Resources

There are numerous mental health and substance use related services and resources available to British Columbians. Below is a short list of these resources.

To search for all available services in the province, use the HealthLinkBC Directory. If you need help finding a service or a resource, call 8-1-1 any time of the day, any day of the year.

Your Health Authority

To learn more about mental health or substance use information and services in your area, visit your Health Authority website listed below.

Alcohol & Drug Information and Referral Service

Call 1-800-663-1441 (toll-free in B.C.) or 604-660-9382 (in the Lower Mainland) to find resources and support. They can refer you to services across the province.

Websites

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), provides a range of specialized mental health and substance use services for adults across the province. Visit BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services.

Bounce Back

Bounce Back is led by the BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Their program is designed to help adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood, or stress, with or without anxiety.

Care to Speak

Care to Speak is a peer support service for those working in healthcare. Care to Speak provides non-judgmental and confidential mental health support. The service is available over the phone at 1-866-802-7337 (PEER). An online chat is also available. It is available from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 2pm Monday to Wednesday.

Crisis Centre

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre) is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis. Their services include a 24/7 distress phone line, online distress services and community education. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE).

HeretoHelp

HeretoHelp provides information related to mental health and substance use. Their website includes personal stories, self-help resources and information about getting help now. See Here to Help to learn more.

Heads Up Guys

Heads Up Guys is based out of the University of British Columbia and is part of the Men’s Depression and Suicide Network, a Canada-wide initiative 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. See Heads Up Guys to learn more.

MindHealthBC

Developed by Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care, MindHealthBC provides easy access to information and resources related to mental health and substance use conditions. Visit their website to find help for yourself or to help someone you know.

SMARTRecovery BC

SMARTRecovery BC provides addiction recovery support to individuals. The SMARTRecovery porgram is based on the latest scientific research and is part a world-wide community of science-based mutual help groups.

Websites for Children, Teens and their Families

BC Children's Hospital - Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services at BC Children's Hospital provides psychiatric assessment, short-term individual, family and group treatment and medication review. See mental health services for children.

Foundrybc.ca

Foundrybc.ca offers health and wellness resources, services and supports for young people ages 12-24 across BC. Visit Foundrybc.ca to learn more.

Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre is a provincial resource centre that provides mental health and substance use information, resources and peer support to children, youth and their families from across B.C. Contact the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre toll-free anywhere in B.C. by phone (1-800-665-1822), email (keltycentre@cw.bc.ca), or in person at BC Children’s Hospital. Visit the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is a toll-free, 24-hour, phone counselling, web counselling, and referral service for children and youth. The service is completely anonymous and confidential. To speak to a counsellor, call 1-800-668-6868.

Tools and Apps

MonSTRESSity

MonSTRESSity is an interactive online game to help you cope in different situations where you might experience anxiety. See MonSRESSity to find out more.

Worry Rockets

Worry Rockets is an online game to help "launch" your worries away.

Last updated: December 2021

Important Phone Numbers

If you or someone you know needs help, call one of the numbers below:

9-1-1 if you are in an emergency.
8-1-1 for non-emergency information on how to access alternatives to toxic drug supply and substance use services
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) if you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be.
310Mental Health Support at 310-6789 (no area code needed) for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.
Kid’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 to speak to a professional counsellor, 24 hours a day.
Alcohol & Drug Information and Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441 (toll-free in B.C.) or 604-660-9382 (in the Lower Mainland) to find resources and support.

Featured Website

Looking for help with mental health and substance use? Start here wellbeing.gov.bc.ca

Find over 2500 service listings related to mental health and substance use supports, as well as many informational articles to support you on your pathway to wellbeing.