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If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1.

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Call if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.

310 Mental Health Support

310-6789 (NO AREA CODE)

Call for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

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1-800-588-8717

Call for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

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    What is Mindfulness?

    You can use mindfulness every day. It’s a tool you can use at any time. It helps you slow down, accept things as they are, cope well with problems, and simply appreciate what’s in your life right now.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
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    Getting Help for Depression

    At first, you may find depression hard to notice in yourself or someone else. Learn what you can do if you are experiencing depression.

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    Drinking and Your Health

    Alcohol is a substance that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, the more you drink, the more your risk of certain diseases can go up. Find out how many drinks it takes to put you at risk, and how high or low those risks can be.

    Learn more
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Main navigation

  • Wellbeing
    • Healthy Living
      • Eating Well
      • Staying Active
      • Sleep Habits
      • Mindfulness
    • Emotional
      • Resilience
      • Self-Esteem
      • Loneliness
    • Social
      • Stigma
      • Family
    Image
    Woman outside looking off to the right

    What is Mindfulness?

    You can use mindfulness every day. It’s a tool you can use at any time. It helps you slow down, accept things as they are, cope well with problems, and simply appreciate what’s in your life right now.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Depression
      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
    • Stress
      • Symptoms of Stress
      • COVID-19 Stress
      • Managing Stress
    • Self-Harm
    • Suicide
    • Seeking Help
      • Families Supporting Youth
      • Youth Supporting Themselves
    Image
    Man sits on couch, looking at smart phone

    Getting Help for Depression

    At first, you may find depression hard to notice in yourself or someone else. Learn what you can do if you are experiencing depression.

    Learn more
  • Substance use
    • Types of Substance Use
      • Alcohol
      • Opioids
      • Stimulants
    • Addiction
      • Addiction and Health
      • Treatment and Recovery
    • Harm Reduction
      • Overdose Prevention
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
    Image
    Two men standing and laughing by a brick wall

    Drinking and Your Health

    Alcohol is a substance that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, the more you drink, the more your risk of certain diseases can go up. Find out how many drinks it takes to put you at risk, and how high or low those risks can be.

    Learn more
  • Browse supports

Top Navigation

  • Our Partners
  • Contact
  • About Us

Help Phone Lines

If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1.

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Call if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.

310 Mental Health Support

310-6789 (NO AREA CODE)

Call for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

KUU-US Crisis Response Service

1-800-588-8717

Call for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

Wellbeing

Families Supporting Youth

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  3. Seeking Help
  4. Families Supporting Youth

Mental health

  • Anxiety
    • What to Do About Anxiety
    • Panic Attacks
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Depression
    • Symptoms of Depression
    • What to Do About Depression
  • Stress
    • Symptoms of Stress
    • COVID-19 Stress
    • Managing Stress
  • Self-Harm
  • Suicide
  • Seeking Help
    • Families Supporting Youth
    • Youth Supporting Themselves

Conversations with young people about mental health may feel challenging. Here are some places to start.

Roughly 70% of serious mental health challenges start before the age of 24. Sometimes, youth may feel reluctant to share what they are going through, due to stigma or not knowing how or where to get help. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic may be adding even more stress than usual. There are resources to support youth, parents, and caregivers to know where to start.

Starting a conversation

Speaking to young people about mental health can feel uncomfortable – you may feel that you don’t have all the answers, or don’t know how to begin. Kelty Mental Health has helpful tips on how to start conversations if you are concerned about a young person in your life

  • Try to talk about mental health and wellbeing often in your family, these are important topics for everyone to be aware of. Speaking openly and regularly about mental health can help young people to feel like it’s ok to discuss.
     
  • Speak with them while doing an activity, such as taking a drive or playing a game they enjoy. This can help young people feel less pressure.
     
  •  Treat them like an adult. Listen and ask what they think would help and how you could best support. This can help show that you want to work together and are taking what they say seriously.

Find more suggestions on how to talk to young people in your life.

Reaching out for help

Together, you may decide to speak to a professional to find help or information. There are many reasons to speak to a professional – to learn more about what you are experiencing, to get a new perspective, or even just to have another person on your team. You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to seek support. Here are some places to start if you decide to reach out for help:

  • If you have a family doctor, you can contact them for information about services in your community. They can assist you by making a referral to additional professionals and support your family between appointments or if you are on a waitlist.
     
  • A school counsellor can also be a great person to reach out to. They can give advice about what the young person in your life is experiencing and help navigate other services to support them.
     
  • Attend an intake at a Child and Youth Mental Health Clinic. You will both will be asked questions about what they are experiencing and their health history. All Child and Youth Mental Health services are free of charge. Learn more about the intake process.
     
  • In addition to intake through Child and Youth Mental Health Centres, Indigenous families can access services through Indigenous Child and Youth Mental Health.
     
  • Reach out to a Foundry youth clinic (if available in your community) or access online services at Foundry Virtual. Foundry provides many services for young people, including counselling and peer support.
     
  • Adults can also benefit from support while helping a family member. This will help you to discuss your own concerns and develop more skills to support your loved one. Support for family members is available through organizations like: Kelty Mental Health, FamilySmart,  Family Support Institute of BC and Foundry Parent Supports.

Navigating the world of mental health can be challenging.  Remind yourself that you are doing your best and allow yourself to ask for help when you need

Resources

Showing 4 Resources

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinics

Free mental health clinics for children and youth in locations across B.C. 

Addiction and recovery
Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Eating and body image
Fraser Health

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinics

Contact

Website

About

Find a child and youth mental health clinic near you.

Description

The Ministry of Children and Family Development's Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) teams located across B.C. provide a range of mental health assessment and treatment options for children and youth (0-18 years of age) and their families at no cost. 

Clinics are staffed by mental health clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Clinicians can refer to specialized care including psychiatry.

Find an intake clinic close to you.

 

Addiction and recovery
Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Eating and body image
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
In-person services
Interior Health
Island Health
Mental health care
Mental health intake
Northern Health
Parent or caregiver
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Support groups
Treatment services
Understanding mental health
Understanding wellness
Vancouver Coastal Health
Virtual supports
Wellness programs
Find support
Learn More

Foundry BC Youth Clinics

Youth-focused clinics offering free counselling, primary care and more, for ages 12-24. 

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
In-person services

Foundry BC Youth Clinics

Contact

Abbotsford
Back Abbotsford

101- 32555 Simon Avenue
Abbotsford BC V2T 4Y2
Canada

1-604-746-3392
Email
Website
Campbell River
Back Campbell River

140 10th Avenue
Campbell River BC V9W 4E3
Canada

1-250-286-0611
Email
Website
Comox Valley
Back Comox Valley

575 10th Street
Comox Valley BC V9N 1P9
Canada

250-338-7341
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tue: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wed: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thu: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Fri: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Sat: Closed
Kelowna
Back Kelowna

100 - 1815 Kirschner Rd
Kelowna BC V1Y 6G3
Canada

1-236-420-2803
Email
Website
Maple Ridge
Back Maple Ridge

22932 Lougheed Hwy
Maple Ridge BC V2X 2W2
Canada

1-604-380-3133
Email
Website
North Vancouver
Back North Vancouver

211 W. 1st Street
North Vancouver BC V7M 0E3
Canada

1-604-984-5060
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tue: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Wed: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thu: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Penticton
Back Penticton

501 Main Street
Penticton BC V2A 5C6
Canada

1-778-646-2292
Email
Website
Prince George
Back Prince George

1148 7th Ave.
Prince George BC V2L 5G6
Canada

1-236-423-1571
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Tue: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Wed: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Thu: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Richmond
Back Richmond

115-8100 Granville Ave
Richmond BC V6Y 1R4
Canada

1-604-674-0550
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Tue: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Wed: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Thu: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Fri: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Sat: Closed
Terrace
Back Terrace

101-3219 Eby Street
Terrace BC V8G 4R3
Canada

1-250-635-5596
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Tue: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Thu: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Vancouver
Back Vancouver

1260 Granville St.
Vancouver BC V6Z 1M4
Canada

1-604-806-9415
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Tue: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Thu: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Victoria
Back Victoria

818 Douglas Street
Victoria BC V8W 2B6
Canada

1-250-383-3552
Email
Website

About

Foundry BC has youth-focused clinics offering counselling, primary care and more.

Description

Foundry BC offers young people, ages 12-24, health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated service centres in communities across B.C.

Foundry centres are non-judgemental spaces that give young people access to mental health and substance use services, primary care, social services, and referrals to specialized mental health care. Peer support workers can help youth and their families navigate their experience and access the supports that are right for them. Clinicians can refer to specialized care including psychiatry.

Find an in-person Foundry centre near you.

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
In-person services
Interior Health
Island Health
Mental health care
Mental health intake
Northern Health
Parent or caregiver
Peer support
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Support groups
Treatment services
Understanding mental health
Understanding wellness
Vancouver Coastal Health
Wellness programs
Find support
Learn More

Foundry BC Virtual Services

Free phone, video and online intake, peer support and counselling for young people (ages 12-24) and their families. 

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
Interior Health

Foundry BC Virtual Services

Contact

1-833-308-6379
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Tue: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Wed: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Thu: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Fri: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Sat: Closed

About

Foundry BC is offering free phone, video and online chat clinics for young people.

Description

Young people aged 12-24 and their families can access youth-focused counselling, peer support, primary care and family support over the phone, video and chat through Foundry BC .

Foundry centres are non-judgemental spaces that give young people access to mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services and youth and family peer supports.

To book an appointment or learn more about available services call 1-833-FØUNDRY (FØUNDRY with a zero or 1-833-308-6379) between 1:15pm to 9 pm Monday to Friday. You can also email online@foundrybc.ca or register online.

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
Interior Health
Island Health
Mental health care
Mental health intake
Northern Health
Parent or caregiver
Peer support
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Support groups
Understanding mental health
Understanding wellness
Vancouver Coastal Health
Virtual supports
Wellness programs
Learn more
Learn More

Kelty Mental Health

Free information for families, including resources, peer support, and help navigating mental health and substance use challenges affecting children and youth.

Addiction and recovery
Alcohol
Anxiety
Depression
Drug use
Eating and body image
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
Information and tools
Interior Health

Kelty Mental Health

Contact

1-800-665-1822
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Tue: 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Wed: 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Thu: 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Fri: 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Sat: Closed

About

Helpful, trusted resources and support for families across BC.

Description

Kelty Mental Health provides mental health and substance use information, resources, and peer support to families across B.C., including information and resources to people of all ages experiencing disordered eating concerns. 

The Kelty Centre is a part of the integrated provincial strategy to improve health literacy in mental health and substance use in B.C., and is a key Mental Health Literacy program at BC Children's Hospital. 

Addiction and recovery
Alcohol
Anxiety
Depression
Drug use
Eating and body image
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
Information and tools
Interior Health
Island Health
Mental health care
Northern Health
Parent or caregiver
Peer support
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Understanding mental health
Understanding wellness
Vancouver Coastal Health
Virtual supports
Learn more
Learn More

Supports and Services

Browse supports

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Emergency Contact Information

Call 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency. For mental health support, call:

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Mental Health Support Line

310-6789 (no area code needed)

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Emergency Contacts

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Mental Health Support

310-6789