Mental Health Resources
Crisis
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please connect with the Vancouver Island Crisis line, open 24/7/365:
- Call 1‑888-494-3888
- Text 250-800-3806 (between 6-10pm)
- Visit their website
You can also visit the Royal Jubilee Hospital Emergency Department where you will be assessed and connected if appropriate to the psychiatrist on call.
- First Nations can call the 24 hour Kuu-us Crisis Line
- Youth in BC (up to 20) can also use this free 24/7 crisis counselling line by phone or website with online chat until 1am
- Self harm: Calm Harm App
Counselling
If you have access to extended health benefits, this is your first place to connect with. Our services are completely confidential.
- Low Cost or FREE Counselling Service options are available here
- FREE psychological first-aid over the phone for any BC resident experiencing stress, anxiety or uncertainty related to the COVID-19 outbreak
- FREE short-term video/phone counselling for BC residents: 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: First Nations Health Authority
Anxiety, Depression & Stress
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (an evidence-based treatment):
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- YouTube Orientation Video
- Workbook Preview
- Interested in discussing a referral? Book an appointment
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- For anxiety: Clear Fear App
- Online self-help for anxiety and depression: Moodgym
- Free resources and relief for anxiety: Anxiety Canada
- Free online self-help and virtual counselling for anxiety, depression, grief and insomnia: Kelty’s Key
- Free stress reduction resources: Palouse Mindfulness
- Free worksheets: Looking after Yourself
- Y Mind Youth is an Anxiety Support Group for people age 28-30. This 7-week online program is free for anyone experiencing mild to moderate stress, worry or anxiety.
- Free skill-building program: BounceBack BC
Meditation & Mindfulness
- Guided meditation: Headspace
- Meditation: Calm
- Free app for CBT and meditation: Mindshift
- Free meditation app for sleep, anxiety & stress: Insight Timer
- Meditation plus a COVID-19 course: Ten Percent Happier
- Meditation and podcasts for students: Healthyminds
- Guided meditation and mindfulness: Stop breathe and think
- Spirituality, meditation and mindfulness: Tara Brach
Insomnia
- Healthy sleep habits: Sleep Hygiene handout
- It’s no dream.. sleep well without sleeping pills: mysleepwell.ca
- Free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Free CBTi
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy app: CBT-i Coach
- Free app for anxiety, stress, anxiety and sleep: Insight Timer
- For meditation and Insomnia: Ten Percent Happier
- Free app for Insomnia: CBT-i Coach
Youth Services
- Foundry is working to make sure British Columbians age 12-24 can get the care and counselling they need, when they need it. Visit our website to learn more: Foundry
- Child and Youth Mental Health is a free and voluntary community-based mental health support for kids age 0-18
- Here2Talk connects post-secondary students with mental health support when they need it. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7 via app, phone and web.
- The Y also offers Mind FIT and Mind FIT Outdoors
- UVIC and Camosun students have access through campus Counselling Services and access to Psychiatry through Student Health Services
- Here to Help is a great resource to read information, learn new skills, and connect with key mental health resources
- Youth in BC up to age 20 can access a free 24/7 crisis counselling line (with online chat until 1 am) by phone or website
- Kids Help Phone is for professional counselling, information, referrals and text-based support to young people
- The Calm Harm App for self harm
- The Greater Victoria School District created a snapshot series on Social and Emotional Wellness
- For youth: Keltymentalhealth.ca
COVID-19
- What to do if you’re anxious or worried about coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Complete Mental Health Guide during COVID-19
- Videos on COVID and other topics: Act Mindfully
- Free guide: Coronavirus Sanity Guide
- How to respond to the COVID crisis: FACE COVID
- More on COVID with Dr. Jud Brewer:
Other Resources
- New resource finder for mental health and substance use supports from the BC Government: Wellbeing
- Canada wide resource finder with access to counselling: Wellness Together
- Brand new service directory: Pathways Community Service Directory
- For new parents: Pacific Post Partum Support Society
- Take control of your mental health: BC Psychiatrist — Take Control of Your Mental Health