Low Cost and Free Mental Health Services in the Lower Mainland
The Lower Mainland offers a variety of low-cost and free mental health services to support individuals in need. This guide provides an overview of available resources for those seeking assistance.
Urgent Care and Crisis Support
For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, several urgent care centers provide alternatives to emergency rooms. The Surrey Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care Response Centre offers services every day, providing a crucial resource for those in immediate need. Similarly, the Vancouver General Hospital Access and Assessment Centre is available seven days a week, ensuring that individuals have access to necessary care.
In addition to these centers, the 310 Mental Health line connects callers to crisis line workers throughout British Columbia. This network of ten crisis lines ensures that support is always available, offering a vital lifeline for those in distress.
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre offers confidential and non-judgmental emotional support. Available to individuals experiencing distress or despair, the service provides a critical resource for those contemplating suicide or in need of immediate emotional assistance.
Tip: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Community Counselling Services
Community-based counselling services provide accessible support for various mental health needs. SFU Surrey Community Counselling offers both online and in-person services, prioritizing residents of Surrey. These services are delivered by counselling trainees under professional supervision, ensuring quality care.
UBC's Scarfe Free Counselling Clinic provides support for stress management, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This service is available to adults, students, and children over ten, offering a broad range of support options.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver also provides free counselling through supervised intern counsellors. Available from September to April, these services are located in Vancouver, Richmond, and New Westminster, making them accessible to a wide community.
- SFU Surrey Community Counselling
- UBC Scarfe Free Counselling Clinic
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver
- Wellness Together Canada
- Mental Health Centres
Online and Virtual Support
Virtual support services have become increasingly important, providing accessible mental health resources. Wellness Together Canada offers an online portal with mental health resources and phone counselling sessions, available 24/7. This service ensures that individuals can access support at any time.
Foundry Virtual provides virtual counselling sessions and peer support for young people and their caregivers. This service is free and confidential, offering a safe space for youth aged 12 to 24.
Here2Talk offers free, confidential counselling and community referral services to students registered with BC post-secondary institutions. Available 24 hours a day, this service provides support through app, phone, or online chat, ensuring that students have access to necessary resources.
- Wellness Together Canada
- Foundry Virtual
- Here2Talk
- Moving Forward Family Services Society
- Sources Counselling Services
Specialized Support for Youth and Families
Several programs focus on providing specialized support for youth and families. DiscoverY offers free short-term counselling for youth and young adults who are ineligible for other funded services. This program provides eight counselling sessions, ensuring that young people receive the support they need.
DIVERSEcity offers free counselling services to children and youth from immigrant and refugee families. Available in multiple languages, this service addresses mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, providing comprehensive support.
The Sources Mental Health Child and Youth Program offers outreach support to children and youth in specific areas of Surrey. This program provides 12 sessions, focusing on addressing various mental health challenges.
Support for Specific Communities
Several services cater to specific communities, ensuring that diverse needs are met. The KUU-US Crisis Response Service provides culturally-aware crisis support to Indigenous people in British Columbia. Available 24/7, this service offers critical support to those in need.
Qmunity Counselling Program offers free or reduced-cost counselling sessions for individuals, couples, and families within the LGBTQ2SAI+ communities. This program ensures that members of these communities have access to supportive and understanding care.
Jewish Family Services Vancouver provides counselling services on a sliding scale, ensuring that individuals from various income levels can access support. This service is available to youth, adults, seniors, couples, and families, offering a wide range of support options.
Educational and Psycho-Educational Programs
Educational programs play a vital role in mental health support, providing individuals with the tools they need to manage their mental health. The CBT Skills Group Society of Victoria offers an online psycho-educational program integrating neuroscience, mindfulness, and CBT skills. This program is designed to help individuals become more aware of their thinking patterns and make conscious choices.
Living Life to the Full is an interactive online course based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This eight-week program helps participants learn how to respond to life’s challenges, offering valuable skills for managing mental health.
Anxiety Canada provides a range of resources for managing anxiety, including the MindShift CBT app. This app offers strategies for dealing with everyday anxiety and specific tools for tackling test anxiety, social anxiety, and more.