Where can I find free or low-cost counselling?
Without a doctor's referral, you need to access care through the private system, which is not funded by the government. Private mental health services can be expensive. This can be a real barrier to finding good care. While there is no simple answer, there are several different places you can look:
I’m worried about my child or teenager. Where can I find help?
It can be hard to figure out what to do if you’re concerned about a young person in your family.
Finding the Right Help - Navigating the System
While it's common to talk about the mental health system, the system isn’t a singular entity. The system might include primary care, mental health, substance use, housing, income assistance, and justice. They are not always accessed the same way, through similar gatekeepers.
Telehealth—An Innovation to Improve Access to Services
Reprinted from the "System Navigation" issue of Visions Journal, 2014, 10 (1), pp. 37-38
You can do almost anything online these days. One area that hasn’t caught up with the online revolution, however, is health care.
Navigating the Navigators
British Columbia's phone-based support and information lines
Finding Help
Learn more about finding help for a mental health problem. If you're not sure what you're experiencing or you're worried about a symptom, it's a good idea to talk to a health professional like your doctor first. In this section, you’ll find information on different kinds of services in BC as well as resources to help you access and work with mental health professionals. You can also learn more about dealing with mental health crises or emergencies. Once you've connected with a health professional, come back to our self-help resources to learn more about managing your mental health.
Working with your Doctor When You Have a Mental Illness
Talking to your health professional about a mental illness is a very important first step. It’s the beginning of your journey to wellness. Once you’ve received a diagnosis, you and your health professional will need to build a treatment plan that works for you.
