COUNSELLING

All of the following resources have been tested and reviewed by VYMHC members as to ensure they are accessible, confidential, and free or low-cost. Only the best resources made the cut.

DISCLAIMER: This is not an exhaustive list of mental health resources. This is simply a collection of resources that VYMHC members have tested and approved. For a more comprehensive list, visit bc211. If this list contains any errors, please contact us. Last updated 16/5/2021.

Saanich Peninsula Youth Health Clinic

Address: 2A-2379 Bevan Ave.

Call: 250-656-4143

As the only youth clinic on the Saanich Peninsula, this service provides confidential support for all young people aged 12-24. This includes physical healthcare, mental health and substance use treatment options, and sexual healthcare. The clinic has family physicians, counsellors, a psychiatrist, a youth worker, and First Nations elder, who makes sure that the space is safe and welcoming to all young folks.

Crisis Text Line

Text: 741-741

This free, 24/7 service allows users struggling with anxiety, depression, self harm, eating disorders, or suicidal thoughts to text with trained counsellors. The service is also providing support to those struggling to cope with COVID-19 and its effects on society.

Wellness Together Canada

Text: 686-868

This service provides 24/7 access to free counselling with mental health and substance use professionals who can help users develop action plans, track their progress, and access other services.

Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health

Address: 901 Kings Rd.

Call: 250-380-0595

This service supports individuals of all ages struggling with addiction to alcohol, other drugs, and behaviours. The organization provides peer support and counselling and connects folks to detox, stabilization, treatment, and housing services. Umbrella also operates four recovery houses: three for men and one for women.

Kids Help Phone

Call: 1-800-668-6868

Text: 686-868

This hotline provides 24/7 counselling, information, and referrals to all Canadian youth under 20 years old. Crisis responders are trained, knowledgeable volunteers who are capable of supporting youth through extremely difficult situations. Those wishing to access the service can text, call, Facebook message, or live chat and do not need an internet connection or data plan.

Youthspace.ca

Text: 778-783-0177

This hotline provides emotional and crisis support via text or email for Canadian youth under 30 years old. Counsellors can help connect callers with other community resources.

Pacific Centre Family Services Association

Address: 345 Wale Rd.

Call: 250-478-8357

Free email counselling, information, and referrals from professional counsellors is available for youth seeking support for anger issues, relationships, family issues, school challenges, bullying, alcohol and drug misuse, and depression.

Black Youth Helpline

Call: 416-285-9944

Text: 1-883-294-8650

This hotline provides culturally-informed support for Black youth and families across Canada. This service is toll free.

Trans Lifeline

Call: 877-360-6366

This peer support hotline provides trans and questioning youth with confidential advice from trans youth mentors. This service is toll free.

QCHAT

Call: 1-885-956-1777

Text: 250-800-9036

This service connects LGBTQ2S+ youth in British Columbia with older Queer mentors who can provide comfort and advice and refer you to community services. This resource is toll free and available via call and text.

L,KI,L Child and Youth Program

Address: 902A Caledonia Ave.

Call: 250-384-9466

This service helps Indigenous youth with complex trauma heal through both cultural and mainstream interventions. Counselling focuses on identifying the impacts of intergenerational trauma on the youth’s wellbeing and countering those effects with cultural practices.

Victoria Youth Clinic (The Foundry)

Address: 818 Douglas St.

Call: 250-383-3502

This clinic provides youth ages 12-24 with mental and sexual health supports including professional counselling, peer support, substance use treatment, gender affirming care, and harm reduction education. Staff can also help youth file taxes, seek income assistance, find housing, and navigate other community supports.

Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour

Address: 203-2722 Fifth St.

Call: 250-277-2545

SNIWWOC provides a plethora of services for Canadian women of colour, including free therapy for low income racialized women. All of the mental health professionals identify as racialized women who specialize in intercultural and decolonial interpretations of therapeutic practices.

Narcotics Anonymous

Call: 1-818-773-9999

Provides free and confidential services for people of any age who are struggling with substance use of any severity. This organization offers a helpline, connections to resources, and group meetings.

Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use Services

Address: 530 Fraser St.

Call: 250-519-5313

This service provides free counselling for youth (ages 13-19) who have concerns about their use of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis or other substances. They can also provide support for those who are worried about a youth’s use of substances, as well as youth who have been impacted by someone else’s substance use. Intake workers respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.