Getting Help
If you are living with a mental health or substance use disorder, you are not alone.
In an emergency or crisis
Speak with someone immediately if you are in a crisis or an emergency, or worried that you or someone else is at risk of harm.
Call 9-1-1 or a crisis line, or visit your local emergency department if you or a loved one is:
- Experiencing suicide-related thoughts or behaviours
- Experiencing an alcohol or drug overdose
- Acting in ways that put themselves or others in danger or at risk
Crisis lines and contact information:
- 9-8-8 (call or text) to reach a trained responder
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) crisis line. Free and available 24 hours a day
- 310-6789 (no area code needed) - BC Mental Health Support Line. Free and available 24 hours a day
Crisis line workers listen to you and offer support without judgement.
Indigenous crisis support lines:
- KUU-US Crisis Response Services Line, available 24/7
- 1-800-KUU-US17 (1-800-588-8717)
- Hope for Wellness, available 24/7
- Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at www.hopeforwellness.ca
- Métis Crisis Line, available 24/7
- 1-833-MétisBC (1-833-638-4722)
Non-emergency help for mental health and substance use
If you have experienced changes in your mood or outlook, but you are not in immediate danger, talk to a professional.
Mental health and substance use challenges are very treatable. Seeking professional help as soon as possible is the best way to prevent your symptoms from getting worse and move you onto the path to recovery.
Help Starts Here
HelpStartsHere has over 2,600 service listings for publicly-funded or not-for-profit mental health and substance use supports, and many articles featuring easy to understand language and curated information about commonly searched topics.
Here to Help
HeretoHelp helps people in B.C. manage their mental health and substance use through up-to-date information and resources. British Columbians can learn about these conditions, and how to seek help or support a loved one who needs help.
Services in your community
- Nurses on the 8-1-1 line can connect you with resources
- HealthLink BC connects B.C. with reliable health information and resources.
- An Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team can support you when traditional mental health programs and services have not helped
Find an ACT team in your community:
Professionals who can help
These professionals can recommend mental health and substance use programs and services in your community.
- Your family doctor, doctor at a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner can help you with your concerns, prescribe medications, or refer you to a specialist
- Find a walk-in clinic with HealthLink BC's Guided Search Tool
- Call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse any time
- A social worker can help you coordinate services like in-home support
- Counsellors and therapists can listen and help you with coping tools and strategies
Visit your health authority website:
Mental health resources for children and youth:
- BC Children's Hospital
- Foundry offers integrated health and wellness services for young people ages 12-24