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Questions Clients & Patients Ask

Are you suffering from a mental health or substance use disorder? We’re here to help. Read our most frequently asked questions to learn more about our services.
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How can I get into one of BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services' programs?

Our services require a referral from a health professional. Learn more in Our Services.

What can I expect in your programs?

Visit About Our Services to learn about each of our programs, including what you can expect during treatment.

Can my family visit me while I'm being treated in one of your programs?

Usually, yes. We encourage family and loved ones to visit you and stay involved in your treatment. Visiting hours and guidelines vary at each of our facilities.

Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction visiting hours

  • Monday to Friday, 3-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday and long weekends, 1-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Heartwood Centre for Women visiting hours

Sunday afternoons or by special arrangements, depending on the visitor (children may have more frequent visits). Contact us at heartwood@cw.bc.ca to make arrangements.

Forensic Psychiatric Hospital visiting hours

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 2-4 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.
  • Patients in Hawthorne House, our pre-discharge unit, as well as in the Community Transition Cottages may receive visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Correctional Health Services

For visiting hours at individual provincial correctional facilities, contact BC Corrections.

Provincial Assessment Centre

Contact Provincial Assessment Centre for visiting hours.

Provincial Substance Use Treatment Beds

Contact Elizabeth Fry Society and the Phoenix Society for visiting hours.

BC Psychosis Program

Contact Vancouver Coastal Health for BC Psychosis Program visiting hours.

Visit Our Services for more information on visiting in all of our programs.

What if I relapse during the program?

Occasional substance use relapses are often part of people's recovery journeys and are not a sign of failure. If you experience a relapse and would like to continue your treatment, contact a member of your treatment team.

SOURCE: Questions Clients & Patients Ask ( )
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