Mental Health Resources

New Resource Finder: Wellbeing

And Wellness Together (a Canada wide option with access to counselling)

Crisis

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please connect with the Vancouver Island Crisis line (24/7/365)
- by phone: 1‑888-494-3888
- by text: 250-800-3806 between 6pm-10pm
- or online at https://www.vicrisis.ca/

or go to the Royal Jubilee Hospital Emergency Department where you will be assessed and connected if appropriate to the psychiatrist on call.
Kuu-us Crisis Line: 24 hour crisis line for First Nations
Youth in BC free 24/7 crisis counselling line for youth in BC with online chat until 1 am (up to age 20) by phone or website

Counselling

If you have access to extended health benefits, this is your first place to connect with. Services are confidential.
Low Cost or FREE Counselling Service options here
Free Psychological first-aid for phone based support to any BC resident experiencing stress, anxiety or uncertainty related to the COVID-19 outbreak
Free, short-term video/phone counselling for BC residents - email bccovidtherapists@gmail.com
First Nations Health Benefits provides clients with access to counselling services from a qualified mental health provider. See their webpage for details.

Youth Resources

Foundry is working to make sure all young people in British Columbia can get the care and support they need, when they need it. We are now offering virtual drop-in counselling sessions by voice, video and chat to young people ages 12-24 and their caregivers! Click here for more info.
Child and Youth Mental Health: free and voluntary community based mental health supports for 0-18. Self-referral at local intake
Here2Talk connects post-secondary students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.
Y Mind Youth (18-30) Anxiety Support Group: a free 7 week program (online) for anyone experiencing mild to moderate stress, worry or anxiety. No referral necessary. Running Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Mind FIT and Mind FIT outdoors offered by Vancouver Island Y
Students at UVIC or Camoson have access through campus Counselling Services and access to Psychiatry through Student Health services
Here to Help resource for information, new skills, and to connect with key mental health resources
Youth in BC free 24/7 crisis counselling line for youth in BC with online chat until 1 am (up to age 20) by phone or website
Kids Help Phone for professional counselling, information, referrals and text-based support to young people
Calm Harm App (for self harm)
Greater Victoria School District created a Snapshot series on Social and Emotional Wellness
Laurie Bayly, an elementary counsellor created a slideshow story to help explain COVID-19 to children