Kids with Epilepsy - Mental Health Explorations and Solutions
This is a working website supporting a phased initiative by the Edmonton Epilepsy Association (EEA) to explore and develop targeted mental health solutions for youth (ages 12–18) living with epilepsy. The project aims to assess needs, pilot support systems, and ultimately create a scalable, accessible solution — including a digital platform — tailored to the unique challenges faced by this community.
Background:
In 2024, the EEA initiated efforts to secure funding to address the mental health challenges experienced by children and youth diagnosed with epilepsy. The aim is to understand and support the psychological and emotional well-being of this group through structured interventions and resources.
The EEA held focus groups in late 2025 and plans to host more sessions to inform parents of children living with epilepsy about mental health challenges and how to support them. Stay tuned for upcoming sessions – visit our home website at www.edmontonepilepsy.org or email us at info@edmontonepilepsy.org. You can also call our office at 780-488-9600.
The long-term vision includes developing an epilepsy-focused online platform (Learning Management System – LMS) where youth and their families can access mental health resources, tools, and community support.
Project Phases:
The project is structured into three distinct phases:
- Needs Assessment (Current Phase – ends September 2026)
- Pilot Development
- Final Solution Creation & Launch
Use of this website space
This is a working online page, curated by the Edmonton Epilepsy Association, EEA, to complete phase-related portions of this project. Phase I is all about planning and preparation and environmental scanning. People accessing this site during Phase I include:
- EEA staff and volunteers
- Paediatric Clinicians (Stollery Children’s Hospital)
- Cornerstone Counselling (psychotherapy specialists)
- Participating EEA member families
Our Project Mind Map and Exploration Sections
This mind map was developed through conversations with EEA member families and youth living with epilepsy. It serves as a guiding framework for creating resources that support the mental health of children living with epilepsy in our region.
The six sections of the mind map collectively shape our approach: identifying gaps and challenges, reviewing relevant literature and available resources, building connections and bridges, engaging with the community, and addressing real-world needs through practical support systems.
Together, these components ensure that our work remains grounded in lived experience, informed by evidence, and responsive to the needs of children and families.
PHASE I PLANNING COMPONENTS
This link takes you to a page where we will post relevant research articles and sites, that inform understanding about specific challenges around mental wellness for kids, ages 12-18 who live with epilepsy.
This link takes you to a page that gathers relevant information on PSYCHOTHERAPY models that could be used as the basis to create a comprehensive set of resources for kids and youth living with epilepsy, to address their mental health needs.
This link takes you to the page dedicated to Focus Group Sessions held at the EEA office in Edmonton, and led by Cornerstone Counselling, to gather data and stories from families with kids living with epilepsy.
This link takes you to a page where we will list and keep track of any additional relevant date, clinic and otherwise, that we can access to build the foundational elements of a comprehensive set of resources to address mental health challenges for kids and youth living with epilepsy.
