Content Map Terms

Mental health supports and resources

Last updated: September 19, 2024

Mental health services are available in British Columbia for people experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges.

On this page: 

Get help now

Get immediate support by calling the crisis lines below or find direct numbers to local crisis lines in B.C. through an interactive map provided by the Crisis Line Association BC.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

1-800-SUICIDE

Provides a confidential crisis line for people who feel suicidal or know someone who might be suicidal. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in up to 140 languages:

2-1-1 British Columbia

Provides a free, confidential, multilingual service to connect people to helpful and vital resources. Offers information and referral to community, government and social services in B.C. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

  • Call or text 2-1-1 (toll-free)

KUU-US Crisis Response Service

Shares culturally safe support for First Nations and Indigenous peoples in B.C. on topics related to mental health and substance use. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Lamathut Crisis Line

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society operates a crisis line to support survivors and families throughout British Columbia. Survivors can also access support as part of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Mental Health and Information Support Line

Provides a toll-free number connecting callers experiencing a mental health crisis to a B.C. crisis line, without a wait or busy signal. This number also offers emotional support and information on appropriate referral options for mental health services in B.C. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

  • Call National Crisis Line 310-6789 (no area code)

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line

Shares emotional crisis referral services and information on other Government of Canada health supports with Indian Residential School survivors. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT)

Provides a community-led, client-centered, trauma-informed response centered on the mental health and well-being of the affected individual, their family and their community.

PACTs are led by a client-centered organization in an identified local community area:

  • North and West Vancouver: Call 1-888-261-7228 between 8 am and 12:30 am, 7 days a week
  • New Westminster: Call 778-727-3909 between 7 am and 11:30 pm, 7 days a week
  • Victoria: Call or text 250-818-2454 between 7:30 am and 12:30 am, Monday to Sunday

Seniors Distress Line

Provides support for seniors in B.C. on topics specific to older adults, such as suicide, retirement, stress, relocation, loss of a loved one, physical or mental health issues, or emotional support. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in up to 140 languages:

VictimLinkBC

Provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services. The confidential, multilingual service is available throughout B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Your health authority

Your regional health authority provides mental health information and support in your area. Find your health authority to learn more about the services they offer.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

The First Nations Health Authority is responsible for planning, management, service delivery and funding of health programs, in partnership with First Nations communities throughout B.C. With the goal of providing culturally safe practices, the FNHA works to reform the way health care is delivered to B.C. First Nations through direct services, provincial partnership collaboration and health systems innovation.

First Nations Health Authority – Mental Health and Substance Use provides information on mental health supports and resources for First Nations communities. For more information, please visit:

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Fraser Health Authority (FHA)

The Fraser Health Authority delivers a range of health care services to people living in the communities of Burnaby, New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Langley, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, District of Kent, Harrison Hot Springs and the Fraser Canyon (Hope).

Fraser Health Authority – Mental health and substance use provides community members with information about mental health services and support. Find information on emergency and non-emergency help, treatment options, peer and family support, the Mental Health Act, screening self-tests, treatment and care options, medications and mental wellness. For more information, please visit:

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Interior Health Authority (IHA)

The Interior Health Authority provides a range of integrated health care programs and services to residents throughout B.C.’s Southern Interior. This includes programs and services for areas of Thompson Cariboo, Shuswap, Okanagan, Kootenay Boundary and East Kootenay.

Interior Health Authority – Mental Health provides information about a range of mental health and substance use services and supports, including short-term assessment and treatment, long-term programs and seniors’ mental health services. For more information, please visit:

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Northern Health Authority (NHA)

The Northern Health Authority provides health care across 32 communities and 55 First Nation communities found in 6 regional districts of Northern B.C.

Northern Health – Mental health and substance use provides a range of mental health programs and services that aim to restore, promote and maintain well-being. Most programs are structured around different life stages. For more information, please visit:

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Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA)

The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority serves people living in Vancouver, Vancouver's North Shore, Richmond, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Sunshine Coast, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, the Central Coast and surrounding areas.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority – Mental health outlines a range of health care and support services for those struggling with mental health challenges. Information is available on acute and short-term treatment, community rehabilitation services, community mental health services, family involvement and support, LGBT2Q+ services, peer support, harm reduction, outpatient and tertiary services. For more information, please visit:

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Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA)

The Island Health Authority provides health care services to a large population across Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River.

Island Health – Mental Health & Substance Use provides information about a range of services for individuals dealing with moderate to severe mental health and substance use concerns. For more information, please visit:

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General supports

Anxiety Canada

A non-profit organization which provides self-help, peer-reviewed and trusted resources on anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Online resources include educational videos , information exchange , an online course for anxiety management, downloadable articles and resources, and the free and widely popular MindShift CBT App.

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS)

Provides specialized treatment and health care services for adults with complex mental health and substance use disorders throughout the province. Most of their services are for people who need more specialized care:

Other resources:

BC Bereavement Helpline

Provides compassionate listening, support, information and referrals to resources for those coping with grief and loss. Available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm:

Other services include support groups, training, webinars and downloadable brochures.

BC Refugee Hub

An online mental health toolkit for refugees and refugee claimants includes a short guide to mental health, mental illness, trauma, and resources available to those working with refugees and refugee claimants, along with services and supports available for refugees and refugee claimants.

BC Reproductive Mental Health Services

The BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre provides support in the Vancouver area for people and their families who are dealing with mental health challenges and disorders before, during and after pregnancy and birth.

Services include assessment and multidisciplinary treatment options, pre-pregnancy consultations and group educational sessions.

British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS)

A non-profit, province-wide family support system dedicated to supporting individuals who have or are impacted by schizophrenia, educating the public, raising funds for research, and advocating for better services for people with schizophrenia and other serious and persistent mental illness.

The BCSS offers online resources and programs that provide support and education to families and communities throughout the province, such as in-person support groups.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – British Columbia

A national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. CMHA BC provides services and resources related to mental health, substance use and addictive behaviour throughout the province. Resources are available on topics such as children, youth, parenting, workplace, alcohol and other drugs, finding help, and improving mental wellness. For more information, please visit:

Chinese Mental Health Promotion Program

Improves the lives of individuals in the Chinese community by increasing awareness of mental health issues, promoting wellness through educational, recreational and leisure activities, as well as reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

Crisis Centre Chat

Provides support for adults (older than 25 years of age) experiencing mental health challenges or crises. You can chat 1:1 online between noon and midnight with a trained volunteer. Topics may include suicide, mental illness, stress, physical health, work, relationship conflicts, parenting and caregiving.

The Crisis Centre of BC also provides workshops about mental and emotional wellness. Workshops are available in formats focused towards seniors, youth, schools, suicide prevention training and mindfulness self-care.

Early Psychosis Intervention 

An online resource designed to help individuals and families understand psychosis, the importance of early intervention, and find information or services on age-appropriate and stage-appropriate treatments. The Dealing with Psychosis Toolkit (DWP) provides information on common concerns and decisions individuals with psychosis experience.

Gambling Support BC

The province offers free information and resources to support informed choices and healthy behaviours for gambling participation. These support services are available for anyone struggling with their own or a loved one’s gambling. To find someone in your area or virtually, call Gambling Support BC. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Heads Up Guys

Based out of the University of British Columbia and part of the Men’s Depression and Suicide Network, this Canada-wide initiative aims to develop resources, services and programs to improve the mental health and well-being of men. Their website provides information, tips and advice to support men in their fight against depression.

HeretoHelp

Features personal stories and self-help resources on mental health and substance use. Some topics include anxiety and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, grief, personality disorders, psychosis, self-harm, stress, suicide, substances like alcohol and other drugs and co-existing mental health and substance use disorders.

Embody BC

Provides online eating disorder prevention education, resources and support for youth, families, educators and professionals throughout British Columbia.

Online resources include Mental Health & Resilience, Body Image, Common Concerns, and videos for families to learn about discussing eating disorders.

Lumara Society

Provides education, support, and counselling services to individuals, families and groups who are grieving the death of a loved one or coping with a life-threatening illness.

Services include Bereavement Support Groups, Counselling, Education & Workshops and a Youth Program.

MindMapBC

Provides a custom-made database of outpatient mental health services, including professional counselling, peer counselling, and support groups. Selected services are affirming of 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other gender-diverse) people.

MindMapBC also provides online resources, articles and social and networking groups.

Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (MDABC)

A non-profit organization that provides treatment, support, education, and hope of recovery for people living with a mood disorder. They serve to build awareness and understanding in communities throughout the province, reaching out to as many people as possible.

MDABC has many online resources, including a speaker’s bureau, family and senior resources, educational videos and the moodsmart blog. Services available in person in locations throughout the province include an Adult Psychiatric Clinic, Psychoeducational Groups, Counselling, Wellness Groups and Workshops, and Support Groups.

Pregnancy Options Service

Offers a confidential phone line to help and support women in B.C. who are facing an unintended or unplanned pregnancy. Provides short-term telephone counselling, and up-to-date information about services available in the community. Available from 7:30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday:

QMUNITY

A non-profit organization based that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. QMUNITY provides a safer space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included.

Services include free counselling, information and referrals, peer support, support groups, events, training and workshops, and other educational resources.

South Asian Community Hub

A primarily volunteer-run non-profit organization based in Surrey. Launched in 2020, it helps people in South Asian communities who are struggling with mental-health and addictions challenges connect with tailored and in-language services, including counselling, harm-reduction and victim and income-assistance services.

Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation

A black-led and black-serving organization that connects Black individuals and families facing barriers to mental health care to our free counselling services, low-cost counselling services, patient navigation services and advocacy.

For more information, please check the intake schedule.

Supports for Indigenous peoples

Hope for Wellness Helpline

Professional counsellors share support and resources on a variety of wellness topics with Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Support is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut.

Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are available through online chat or phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)

A provincial organization that provides essential services to residential school survivors and families experiencing intergenerational trauma. The IRSSS serves First Nations people in British Columbia with emotional and culturally-appropriate health and wellness support.

Services include Resolution Health Support, Cultural Support, Counselling, and Workshops and Presentations.

Indigenous Wellness at Lumara

Supports self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) individuals and families by providing holistic culture-based programming that is responsive to a multitude of complex needs. Includes integrated educational opportunities and healing rituals for those who work to support Indigenous communities impacted by serious illness, grief and bereavement.

Services include grief counselling, grief support groups, Elder consultations and support, expressive arts therapies, mental health & wellness conferences, land-based healing, retreats, and customized workshops.

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)

MNBC represents the section 35 rights of over 24,000 Métis citizens who are registered with MNBC and advocates for the over 98,000 self-identified Métis in British Columbia.

Programs and services are available to support the mental health of Métis citizens:

Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society

Shares confidential outreach services such as counselling, cultural supports, wellness programs, and a support line. Available Monday to Friday, 8 am and 8 pm, and between 10 am and 2 pm on weekends and holidays:

Supports for young people and families

BC Children's Hospital - Mental Health Services

Provides psychiatric assessment, short-term individual, family and group treatment, and medication review.

FamilySmart

Helps children and young people by helping their families and other caring adults. They offer parent-peer support, monthly events, resources and workshops to support the mental health of children, youth and families:

Foundry

Offers services and resources designed to support youth and young adults in B.C. to better understand their mental health and ways to improve their well-being. Young people can access services at Foundry Centres throughout B.C. or connect virtually through their app.

Online resources help educate youth about early mental health symptoms, along with the skills and strategies needed to manage these problems. Topics include depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol, substance use, psychosis, and body image and eating.

Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

Provides mental health and substance use information and resources for families to navigate the mental health system. The Centre also provides free personalized support from parent peer support workers. Services are available to families throughout B.C. and the Yukon with children and youth up to age 24, by phone, email or a virtual meeting:

Kids Help Phone 

Provides counselling, referral and support services for children and youth under the age of 20 years of age who are dealing with emotional and mental health challenges. The phone service is free, confidential, multilingual and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

  • Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
  • The Kids Help Phone website provides online information and services in a format aimed at kids and teens on topics such as bullying, dating, emotional health, family, feelings, friendship, the Internet, LGBTQ, money, my body, physical health, school, sexting, violence and abuse
  • Kids Help Phone – Live Chat Counselling provides kids and teens the opportunity to chat online, 1:1 with a professional counsellor. Available daily from 4 pm to 9 pm

Youth in BC

For youth (up to 25 years of age) seeking mental health support. You can chat 1:1 online between noon and midnight with a trained volunteer. Topics may include suicide, sexuality, depression, stress and relationships.

Supports for older adults

Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL)

A confidential phone support line for seniors to speak to a professional intake worker about issues that affect their well-being, receive information, or learn about our programs. Available from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday:

Supports for health care workers

Care to Speak

A peer support phone service for those working in health care. Provides non-judgmental and confidential mental health support. Available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm:

An online chat service is also available from 9 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday.

Counselling services

Free, low-cost or sliding scale counselling services are available in B.C. through a range of non-profit organizations and health authorities. Find community counselling in your area.

Here are some low-cost online counselling programs:

  • MindShift CBT Groups provides an 8-session online group therapy program for small groups of adults (aged 18+) with mild to moderate anxiety using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Foundry Virtual BC offers same day and scheduled virtual counselling session by video, audio and chat options to people between 12 to 24 year of age and their caregivers