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Free Mental Health Resources

Free 24/7 mental health support is available by calling 310-6789 or 988


Online Mental Health Courses
Meditation
Low Cost / Reduced Rate Counselling
More CMHA Programs

MoodMover

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Check your eligibility here!

Post-Traumatic Growth Global Summit

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 Healing, Resilience & Post-Traumatic Growth For These Challenging Times

Healing and Leveraging our Pain and Trauma to Create Extraordinary Personal Growth, Fulfilling Relationships, and Collective Transformation

Come join us in this deep exploration of what it means to be human and how we can heal and transform our relationship with ourselves, each other, the earth, and our fellow species... learning to live inspired lives and flourish together sustainably as one global human family.

Cost: Free
Date and Time: June 11 - 16 | 4 am PST
Location: Online
Phone: +1 (508) 613-2095 (Charges my apply)
Email: [email protected]
Free Registration here

IFRC Society

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The Individualized Funding Resource Centre (IFRC) Society was developed to help people succeed on the Choices in Support for Independent Living (CSIL) Program and other individualized funding programs in British Columbia. Paul Gauthier, founder of the CSIL program now has a place to share his knowledge, and experience. The IFRC is committed to providing supports that will allow individuals to fully participate in their communities.

The Individualized Funding Resource Centre understands that managing individualized funding can be overwhelming and challenging for many people with disabilities. Too often, individuals accept the alternative, because of a lack of information or support. We can provide that information and support to ensure success and independence!
More Information Here

Recovery College

Voices & Visions Support Groups​
Recovery College are different from other mental health support groups and programs.

​Recovery Colleges are different because they use co-production. Co-production is the umbrella term for a working style where peers, professionals and content experts work together as equals to create a course or a service that will improve the quality of life for members of the community. Co-production is based on the principle that those who use a service are in the best position to help design it.


First time participants have to contact the facilitator 24 hours before the session!

​Cost: Free
Location: Varies, in-person and virtual available 
Groups:​
  • Art Therapy for Wellness
    • Wednesdays | 6 pm - 8  pm
    • ​Fridays | 11 am - 1 pm
  • Bipolar Community Support Group
    • Jun 27th | 4 pm - 6  pm
    • Jul 4th, 11th, & 18th | 4 pm - 6  pm
  • Coping with Uncertainty​
    • Jul 3 - Jul 24, 2024 | 1 pm - 3 pm
  • Pet Therapy​
    • Wednesdays | 2:30 pm - 3 pm
      ​
More Support Groups Here

Mindfulness Meditation & Movement

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Enjoy a weekly mindful movement and meditation class focused on positive energy, raising your endorphins, and increasing a sense of well-being. The class is rooted in Kundalini yoga tradition. 

Dates and Times: Tuesdays | 2 pm - 3 pm
Location: Sacred Space Room at The HOpe Centre
1337 St Andrews Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7L 3L4
 
Cost: Free registration
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 778-836-9243
Mindfulness Meditation & Movement

Your Recovery Journey - Workshop

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Your Recovery Journey is a free workshop focusing on mental illness and recovery. The program provides valuable information that helps individuals on their recovery journey to reconnect, accomplish their goals, and recapture meaning in life. It is peer support based and facilitated by the VCH Peer Led Workshop Program at Recovery College YVR.
​
Session topics:
  • What is recovery?
  • Quality of Life
  • Self-Management
  • Medication as a tool for recovery
  • Moving Forward: Personal Action Planning​

​Dates and Times: Aug 2 - Aug 30 | 2 pm - 4 pm
Email: [email protected]
​
Phone: 778-836-9243
More Information

Talking With Your Doctor: Workshop

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Peer facilitators lead this 1.5 hour interactive workshop to empower patients to be active participants in their health care.​

Learn how to:
  • be prepared for your visit
  • state your concerns clearly and honestly
  • provide a complete description of your condition
  • ask questions about your condition and its treatment
  • express problems with prescribed treatments

​Upcoming Sessions:
  • ​July 11th, 2024 - 7 pm - 8:30 pm (Online)
Registration for Virtual Sessions
Registration for In-Person Sessions

Y Mind Programs

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YMCA BC offers free mental wellness programs designed to help participants learn how to manage stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety. They use evidence-based methods, and teach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. 

Current Programs:
  • Y Mind Teen: For teens ages 13-18, who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress
  • Y Mind Youth: For individuals ages 18-30, who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress
  • Y Mind Adult: Skills-based program for individuals aged 31+ who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress
  • Mind Medicine: Programs that offer the Y Mind curriculum in a culturally appropriate manner
  • YMCA Home Wellness Programs: Online mental health tools, including mindfulness, ACT information, self-care, etc. 
    ​

​Details: 
  • Programs are free and run one evening per week for 7 weeks 
  • Weekly sessions are 2.5 hours long
  • Y Mind Teen sessions are 1.5 hours
  • Participants must commit to all 7 sessions
  • Most programs are currently via Zoom, with some sessions offered in person
​
Phone: 604-673-6170
Email: [email protected]

Link to Y Mind Inquiry Form
More Info on Y Mind Programs

PWR (Plan for Wellness & Recovery) Workshop Series

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PWR is a personalized plan that helps you stay well and cope with challenges. You create and tailor your own plan based on your needs and preferences through the process of self-reflection.

Details:
  • Learn how to recognize what you are like when you are well
  • Identify stressors that affect your well-being
  • Develop wellness strategies to deal with stressors
  • Your plan will help you:
    • Reduce and manage unwanted or troubling thoughts, feelings and behaviours
    • Empower yourself to make positive choices and decisions regarding your health
    • Improve your quality of life
    • Take steps towards identifying/achieving your goals and dreams
  • Your plan will also include topics such as:
    • Wellness Tools: Ways to stay well
    • Daily Maintenance Planning: Things to do to keep yourself well
    • Triggers: Events that make you feel worse
    • Crisis Planning: A plan to take care of yourself

Facilitated by the VCH Peer Led Workshops Program

Upcoming Sessions:
  • August 1st - 29th  1  pm - 3 pm (Online) ​

For more info and registration questions:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 778-836-9243
PWR Workshops - Virtual
PWR Workshops - In Person

Mindfulness Matters Group

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The Mindfulness Matters Group provides an introduction to the various practices and techniques that help us reconnect with ourselves at the present moment. The training helps people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. This allows people to manage their thoughts and feelings better, instead of being overwhelmed. 

The mindfulness exercises practiced in this group focus on paying attention to the present moment by using techniques like meditation and breathing.  

Dates: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month
Time: Alternating between
  • 11 am - 12 pm 
  • 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Online via Zoom

To join the group contact: [email protected]

​
Note: Open to BC residents only.
Learn More about the Group

OCD Support Groups
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The OCD Adult Wellness Group is a group for adults with OCD tendencies and family/friends supporting someone with OCD. This group is facilitated by a Clinical Counsellor, and is open to BC residents only.

The group seeks to build community, allow individuals to share their experiences, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and research. From time to time there will be Guest Speakers at the meeting. 


Dates: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 7 pm - 9 pm
Location: Online via Zoom
​
Note: A screening interview is required before joining this group. 

​OCD Young Adult Group: “Healing is not Linear”
This group is run by young adult volunteers with lived experiences with OCD. The group seeks to foster connections, provide a platform to share experiences and research, as well as provide a social platform for young adults with OCD.

Dates: 4th Tuesday of each month
Time: 7 pm - 8 pm 

Location: Online via Zoom
Eligibility: BC residents aged 19 - 30

Email: [email protected]

Note: A clinically supervised screening interview is required before joining this group.
OCD Support Groups

Supporting Men's Mental Health - Beyond "Man Up"

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 In a culture that encourages them to “man up”, men may feel vulnerable admitting they struggle with mental health at all. From an early age, society has told men that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. As mentioned on Centre for Suicide’s Preventions Buddy Up website, toughness and stoicism are expected; emotional vulnerability is seen as a blemish on their manhood.
​
Three ways you can help support the men in your life’s mental health:
  1. Make Yourself Known as a Safe Space for Sharing
    Often times, what prevents us from sharing difficult thoughts and feelings is the fear of judgment. Making yourself known as a safe space opens the door for the men in your life to talk openly and honestly about what they’re going through.


  2. Validate Their Experience and Check in
    When loved ones come to us and share their thoughts, feelings, and problems, it’s easy to jump into problem solving mode, with the best of intentions. Rather than trying to fix their problems, listen to what they have to say and respond with empathy and compassion. Remember, whoever you are, father, friend, sister, spouse, you are not a mental health professional.


  3. Assist Them in Locating Resources and Professional Help
    Finding the right resources and help can be exhausting and discouraging, especially for someone dealing with anxiety or depression. By helping your loved one track down the right support, it increases their chances of getting the care they need.
Get Help Now

Peer-Led Support Groups - Mood Disorders Association of BC

Peer-Led Support Groups - Mood Disorders Association of BC
MDABC Peer-led Support Groups provide a safe place to share your story, struggles and accomplishments, and to listen to others sharing their similar concerns.

Benefits:
  • A sense of belonging
  • Informal education about mental health challenges
  • Support of others who have 'been there'​

​Details:
  • Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers with lived experience of mental health concerns
  • Not intended to provide counseling or therapy
  • More than 25 Peer-led Support Groups in cities and towns across British Columbia
  • Meetings are offered in-person and online via Zoom on a weekly or bi-weekly basis
  • Groups include: Bipolar, PTSD, Mindfulness, Youth, and more​

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-873-0103  (monitored 9 am – 4:30pm)
Join a MDABC Support Group Now

Educational Courses and Workshops - Community Mental Health

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Gordon Neighbourhood House provides ongoing psycho-educational courses for community members wanting to learn more about how to proactively manage their mental wellness.

Courses Include:
  • Managing Anxiety
  • Parenting Under Stress
  • Relationships during Stressful Times
  • Peer Support Groups​

Details:
  • In-person and virtual options available
  • Free for everyone
  • To register, email: [email protected]
Community Mental Health Resources

Free Online Course - Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills

Free Online Course - Resilience in a Time of Uncertainty
Coursera is an incredible resource offering free courses from universities. It currently offers a 15 hour course on resilience in a time of uncertainty. 

As well as building your own resiliency, mental agility, and optimism, the course includes examples of individuals using resilience skills in their personal and professional lives.

The course provides:
  • Opportunities to learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of resilience
  • Develop personal and job-relevant skills
  • You can begin at any time, and decide yourself on the pace of the course.
Learn More About the Course and Sign Up

Family Connections

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Family Connections provides mental health and substance use resources for families. The program is a part of Vancouver Coastal Health.

Types of Resources Includes (non-exhaustive list):
1. Mental Health Education
  • Family education courses
  • Skill development workshops
2. Family Support Groups
  • General mental health groups
  • Substance use groups
  • Other specific groups
3. Counselling
  • Free and low-cost counselling
  • In-person, online, and phone options available
  • Peer support
  • Counselling for individuals, partners, and groups
  • Professionals with specialties in mental illness, substance use, trauma services, services for Queer individuals, and more
4. Crisis Services
  • Drop-in services
  • 24/ crisis lines
  • Culturally sensitive crisis lines 
  • Services in various languages
5. Internet Resources
  • Peer support
  • Courses and workshops
  • Workbooks and other information
6. Help Finding and Accessing Resources
Access Family Resources

Thrive Program

Thrive Program
Thrive is a great program of the Open Door Group.
 
If you’re living with a mental health condition, Thrive offers free one-to-one coaching and group programs that focus on personal development and positive community connections.
 
They offer dozens of different group programs. Just a few of these are:
  • Digital photography
  • Creative writing
  • Stress management
  • Time management
  • Computer skill development
  • Employment readiness
  • Shyness and social anxiety
  • Cooking and nutrition
  • Self-esteem
 
Interested in joining? Complete the online intake form.

After that, the next step will be that you’ll meet with one of the experienced recreational therapists to set personal goals and build an action plan. Together, you’ll find the right activities and programs to help you reach your goals.
​
Phone: 604-872-0770
Start Thriving!

Musings From Lived Experience

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Musings From Lived Experience is an opinion column by Merle Ginsburg covering topics related to mental health and substance use.


 Previous column topics include:
  • Resilience
  • Mental Health Diagnoses
  • Suicide and the Disease of Mental Illness
  • And more
​
Check Out the Column

HereToHelp - Online Mental Health Resources

HereToHelp - Online Mental Health Resources
Here To Help provides access to quality information, assistance with learning new skills, and connecting with key resources in BC. Explore strategies to help you take care of your mental health and use substances in healthier ways, find the information you need to manage mental health and substance use problems, and learn how you can support a loved one.

Website features:
  • Screening self-tests
  • Support services for yourself or a loved one
  • Access the Resource Library for information on various topics
  • Personal stories
  • Workbooks
  • Specific pages on mental health issues, including ADHD, grief, suicide, and eating disorders​
Mental Health Resources

Anxiety Canada

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Anxiety Canada works to raise awareness of anxiety disorders, reduce barriers, and help people manage their anxiety. They offer accessible, science-based anxiety relief.

Services Provided:
  • Online tools and resources
  • Self-help toolkits for kids, teens, adults, and parents
  • Information and resources for anyone who desires to control their own anxiety
  • Group therapy
  • MindShift - CBT Anxiety app
  • Podcasts and videos

Information on different anxiety disorders:
  • Phobias and specific phobias
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Postpartum concerns
  • And more

Location: 400-601 West Broadway, Vancouver
Phone: 604-620-0744
Email: [email protected]
Learn to Manage Anxiety

CMHA Recovery Colleges

Recovery Colleges
Recovery Colleges are learning centres focused on mental health and well-being, while providing a genuine and empowering learning environment with practical knowledge. ​The course curriculum is unique, being developed by subject experts, mental health professionals and individuals with personal experience in mental health recovery.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) currently operates 11 of these centres in communities across the country, with plans for more to be opened in the future.

Recovery colleges are designed as supportive learning environments for individuals with various mental health goals.
  • Individuals with mental illness or mental health problems, including substance use issues, can find support on their personal recovery journey.
  • Those who support someone with a mental health issue can find skills to enhance self-care and overall well-being.
  • Individuals who need to develop confidence in facing life's challenges can find a suitable course.​
Explore Recovery College Resources

BC Reproductive Mental Health Program

BC Reproductive Mental Health
The program provides mental health support for women and families dealing with mental health challenges before, during, and after pregnancy and birth. 

Services Provided:
  • Pre-pregnancy consultations for people with psychiatric illness who are thinking about pregnancy
  • Group educational session about premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Addresses psychological difficulties associated with infertility, pregnancy loss, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Referrals must come from a physician, nurse practitioner, or midwife
  • Group therapies include: mindfulness and cognitive based therapy, PPD and anxiety groups, emotional regulation, and more
  • Resources for partners and families 
​
Hours: Mon - Fri | 9 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Room P1-228, Entrance 81
  • Healthy Minds Centre (BC Women's Hospital)
  • 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-875-2025
Reproductive Mental Health Support

Centre for Suicide Prevention

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The Centre for Suicide Prevention is an education centre located in Calgary, that offers online resources for everyone to access. Their mission is to educate to save lives through suicide prevention by equipping people with the knowledge and skills to respond to those considering suicide.

Education Resources include:
  • Workshops include prevention, intervention, and programs designed for children and the Indigenous community
  • An online library of resources 
  • Resources that analyze statistics provided by Stats Canada
  • Together We Live guide that focuses on community suicide prevention plans
  • Buddy Up campaign addressing suicide prevention for men​
Centre for Suicide Prevention

MindMapBC - Low-Cost Mental Health Services

Free or Inexpensive Mental Health Services: MindMapBC
MindMapBC is a custom-made database of outpatient mental health services, resources, and related supports. Services are 2S/LGBTQ+ affirming, free, low-cost, or sliding scale, and self-referral services. 

Services Included:
  • A variety of counselling services
  • Support groups and peer support
  • Social groups and networking
  • Other mental health resources​

Accessibility:
  • Services that are free, low-cost, or sliding scale
  • Self-referral services (no need to see a doctor before accessing)
  • Online and in-person options 
  • Services available in a variety of languages
Find Mental Health Support

Emotions BC - Programs

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Emotions BC offers a mindfulness program that introduces participants to the practice of mindfulness as a way to improve mental well-being. Participants learn to live in the moment and without judgement. 

Current groups:
  • In-Person Support and Skills for Families + Caregivers
  • Online Support and Skills for Families + Caregivers​

For details and to register,
Email: [email protected].
Emotions BC Programs

Self-Management BC

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Supported by the Province of British Columbia, offers FREE health programs for adults of all ages with one or more ongoing health conditions.

​Programs are offered in person, virtually, online, by telephone, or by mail for adults living in BC.  

What are chronic conditions?
Chronic conditions are broadly defined as long-term conditions and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control.

What is self-management?
Self-management means having the skills and confidence to live well with one or more chronic conditions. 

Programs Available for Chinese, Indigenous and Punjabi Communities
For more information, please contact the
Program Coordinator directly:
 
Chinese Coordinator​: Courtney Kang
​Phone: 604-940-8967
​Email: [email protected]
​
Indigenous Coordinator​: June Clearsky
​Phone: 604-940-6950
Email: [email protected]

South-Asian Coordinator​: Gundeep Sidhu 
  • ​Phone: 236-858-9636
  • Email: [email protected]
Access their programs now

Talk Suicide​

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Suicide Prevention Support: Provides toll-free phone and text support for those in need across Canada.

Support is available for those contemplating suicide, experiencing suicidal thoughts, who have made a past attempt, have lost someone to suicide, or are worried about someone else's suicidal thoughts

Services are free and available 24/7 to anyone across Canada 

Phone and Text: 9-8-8

More resources and information are available on the website.
Call for Help Now

Live Well DBT Program

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Gill Walker and Andrea Harowitz are offering 3 bursary spots for their 24 week DBT Skills Group. 

Details:
  • Cost is sliding scale, from $25-$42 per session
  • All Sessions 5:30 pm - 7:45 pm on Zoom
  • Please email livewelldbt@gmail to express interest by Oct 27th preferably. We will respond to later enquiries so please reach out if you are interested. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dates:
  • ​May 7 - June 25 | Interpersonal Effectiveness
  • No sessions Dec 19 - 26, March 19 & 26
More Information

​Black Youth Helpline

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4The National Helpline for Youth offers services and support to meet the needs of all youth, with a focus on Black youth. Services are provided in various languages.

Services offered:
  • Culturally relevant services
  • Expert assessments and interventions
  • Information and referrals
  • Community development initiatives
  • On-demand services and helpline
  • Support for families​
Hours: 6 am - 7 pm 
​Phone: 1-833-294-8650 / 416-285-9944
Email: [email protected]
Youth Support: Get Help Now!

Social Anxiety Virtual Workshop

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Join Instructors Charles di Cagno and Kyra Smith, former Phobia Therapists at the White Plains Hospital Phobia Clinic, at a free introductory session focused on social anxiety. They employ the clinic's unique approach to vastly expanding your zone of comfort.

Techniques include interpersonal and small group interaction with gradual reduction of anxiety in manageable steps, resulting in more skill and confidence in all areas of life. 

Various dates are available!
​
​Note: There is a charge for subsequent sessions.
Learn More about the Workshop

Veterans Transition Network

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The Veterans Transitions Network provides support for veterans, assists veterans reintegrate with their families, work through trauma, enhance their mental health, and reestablish relationships.

Reintegration Goals:
  • Help veterans successfully transition into civilian life
  • Emphasis on communication skills
  • Self-regulation and address trauma symptoms
  • Goal setting

Services offered:
  • Free and confidential group counselling services
  • Facilitated by specialists with expertise working with the military population
  • Transitions courses and therapeutic enactment courses

Eligible Population:
  • Veterans of all ages and genders
  • Active or retired veterans, including military and RCMP members

​Location: 622 - 470 Granville Street
Phone: 604-559-8155 / 1-844-236-8387
Email: [email protected]
Veteran Reintegration Support

Access and Assessment Centre (AAC)

Access and Assessment Centre (AAC)
The Access and Assessment Centre is a drop-in and appointment-based mental health clinic located in the Segal Building of Vancouver General Hospital. It provides intake services, on-site assessments, crisis intervention, and short-term treatment to adults with severe and chronic mental illness. 

Types of Services:
  • Mental health and substance use assessments
  • Referrals to Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health and Addiction Services
  • Admissions to Vancouver General Hospital inpatient psychiatry
  • Crisis intervention and support
  • Family support
Services Not Provided:
  • Prescription refills
  • Counselling or referrals for counselling services
  • ADHD assessments
  • Referrals to private psychiatrists 
  • Medical notes, housing and disability applications
  • Court-ordered assessments​ ​
Details:
  • Low-barrier access to services
  • Available for individuals 17+
  • Multidisciplinary support providers
  • Available when you require assistance

​Hours: 7 days/week/holidays
  • Walk-ins: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Phone lines: 7:30 am to 10 pm​
Location: Segal Building, 803 West 12th Avenue, L1
Phone: 604-675-3700
Explore Mental Health Services

Connective

Living Life to the Full - Free Group Online Course
Connective is a community-based social services non-profit operating in BC and the Yukon. The organization provides a strong social safety net that addresses the needs of all who walk through our doors. They see a path forward for everyone, with opportunities to learn, grow, and develop—on their own terms and at their own pace. The goal is to assist individuals to achieve greater independence and navigate challenging social systems.

Resources Provided Include:
  • Innovative short and long-term housing, homelessness prevention, and housing for individuals struggling with substance use 
  • Education and employment
  • Life skills development
  • Community-based services and community living
  • Justice services pre- and post-release
  • Outreach
  • Health and wellness supports, including access to dental care
  • Services for marginalized communities​
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 604-872-5651
Access Connective Services

Program for Families

Program for Families
Family-to-Family education course: 8 week free education course, offered twice a year and one of Pathways' most sought-after programs.
​

Delivery Method:
  • Taught using a team approach
  • By two trained family-member volunteers with lived experience.
Development and Adaptation:
  • Developed under the aegis of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the United States
  • Licensed and adapted for use in British Columbia
Course Audience:
  • Families, significant others and friends of a loved one with a mental illness
  • including anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, concurrent disorders and schizophrenia​
Phone: 604-926-0856
More Info About the Society
More Info About the Course

​In Motion & Momentum +

In Motion & Momentum +
In Motion & Momentum + is a YWCA program that helps participants tap into their full potential and create the life they want to live, through goal setting and action plan. It was built for individuals who are feeling stuck or like they have been moving in a direction that is not right for them.

The program recognizes the inherent strengths, resilience and potential that lives within each individual and is all about providing experiences and opportunities that help participants to reconnect with their potential, take charge and live the life they want to live.
​
Participants must be unemployed or precariously employed and not a full-time student and have:
  • Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or confirmed refugee status
  • A minimum Grade 5 literacy level
  • Basic digital literacy and access to technology
  • A desire and commitment to participate fully

​Program Duration -13 Weeks
  • Module 1  - 3 weeks, 3 days a week 
  • Module 2 - 4 weeks, 4 days a week
  • Module 3 - 6 weeks, 1 day a week 

Register for an online intake session
More Info About the Program

More Free BC Brain Wellness Programs

More Free BC Brain Wellness Programs
The BC Brain Wellness Program provides clinically relevant lifestyle approaches to complement medical treatment, support people living with chronic brain disorders, and improve their quality of life.

Services include:
  • A provincial network of wellness programs
  • Classes include: dance, writing, visual arts, online improv, gardening and nutrition, and more
  • In-person exercise programs
  • Physical therapy and research clinic
  • Ongoing research

Phone: 604-827-4386   
Explore Brain Wellness!

Virtual Support Group - Kaleidoscope Mental Health Support Society

Virtual Support Group - Kaleidoscope Mental Health Support Society
Kaleidoscope Mental Health Support Society provides mental health services to the Vancouver community. They facilitate mental health discussions and provide support to individuals on their mental health journey, including resources, tools, and activities. 

Support Groups hours:
  • General Group held virtually on Thursdays
  • 7 pm - 8 pm
  • Student Group held by Zoom on Mondays
  • 7 - 8 pm
  • ​Early Psychosis Peer Recovery Network on First Thursday Monthly
  • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Email: [email protected]
Registration and More Info

Wellness Recovery Action Plan

Wellness Recovery Action Plan
The Wellness Recovery Action Plan® or WRAP®, is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well and make their life the way they want it to be. It was developed by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals.  It is now used extensively by people in all kinds of circumstances, and by health care and mental health systems all over the world to address all kinds of physical, mental health and life issues.
 
WRAP Will Help You:
  • Discover your own simple, safe wellness tools
  • Develop a list of things to do every day to stay as well as possible
  • Identify upsetting events, early warning signs and signs that things have gotten much worse and, using wellness tools, develop action plans for responding at these times
  • Create a crisis plan
  • Create a post-crisis plan

Other WRAP Services and Resources:
  • WRAP YouTube videos
  • Resources on the WRAP Facebook page
  • WRAP Blog
  • Turning to Heavy-Duty Wellness Tools in a Difficult Time
  • My Favorite Wellness Tools: Mary Ellen​
  • Looking for a New Wellness Tool? Try a Waterless Bath!​
Transform Your Wellness with WRAP

Crisis Phone Lines and Crisis Chat

Crisis Phone Lines and Crisis Chat
​If you are in crisis, distress, or having thoughts of suicide, help is available!

The Crisis Centre is here to listen, and here to help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Anywhere in BC: 1-800-SUICIDE
    ​Phone: 1-800-784-2433
  • Mental Health Support Line
    ​Phone: 310-6789
  • Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line
    ​Phone: 604-872-3311
  • Seniors Distress Line
    ​Phone: ​604-872-1234

Online Live Chat
CrisisCentreChat.ca is a program of the Crisis Centre.
It connects adults via live online chat with support, information and resources.
  • Online Chat Service for Youth
          (Noon to 1am): www.YouthInBC.com 
  • Online Chat Service for Adults
          (Noon to 1am): www.CrisisCentreChat.ca 
Get Help Now

Crest-BD - Support and Resources for those with Bipolar Disorder

Crest-BD - Support and Resources for those with Bipolar Disorder
Public Q and A's About Bipolar Disorder on Reddit
The Collaborative RESearch Team to study psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD) is a multidisciplinary collaborative network of researchers, people living with bipolar disorder, healthcare providers, and family members and supporters. Learn about managing bipolar disorder - on your own terms.

For two days every year, Crest.BD holds public Q&A about bipolar disorder on Reddit. View a wealth of information in the 3 years of all the questions and answers.
More Info About Crest.BD
Read Q&A

talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

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 The talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder.

​Each episode is designed to provide education on strategies to live well with bipolar disorder, along with tools and resources for each topic. All talkBD episodes also feature Q&A segments where our experts answer viewer-submitted questions. 

Recent Topics:
  • Bipolar History with Dr. Manuel Sanchez de Carmona
  • ​Bipolar Psychiatrist with Dr. Joanna Jarecki
Explore the Podcast

Eight-Week Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills Groups

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The Vancouver CBT Skills Groups
  • Offers an 8-week psycho-education program for low to moderate severity of anxiety, depression and other lower acuity mental health diagnoses.
  • Sessions are covered by MSP, with a $35 fee for the workbook
  • Programs are held at various times and locations around Vancouver.
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What is CBT?
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that aims to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
  • There is a lot of convincing evidence that CBT is effective in treating a range of mental health conditions.

More Information
  • For more information about CBT and the evidence supporting its effectiveness, please click on the 'More Info' button below.
More Info

Online Live Depression Support for Men

Online Live Depression Support for Men
A survey by Men's Health Research reveals that 1 in 2 Canadians know a man with depression. Yet stigma and barriers are still keeping men from reaching out and seeking help with their mental health.

Men Let’s Talk is an online drop-in group providing support for male-identified people and a safe space to discuss mental health & wellness. Participants can also access one-on-one support from the group facilitator and Peer Supporter, Ty Javos. 

Contact Ty with questions, and to register,
Dates and Times: Every Thursday
  • 6 pm - 7 pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-987-6959

She Recovers Meetings - Group Support for Women

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Group meetings that provide support and recovery for women going through trauma in all aspects of life. She Recovers meetings are intended for women and non-binary individuals—who are in or seeking recovery—to connect, learn, heal and share within a group of like-hearted individuals.

Online Meetings:
  • Twice daily | 9 am and 5 pm
  • Free and open to all women and non-binary folx
  • Trauma informed meetings
  • Held via Zoom, with no obligation to share or turn on your camera 
  • Discussion includes: grief and loss, trauma, substance use issues, disordered eating, and other concerns

Other Programs:
  • Trauma informed Yoga and Dance
  • LGBTQ+ and BIPOC groups
  • Training and other resources
She Recovers Meetings

Chinese Mental Health Support Program

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The Chinese mutual aid group provides an opportunity for individuals to share experiences of coping with mental health challenges in Mandarin and to encourage and help each other.

Program Features:
  • Group activities on the second Saturday of each month
    • Public mental health-themed lecture
    • 1 pm - 2:30 pm
    • Mutual aid group meeting 
    • 2:30 pm to 4 pm
  • Lectures will be translated into Cantonese or Mandarin, and support group sharing will be conducted in Cantonese and Mandarin respectively

To join, please contact Mr. Lee Ma,
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 604-761-3723 ​
Chinese Mental Health Program

Family Support Group

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This family support group is run by family volunteers and offers a safe place to share and process your experiences with supporting a loved one living with mental illness and addiction challenges. Participants are encouraged to share their insights into navigating the B.C. health care system. By connecting with other people who are also trying to help someone with mental illness and/or addiction, you can find support and understanding.

Group Details:
  • Open to all family members, loved ones, and support people of current or former BC Mental Health and Substance Use services
    • ​Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health & Addiction
    • Heartwood Centre for Women
    • Coast Rehab and Recovery
  • In-person or over the phone
  • Second Wednesday of each month

To call in: 604-681-0455
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toll free: 1-877-291-3022 
CODE: 8874798


Dates and Times: Second Wednesday of each month
  • 2:30 pm - 4 pm
Location: Red Fish Healing Centre, Unit 8, 2745 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam
More Info About Family Support

 ​Self-Help Modules, Worksheets & Resources for Mental Health Concerns

 ​Self-Help Modules, Worksheets & Resources for Mental Health Problems
The Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) offers resources for individuals and healthcare professionals to assist with interventions for mental health concerns. The workbooks provide information and resources specific to a variety of mental illnesses. These resources provide general information about various mental health problems and techniques that focus on a cognitive-behavioral approach to managing difficulties.

The information provided in the resources is NOT a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment by an appropriate health professional, and it is recommended that individuals consult their doctor or health care professional about their concerns. 

Resources for mental health concerns include:
  • Depression
  • Bipolar
  • Social anxiety
  • Panic
  • Self-esteem
  • Procrastination
  • Perfectionism
  • Eating disorders​
Explore CCI Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Mental Health Commission of Canada promotes meaningful change through initiatives that support people in their communities. They fund research and policy work to address gaps in Canada's mental health services in order to provide better outcomes for all. They can provide curated, evidence-based information that can be trusted.

Services include:
  • Access to quality mental health care
  • Caregiving resources
  • Services for children and youth
  • Focus on diversity and representation of under-representated groups
  • Mental health, substance use, and criminal justice
  • Research and strategy work
  • Stigma reduction
  • Suicide prevention
  • Workplace mental health​
More Information

Hearing Voices Network Study Club

Hearing Voices Network Study Club
The Study Club is a discussion group that meets monthly to read, watch, and listen to media related to hearing voices. The group is open to anyone who hears voices, sees visions, or has other unique sensory experiences or beliefs, as well as loved ones, service providers, students, and any other community members who are interested in learning.

Group Details: 
  • Starts with watching a film or reading an article, followed by a discussion
  • Drop-in group, no registration required
  • In-person and virtual options
  • Past topics include medications, hospitalization, finding meaning in the experiences, etc.

Dates: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Location: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House – Chocolate Lily Room (Room 5), 
800 East Broadway, Vancouver 
For more information please contact Anne, Email: [email protected] 
Phone:  778-650-6916
Hearing Voices Study Club

Podcast: The Power of Disability

Podcast: The Power of Disability
This podcast series highlights what history has overlooked: the incredible contributions of people with disabilities. It was hosted by Al Etmanski, who brings enlightening conversations, featuring guests with disabilities who have been influential in arts, activism, science, and more.
More Info

All In The Mind Podcast

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All in the Mind is a podcast that explores all things mental: the mind, brain, and behaviour. It covers everything from addiction and mental illness to artificial intelligence. The podcast frequently has special guests, including healthcare professionals, scientists, athletes, and members of the community.

Recent Episode Topics:
  • ADHD, Ticktock, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria ​
  • The Confusion Around Concussions
  • What Psychosis Feels Like
  • Introversion vs. Extroversion
  • And more

Details:
  • Airs live weekly on Sundays
  • Available to stream anytime online
  • Produced by ABC Radio International
  • Free to stream online or using the ABC Radio app
All In The Mind Podcast

West Coast Mental Health Network Society (WCMHNS)

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WCMHNS is an organization run by peers for those who are or have previously used the mental health and/or psychiatric systems and are looking for assistance and support in their rehabilitation.

They
 lobby for therapy and counselling to be available without charge under BC's Medical Services Plan.

​Phone: 778-323-0825
Email: [email protected]
Get Peer Support Now

Vancouver's Accessibility Strategy

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The City of Vancouver has released its long-term Accessibility Strategy report, It includes a Collection of Voices Heard section based on the feedback gained from the Vancouver Community through engagements in June 2023. 

The Accessibility Strategy reflects Vancouver's commitment to support the full participation of persons with disabilities by establishing and maintaining inclusive services, programs, and infrastructure, and by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers.
More Info on Vancouver Accessibility
Accessibility Strategy Report

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​​We at Get Set & Connect acknowledge that our program is based on unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and the Qiqéyt (Qaygayt) Nations.