help for only one week out of every six, provided by an out-of-town psychiatrist. This psychiatrist also offers online counselling. In addition, a second psychiatrist provides only online services, while the new psychiatrist will be based locally. Currently, there is a part-time psychiatrist available, but the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is actively recruiting to fill this new position. With more professionals on board, the SHA anticipates that it may be able to increase the number of child psychiatric beds at the Victoria Hospital, a service that has been lacking for several years.

The recent provincial auditor’s annual report highlighted improvements in access to mental health and addiction services in Prince Albert, following an investigation in 2018. The report indicated significant progress, primarily due to enhanced efficiency in digital services. A new mental health and addiction IT system has been developed to create a single client file for both outpatient and inpatient services. This system is expected to be fully operational by March 2028, with all healthcare providers required to utilize it.

“Having a single file that includes all mental health and addictions services provided to a client will better help healthcare providers in determining the next appropriate course of action for clients,” the report stated. Additionally, data sharing among various agencies, including Corrections, Policing, Social Services, Health, and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, aims to support the provincial initiatives addressing chronic homelessness.

The 2018 investigation found that the former Prince Albert Parkland Health Region failed to meet wait time targets for mental health and addiction services. At that time, the region spent the second-highest amount per capita on these services, yet 80 percent of child and youth clients waited more than 20 days for an appointment. The audit also revealed that approximately 40 percent of clients did not attend their scheduled appointments, and the health region had difficulty following up with those who missed their sessions, particularly low-risk clients without stable contact information.

Concerns also arose regarding healthcare services within provincial correctional facilities, including the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Pine Grove Correctional Centre located in Prince Albert. The lack of adequate child psychiatric services in the area has been a persistent issue over the years. Following the retirement of a long-time doctor, his replacement departed after just a year, citing overwhelming work demands. Subsequently, the closure of ten child psychiatric beds at the local hospital further compounded the issue.

The introduction of a new child psychiatrist in March 2026 represents a critical step forward in enhancing mental health services for the youth of Prince Albert. As the SHA continues its recruitment efforts, the community awaits further developments that may significantly improve access to essential psychiatric care.