Community Resources

Vancouver Island
Mental Health Resources

South Island

No/Low Cost:

Urgent Short-Term Assessment and Treatment (USTAT) Victoria

Region: Capital Region (Greater Victoria, Western Communities, and Southern Gulf Islands)

Service: In person 26-week DBT skills group and individual counselling in Victoria

Intake: Referral by physician or nurse practitioner required.

Cowichan Valley Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay, Cobble Hill

Service: In person 8-week DBT skills group and possibility of individual counselling in Duncan

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 250-709-3040 or during drop in counselling M-F 10-1:30 at 3088 Gibbins Rd.

Island Community Mental Health Association

Region: Capital Region

Service: 6-week Emotional Wellness course, that combines strategies and skills from DBT, CBT, and Mindfulness.

Intake: Referral by self or service provider to the ICMH Grow program is required. For more information call 250-389-1211 ext. 128.

South Island Centre for Counselling

Region: Victoria

Service: 10 week in person DBT group for adults 25+ every Wednesday evening 6pm to 8pm in a small group setting.

Intake: Register via www.southislandcounselling.org under Workshops and Courses. 250-472-2851

Private:

Burns Clinical Life Options Inc. 250-590-3168

Erin Farley 778-743-6083

Hersh Kline 250-857-3666

Erin Laird 250-508-5845

Lilli Rosenberg 250-595-4455

Sarah Corrin 250-213-9993

Yin-Yee Yip 778-350-6238

Dr. Elisabeth Hallam 250-893-4268

Adrienne Wetmore 250-888-7693

Nicole Makin 250-361-7663

Hanna Shapiro 778-901-6254

Burn Bright Counselling

Beckham Ronaghan

Alexis Winter

Sarah Flynn 250-885-3158 *For loved ones

Alyson Kowalewsky 250-360-6699

Adolescents & Families:

Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health - This program serves 15 to 18 year old youth in the Greater Victoria Area who are struggling with chronic suicidality and/or self-injury and difficulty controlling emotions. It provides 6 months of specialized treatment for youth and their families. This includes weekly individual DBT therapy and a weekly DBT skills group. Support for caregivers is also provided on a weekly basis. Short phone coaching is available from Monday to Friday from 9 - 4.

CYMH Saanich 250-952-5073

The Budding Elm 250-208-6949

Central Island

No/Low Cost:

Nanaimo Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Nanoose Bay, and Gabriola Island

Service: In person DBT skills group with 4 week rotating modules at Barons Road and individual counselling through a separate referral.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 250-739-5710 or during drop in counselling M-F 10-5:15 at 203-2000 N Island Hwy.

Campbell River Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Campbell River, Gold River, Tahsis, Sayward, Quadra & Cortes Island & North of Oyster Bay

Service: In person 24-week DBT skills group in Campbell River and no individual counselling. 10 sessions of psychoeducational open groups need to be completed prior to attending.

Intake: After 10 groups are completed clients can book an appointment at the single session walk in service at 250-850-2620. Self-referrals accepted. This service and drop in groups are also available to the general public for emotional support. Same-day appointments are available and may be in-person or over the phone.

North Island

No/Low Cost:

Northern Vancouver Island Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Alert Bay, Sointula

Service: Individual DBT therapy

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call Port Hardy (250-902-6051) or Port McNeill (250-956-4461) or during drop in counselling at 7070 Shorncliffe Avenue (M-F 1-2:30) or 2750 Kingcome Place (M-F 1-2).

Comox Valley Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Comox, Courtney, Cumberland, Merville, Union Bay, Black Creek, Fanny Bay, Royston, Hornby & Denman Island

Service: Virtual or in person 24 week DBT skills group in Comox and no individual counselling. 10 sessions of mental health open groups need to be completed prior to attending.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 250-331-8524 or during drop in counselling at 941C England Ave M-F 9-11:15 and 1-2:15 except Wednesday afternoon.

Island Community Counselling

Region: Anyone in BC

Service: Virtual 24 week adult DBT skills group and in person DBT-A in Parksville for adolescents 14-17 . Individual counselling is required to participate from a therapist at the centre for an affordable fee. Virtual or In person counselling is available in Parksville, Campbell River, Comox, Denman Island, Nanaimo and Duncan.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service provider call 250-716-8888, email office@icc.care, or fill out form on their website.

General Community Resources:

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House offers supportive mental health and addictions counselling free of charge for adults living in the Greater Victoria Area by a diverse group of trained volunteer counsellors. Call 250-360-0644

Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) assists victims, immediate family members and some witnesses in coping with the effects of violent crime. It provides financial benefits to help offset financial losses and assist in recovery. Call Toll Free 1-866-660-3888

Victoria Sexual Assault Centre provides both crisis support and trauma counselling, as well as group counselling sessions for all women, Trans, Two-Spirit and Gender Non-Conforming people. Call the service access line 250-383-3232

Men’s Therapy Centre offers one-on-one counselling and groups with professional counsellors on a sliding-scale basis. They are trained and experienced in helping men* who have experienced emotional, physical or sexual trauma in childhood or as an adult. 250-381-6367 (*includes cis, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary, 2spirit, queer, gender fluid+)

Mental Health Recovery Partners anyone living with mental illness with or without substance use concerns, and family members specializing in schizophrenia, bipolar, major depression, and psychosis but all welcome. Providing system navigation, peer support, friendly caller list, family counselling, support groups, respite, and WRAP for all ages. 250-384-4225

Citizens Counselling Centre offers individual, couples, and group counselling to adult residents of Greater Victoria. Fees are set on a sliding scale based on family income. 250-384-9934

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

Victoria Native Friendship Centre offers health services to all Indigenous people living in the southern Vancouver Island such as mental health liaison, addictions support, medical clinic, advocacy etc.

Island Community Mental Health Association offers a variety of programs and opportunities for adults aged 19 and over who are experiencing any mental health challenges through evidence based programs, supported education and employment, supportive housing, and one to one support.

Integrated Mobile Crisis Response Team provides mobile crisis response, assessment, referrals, consultation and support to all ages by mental health clinicians, psychiatric nurses, child and youth counsellors and plain clothed police officers. They serve southern Vancouver Island, including Sooke, Port Renfrew, South Malahat and Sidney, and provides phone consultation to the Southern Gulf Islands. Access through the Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888 1:00pm – 12am 7 days a week.

AVI Health & Community Services - The Community-Led Crisis Response Team includes both individuals with lived/living experience, and mental health professionals. It focuses on health, well-being, and community support. If you or someone you know in Victoria is experiencing a crisis, you can contact the team at 250-818-2454 between 7:30am and 12:30am, 7 days/week.

Lower Mainland Mental Health Resources

Vancouver Coastal

No/Low Cost:

Vancouver General Hospital

Region: Residents of Vancouver

Service: Virtual 26 week DBT skills group and individual counselling for folks without one.

Intake: No new referrals at this time

Sea-to-Sky Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton

Service: Virtual 3 month DBT skills group and no individual counselling.

Intake: Referral by physician or nurse practitioner required.

Sunshine Coast Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Lower Sunshine Coast (Sechelt, Gibsons, Halfmoon bay, Roberts Creek, Egmont, Langdale & Pender Harbour)

Service: In person 12 week DBT skills group in Sechelt and possibility of individual counselling.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 604-885-6101 or during drop in counselling M-F 8:30-4:30 at 5542 Sunshine Coast Highway.

HOpe Centre

Region: Residents of North Vancouver and West Vancouver, including Bowen Island and Lion’s Bay

Service: In person 24 week DBT skills group at Lions Gate Hospital and possibility of individual counselling. Family support groups available.

Intake: Referral by physician or nurse practitioner required.

Personality Disorder BC

Region: BC

Service: Virtual individual and group evidence-based psychodynamic psychotherapy for personality disorders including Transference-Focused Psychotherapy and Mentalization Based Treatment covered by MSP.

Intake: Please see website for referral forms to be completed by a Physician.

Mood Disorders Association of BC

Region: BC Wide

Service: 24 week skills group delivered via Zoom with Dr. Saby Ramirez and Dr. Kayhan Ghatavi.

Intake: A referral from a doctor is needed and is covered by MSP. Before being accepted into the course, there will be a psychiatric consultation to ensure that the course is suitable for you. This program is not taking new referrals at this time. Check the website for updates.

Beckham Ronaghan

Region: BC Wide

Service: a free virtual monthly workshop on different DBT skills the first Monday of every month 11-12:30 am for adults who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, plus).

Intake: Email to register: DBT.queeries@gmail.com

Private:

DBT Centre of Vancouver offers DBT, CBT, and other evidence based therapies for adult, adolescents and their families. In addition they provide professional development and consultation to mental health providers. 604-569-1156

Wise Mind Centre 604-761-8201

VanPsych 604-558-2115

Live Well DBT - 24 week DBT program based in Vancouver, BC

Emotion Wise Counselling - DBT-informed groups between 12-16 weeks long, DBT-informed individual counselling (including phone coaching and EMDR trauma therapy). Virtually and in-person Vancouver

Katy Vinson Counselling - providing individual in person counselling and art therapy sessions in Vancouver. Specializing in eating disorders.

Ciara Toddington - providing DBT-informed in person & virtual individual counselling in Vancouver. Sliding scale and extended benefits accepted. Contact ciara.toddington@gmail.com or 604-356-9043 for more information.

Conlan Mansfield - providing video, telephone, or walk-and-talk counselling to individuals, couples, and families with a focus on BPD. General Psychiatric Management is available.

Beckham Ronaghan - providing a weekly virtual DBT Skills Group for adults on Tuesday evenings 7-8:30 pm and another on Wednesdays at 1-2:30 pm. This group is built with the needs of neurodivergent folks in mind. Email ronaghantherapy@gmail.com for registration and more information.

Adolescents & Families:

Child & Youth Mental Health - DBT for adolescents. Call 604-331-8908 for more information.

BC Children’s Hospital - Day program intensive DBT informed outpatient who experience significant eating disorder symptoms and co-occurring conditions such as self-injury. Parent peer support workers are available. Referral by a physician required.

General Community Resources:

Richmond Mobile Mental Health Emergency Services provides mobile community mental health assessment and intervention to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and residing in Richmond. An RCMP constable with specialized mental health training and a VCH-Richmond mental health nurse respond to calls. Contact 604-244-5562 11:00am-10:00 pm

Vancouver Car 87 - provides mobile crisis services such as on-site assessments and intervention for people living with mental illness in the City of Vancouver. The team includes a Vancouver Police constable with a registered nurse or psych nurse. Contact 604-675-3700 or 911 7:30-10:00 pm

North Shore Peer Assisted Care Team – is a mobile community-led crisis response team that attends crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use.. It is an alternative to emergency services that pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed support to to residents of the North shore ages 13+. Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831 8:30 am - 12:30 am 7 days a week. Available in English and Farsi.

Fraser Valley

No/Low Cost:

New Westminster Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Residents of New Westminster

Service: Virtual 12 session DBT skills group and no individual counselling

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 604-520-4662

Tri-Cities Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Tri-cities (Coquitlam, PoQo, Port Moody, Anmoore, Belcarra)

Service: Virtual 12 session DBT skills group and no individual counselling

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 604-520-4662.

Delta Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: North & South Delta

Service: Virtual 14 week DBT skills group and possibility of individual counselling

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 604-948-7010 (South Delta) or 604-592-3700 (North Delta)

Surrey Mental Health & Substance Use Urgent Care Response Centre

Region: Residents of Surrey

Service: Virtual and in-person 12 sessions DBT skills group and individual counselling near Surrey Memorial Hospital (Shirley Dean Pavilion)

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 604-953-6200 or walk in 7 days a week 8:30 am -8:30 pm at 13750 96 Ave (Charles Barham Pavilion) Access through 94 A Ave.

Langley Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Residents of Langley

Service: In person DBT skills group in Langley and no individual counselling. Entry and advanced level is 28 sessions and 10 sessions with prior knowledge of DBT.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening a physicians referral is needed unless a current or past client and can call 604-514-7940.

Mission Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Residents of Mission

Service: In person 12 week DBT skills group in Mission and no individual counselling

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 604-814-5600

Abbotsford Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Abbotsford, Aldergrove, and Sumas

Service: Virtual DBT skills group and the possibility of individual counselling. Level one is 6 weeks and level two is 19 weeks. A diagnosis of BPD is required.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call 604-870-7800.

Chilliwack Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz & Boston Bar

Service: In person DBT skills group in Chilliwack and individual counselling at all locations. Level one is 5 weeks and level two is 10 weeks.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service providers call Chilliwack (604-702-4860), Hope (604-860-7733) or Agassiz (604-793-7161) depending on location.

Maple Ridge Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

Service: Virtual 6 month DBT skills group and possibility of individual counselling.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service provider call 604-476-7165

White Rock/South Surrey Mental Health and Substance Use Centre

Region: Residents of White Rock/South Surrey

Service: Virtual DBT skills group and no individual counselling. DBT rapid access is 12 weeks and DBT intensive is 22 weeks. A formal diagnosis of BPD is required.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service provider call 604-541-6844

Day, Evening, Weekend Program (DEW)

Region: Burnaby to Boston Bar

Service: Virtual or in-person 8 week DBT skills group at RCH and individual counselling for people living with substance use concerns.

Intake: For a referral to intake clinician for screening by self or service provider call 888-587-3755 option 4 then 0. Intake drop-in hours available at several locations.

Family Connections Program

Region: Fraser Health Region

Service: skills development course that provides education, skills and training and support for people over 18 who are in a relationships with someone who has a Borderline Personality Disorder or difficulty regulation their emotions.

Intake: To register for an upcoming Family Connections Program session, visit The Sashbear Foundation

Moving Forward Family Services Society

Region: Canada Wide

Service: DBT skills group for adults with the diagnosis of BPD or BPD traits facilitated by a doctor. Individual counselling provided at no extra cost. There is a cost of $200 for 8 sessions ($25/session).

Intake: Register by emailing hello@movingforward.help, or text/call 778-321-3054.

Private:

DBT Centre of the Fraser Valley 604-239-0109 Ext 8.

Alongside You 604-283-7827

Love this Therapy - private clinic in White Rock/South Surrey offering individual and group DBT. For more information contact: 604-229-4887 or info@lovethistherapy.com

Candida Moreira - Individual & group therapy for youth and adults living with BPD. For more information contact: candida@candidamoreira.com

Adolescents & Families:

Child and Youth Mental Health

North Fraser: Burnaby/Tri-Cities/New West
South Fraser: Surrey Newton
East Fraser: Most teams

General Community Resources:

Surrey CAR 67 is a mobile crisis response unit with Surrey RCMP and a nurse which provides crisis intervention, risk assessments and referrals to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Also provides assistance to RCMP officers dealing with situations involving domestic violence. Serving residents of Surrey, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen and First Nations. Call 604-951-8855 or 911 1:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. 7 days a week.

New West Peer Assisted Care Team – is a mobile community-led team that offers support to individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. It is an alternative to emergency services that pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed support to residents in the City of New Westminster ages 13+. Call 778-727-3909 7:00 am - 11:30 pm 7days a week.

Interior Mental Health Resources

Kelowna

No/Low Cost:

Kelowna Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Residents of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Beaverdell, Lake country, and Oyama

Service: Offers a 4 week in person DBT skills group then a 6 week DBT program. A 6 month DBT graduate program is in development now.

Intake: To take part in DBT programs a person needs to be part of the mental health clinic and referred by a case manager. For more information contact: 250-469-7070 ext-13554.

Private:

Anna Glasco Counselling - providing individual therapy to teens and adults throughout Canada with a focus on complex trauma, attachment difficulties, and neurodiversity. Sessions are available in person, virtually, walk-and-talk, and animal-assisted therapy.

Kelowna Psychologists Group - A team of psychologists providing a broad range of services such as assessment, consultation and treatment to individuals, couples, and families throughout the Okanagan and BC’s Southern Interior. They liaise with various insurance providers to assist with payment.

Choose2thrive - Individual, couples, and career counseling for young adults online and in person from a trauma-informed, solution-focused, and strengths-based lens.

General Community Resources:

Canadian Mental Health Association - providing a variety of services such as counselling for adults age 25+, outreach, case management, community education, wellness development sessions, housing, employment support, and peer support groups.

Foundry BC - A wellness centre where young people aged 12-24 and their families can find hope, help and support such as mental health & substance use counselling, physical health services, youth peer support, family navigation, social services, wellness on wheels

This Space Belongs To You - A dedicated program for 2S/LGBTQIA+, and/or IBPOC people (age 12-24) committed to providing safe, inclusive spaces and resources across the Okanagan such as individual counselling, peer support, therapeutic groups, gender affirming wear, and training.

Kamloops

No/Low Cost:

Kamloops Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Residents of Kamloops and Interior Health

Service: Drop in virtual wellness workshops, a 7 week emotion regulation group, and a DBT intensive program

Intake: Self referral, referrals by a physician or hospital can be made to the emotion regulation group and no diagnosis is required. Referrals to the DBT intensive program are made by the counselling team after completing the emotion regulation group and a formal diagnosis is required. Contact the access department for more information: 250-377-6500.

Penticton

No/Low Cost:

Penticton Mental Health & Substance Use Centre

Region: Residents of Penticton, Summerland, OK Falls, Osoyoos, Oliver, and Princeton)

Service: Offers a 4 week in person DBT skills group then a 6 week DBT program. A 6 month DBT graduate program is in development now.

Intake: To take part in DBT programs a person needs to be part of the mental health clinic and referred by a case manager. For more information contact: 250-469-7070 ext-13554.

Private:

Lisa Robic, MSW, RSW, CTTS – Robic’s Cube Counselling & Supports - Registered Social Worker and Certified Trauma Treatment Specialist offering 1-1 trauma-informed & anti-oppressive DBT and CBT therapy for youth 10yo+ and adults, as well as 1-1 and group crisis intervention and critical incident debriefing. Lisa specializes in treating mental health (eg. BPD, Depression, Anxiety), trauma, substance use, and first responders. Accepts funding through CVAP, ICBC, FNHA, MCFD, and most extended health benefits. Counselling session can be held virtually, via telephone, or in-person in Princeton, BC. For more information, please contact: robics.cube@outlook.com; 250;438-0024 (call or text); robicscube.janeapp.com

Northern BC Mental Health Resources

Prince George

General Community Resources:

Car 60 - Provides emergency response to crisis calls related to mental health situations or crisis concerns in partnership with the RCMP and the Northern Health Authority. A plainclothes RCMP member and psychiatric nurse work together to help de-escalate situations, provide crisis intervention and connect people to community services and supports. Contact Prince George 250-787-8140 RCMP Non-emergency Line or Fort St. John 1-888-562-1214 24-Hour Crisis Line.

Resources for Loved Ones

Emotions BC - Offers DBT based skills groups, mindfulness programs, and support groups for families and caregivers with loved ones living with mental health difficulties.

NEABPD - Provides information on Family Connection courses, family education workshop videos, family guidelines, podcasts, webinars, events, publications and many more.

SashBear Foundation - Empowering family members and communities with life transforming skills and hope, through workshops and evidence-based Family Connections programs at no charge.

Ottawa Network for Borderline Personality Disorder - Providing education and support for relatives of people with BPD and to help family members develop skills for coping . This is done primarily through the Family Connections program.

Families for BPD Research - is a grassroots group of family members, friends, and others who have loved ones living with BPD. They are committed to actively supporting BPD research as the best hope for recovery.

New England Personality Disorder Association - Provides mutual support, education, and advocacy for family members of people living with BPD such as support groups, conferences,

Global Resources

DBT Path - 9 month DBT program run worldwide by author, skills trainer and person with lived experience of BPD, Debbie Corso

The Super Feelers Club - Join the SuperFeelers peer support group for anyone over the age of 18 living with strong emotions and/or borderline personality disorder to share stories, learn DBT skills, etc

Dialectical Living - Programs for people living with BPD and loved ones such as workshops, intro and advanced DBT, family support lunch & learns, individual therapy, DBT for couples & DBT aftercare.

McLean Hospital - General information about BPD and treatment options, including outpatient & inpatient programs.

Behavioraltech.org - The world’s leading organization on Dialectival Behavior Therapy developed by Marsha Linehan providing information on research, comprehensive trainings, and DBT providers.

DBT-LBC - Find a certified DBT clinician or program worldwide.

National Alliance on Mental Illness - The largest national organization for mental illness providing education, support and advocacy. The website includes information on support groups, research, media library of BPD resources, conferences & events.

DBT Self-Help - A wealth of free online DBT resources such ad flashcards and diary cards.

Emotions Matter - NY based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education, and support for people living with BPD. Various support groups offered such as for men, LGBTQIA+, loss & grief, and community.

New York Presbyterian BPD Resource Center - Nationwide resource for general information on BPD, websites, videos, books, and provider resource directory in the United States.

Tara4BPD - The first non-profit organization devoted to advocacy, research and education for those affected by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) providing information, a BPD helpline, family workshops, referrals, and more.