I email Access Mental Health an inquiry. This was their response. Posting this in hopes that it may help someone else as well:

Thank you for your inquiry to Access Mental Health. You are correct, generally speaking to see a psychiatrist you will need a referral from your family physician or a general practitioner. A psychiatrist is like any other medical specialist in that it requires a referral from a physician. Your physician may refer you to a psychiatrist in private practice, which is still covered by a Alberta Health Care, or your physician may refer you to a psychiatrist through Alberta Health Services. If you are referred to a psychiatrist through Alberta Health Services, you are usually being referred to a mental health program where other mental health services are also available such as therapy and rehabilitation. The mental health services through Alberta Health Services are covered by Alberta Health Care. If you are in crisis and need to see someone right away, there are two mental health walk in clinics in the city. The contact information for the mental health urgent care clinics are as follows:


Sheldon Chumir Urgent Care Mental Health

1st Floor - 1213-4th Street SW

Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00 am until 10:00 pm; weekends and statutory holidays 08:00 am until 08:00 pm

Phone: 403-955-6200



South Calgary Health Centre Mental Health Urgent Care

1st Floor - 31 Sunpark Plaza SE

Hours: 08:00 am until 10:00 pm; 7 days per week

Phone: 403-943-9383



Lastly, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly by phone at 403-943-1500 ext #2 (Office hours Monday through Friday from 08:00 am until 05:00 pm) to discuss your situation in greater detail.


------------------------------


It's been almost a month and I still haven't worked up the courage to see anyone. Just sending that email inquiry last night made me short of breath and nervous as hell.