As we live through a second year of the pandemic, the changes and everyday stresses we have experienced have created extra burdens and taken a toll on many.
Now that restrictions are easing, it is a good moment in time to take pause and think about our mental health.
To support members of our community dealing with social isolation and experiencing mental health difficulties, the Foundation has assembled a list of mental health resources available on the North Shore and the wider BC community.
There are many services and resources to choose from and we hope you find the tool or program that is the right fit for you:
VCH Mental health resources on the North Shore
Mental health and substance use services provide a range of health care and support services in hospitals, communities or in your own home
Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre at the HOpe Centre at Lions Gate Hospital
Offers donor-funded community resources and information to support you on your path to health and well-being.
Call: 778 246 6062
The HOpe Centre
(Referral required by GP)
The HOpe Centre brings together both inpatient and outpatient mental health services under one roof.
Mental Health Intake Line – North Shore: 604.984.5000
(Self-referral available)
Foundry, North Shore provides access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support and social services for young people aged 12-24.
Call: 604 984 5060
For those living with Substance Use concerns (Self-referral available)
Provides easy and quick access to evidence-based treatments for adults over the age of 19 who are struggling with problematic substance use or concurrent mental health and substance use issues.
Call 604 982 5616
The North Shore Mental Health and Substance Use Family Advisory Committee
Volunteer membership includes family members who have shared experience with a loved one who has received mental health or substance use services from the various services on the North Shore. There are also members from the North Vancouver District RCMP and key health professionals from Lions Gate Hospital and The HOpe Centre. On their website is information regarding:
- What to do when your loved one is in crisis
- What happens at the Emergency Department
- Admission to the Mental Health Inpatient Unit
- Community resources & support for families
Non-VCH Services and Resources
Family Services of the North Shore
www.familyservices.bc.ca/ (Private pay model from $20 to $125 per session).
Family Services of the North Shore is a non-profit, community-based agency that offers counselling, support and educational opportunities.
Call: 604 988-5281, ext. 226
North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic
Offers assessment, consultation, and therapy services to a wide range of clients. They have expertise in providing assistance for a wide variety of difficulties, including problems with stress, anxiety, mood, behaviour, learning, and attention. (Private pay model– different benefit programs may cover some services provided).
Call: 604 985-3939
Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. Providing information on a specific mental illness, tips on keeping your own mental health in balance.
Call: 604 688-3234; Toll-free phone (BC only) 1-(800)-555-8222
Pathways – Serious Mental Illness Society (formerly Schizophrenia Society)
Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society offers programs to families in the Lower Mainland and the Sea to Sky Corridor, with phone support to others who live outside these areas. The Family Support Centre, provides personal support and information on major mental illnesses — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, concurrent disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Call: 604 926-0856
Mental health resources in BC
Emotional support, crisis and suicide assessment and intervention, and resources relating to mental health.
Call: 310-6789 (no need to dial an area code).
With support from donor funding, Kelty’s Key provides free online courses through self-help resources
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre at BC Children’s Hospital
This donor-funded resource centre helps families across BC navigate the mental health system, listen and offer peer support, and connect them to resources and tools
Take Mnd Health BC’s Screening Quiz to uncover what mental health and substance use challenge you may be struggling with and get help
BC Brain Wellness Program
A unique and interactive donor-funded program establishing clinically relevant lifestyle approaches to complement medical treatment in the clinics at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
BC Government – Virtual Mental Health
Virtual services available for British Columbians who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges
Mind Map BC
Custom-made database of outpatient mental health services including professional counselling, peer counselling, support groups, and others
Here to Help
Offering free options for free psychotherapy or counselling
Sea to Sky Safety Net Support Resource Hub
A directory of local resources to help connect you to mental health and substance use support and self-care tools
A customizable guide for adults with a concussion to help manage symptoms related to mental health. If you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital emergency department right away. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) or your local crisis centre. Indigenous peoples can call the Kuu-us crisis line (1 800 588-8717) for culturally-specific assistance.