The University of Saskatchewan launched a new training program for doctors last week. 

Designed to better equip physicians to assess and treat mental health conditions in children and youth, the REACH Institute program was presented by the U of S's Continuing Medical Education Division.

Donna Bowyer is the provincial director for education and training for the Canadian Mental Health Association and the local branch director for the CMHA in Moose Jaw.

She said there are places where youth in Moose Jaw can get help if they struggle with mental health issues. "Mostly in the high schools, they do have counselors that are connected to mental health. That is an option. Certainly, going to see their doctor is another [option]. Crescent View Clinic has mental health staff there as well."

Twenty-five doctors from across Saskatchewan took part in the 3-day, 16-hour training course. A 6-month case-based distance learning program is also a part of the learning initiative for the doctors. 

Bowyer wasn't sure if any doctors from Moose Jaw participated in the training session. "We're hoping that some of the doctors who are taking it are from Moose Jaw. We don't know that at this time. There would be a group of them that would be learning [the program] to take it out to the rural areas, to teach other physicians. Our hope is that physicians all over the province will be able to get that training."

Read more about the mental health training program here.