Resources

CLINICAL RESOURCES

The following information is adapted from HereToHelp BC

Free psychotherapy or counselling

Adults and older adults
Post-secondary students
  • Free single-session counselling and referrals through Here2Talk: download the Here2Talk app, call 1-877-857-3397 (or 604-642-5212 in the Lower Mainland), or visit here2talk.ca
Young people
  • For young people to age 20, talk to a counsellor through Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or chat at kidshelpphone.ca (available 24/7)
  • For youth ages 12-24, talk with a counsellor through Foundry Virtual. Visit foundrybc.ca/get-support/virtual/

Paid psychotherapy or counselling

Courses and programs

Adults
  • BounceBack from the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division is a self-management course for people who experience low to moderate depression or anxiety. It’s offered in two different formats: you can complete the course online on your own or work with a coach who can help motivate you, solve problems, and work through the materials
  • Living Life to the Full from the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division is a fun and interactive course that uses principles based in cognitive-behavioural therapy to help people live well, manage stress, and build confidence.
  • Kelty’s Key free self-help courses for anxiety, panic, depression, chronic pain, complicated grief, substance use, family support, and insomnia
Youth
  • For youth ages 15-18, Bounce Back Youth from the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division helps people with low mood, depression, or anxiety learn new skills to take care of their mental health. You can take the course on your own online or with a telephone coach.

Crisis lines, help lines, and online chat platforms

Everyone
  • Call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 (always open)
  • Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to talk with a trained volunteer (always open)
  • For a list of local crisis lines, visit crisislines.bc.ca
Adults
Older adults
  • Call the Seniors Distress Line at 604-872-1234 (always open)
Young people
  • Chat online with a volunteer at www.YouthinBC.com (daily between noon and 1:00am)
  • For young people to age 20, you can talk to a counsellor through Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or chat at kidshelpphone.ca (always open)
  • Text WELLNESS to 686868 for crisis support through Wellness Together Canada
Family caregivers
  • Talk to a Family Caregivers of BC supporter through the Caregiver Support Line at 1-877-520-3267 (Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 7:00 pm)
Healthcare providers
  • The Mobile Response Team is available 24/7 to support the mental well-being and psychological safety of frontline healthcare workers who are experiencing distress and mental health concerns in response to COVID-19. Call 1-888-686-3022 or email MRT@phsa.ca
  • Text FRONTLINE to 741741 for crisis support through Wellness Together Canada
Indigenous people
  • 24 Hour Crisis Line from KUU-US Crisis Line Society: adults and Elders can call 250-723-4050 and children and youth can call 250-723-2040 to talk to someone at any time. Visit www.kuu-uscrisisline.com for more information

Community services and support groups

Everyone
  • Visit bc211.ca or call 2-1-1 for information and referrals to community service providers in BC, including mental health and substance use supports, housing, supports for families, supports for Indigenous people, and supports for immigrants and refugees
  • For information about substance use services and referrals to local services (including virtual meetings), call the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service at 604-660-9382 (in the Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-1441 (in the rest of BC)
  • Mood Disorders Association of BC support groups will move to online meetings. Contact your local facilitator for updates and more information
  • Regional educators and branches from the BC Schizophrenia Society continue to help families and caregivers. Contact your local branch for more
Older adults
  • Find local service providers through Better at Home. You can also call the Better at Home provincial office at 604-268-1312
Young people