The following are local resources and services that support individuals and families struggling with mental health issues:
Free or low-cost psychotherapy or counselling
- Virtual appointments through the UBCO Walk in Wellness Clinic in Kelowna, BC, link https://psych.ok.ubc.ca/psychology-clinic/walk-in-wellness/
- Free or low cost counselling and virtual mental health support groups via the DIRECTORY OF FREE AND LOW-COST MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports
- Interior Health Adult Mental Health and Substance Services
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health/adult-mental-health-services-and-resources - https://www.interiorhealth.ca/services/perinatal-counselling-services
- For post-secondary students, free single-session counselling and referrals through Here2Talk: download the Here2Talk app, call 1-877-857-3397 (or 604-642-5212 in the Lower Mainland), or visit HERE2TALK.CA
- For youth ages 12-24, talk with a counsellor through Foundry Virtual. Visit FOUNDRYBC.CA/GET-SUPPORT/VIRTUAL/
- Kelowna Child and Youth Mental Health Services
https://central-okanagan.pathwaysbc.ca/programs/1118
Crisis Services
- 24hr Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
- Emergency Interior Health Crisis Line: 1-888-353-CARE (2273)
- After Hours Mental Health Outreach and Assessment
(250) 212-8533 (4pm-11pm) - Crisis/Suicide Line (Local)
(250) 763-9191 - Crisis Center Online Chat at WWW.CRISISCENTRECHAT.CA (daily between noon and 1:00am)
- Crisis/Suicide Line (BC)
1 (888) 353-2273 - Kelowna Child and Youth Mental Health Services
(250) 861-7301 - Kids’ Help Phone (Children & Youth 5-20 yrs)
1 (800) 668-6868 or KIDSHELPPHONE.CA (always open) - RCMP
Dial 911 or (250) 762-3300 - Seniors Distress Line for older adults at 604-872-1234 (always open)
Indigenous and Métis people
- 24 Hour Crisis Line from KUU-US Crisis Line Society: adults and Elders can call 250-723-4050 and children and youth can call 250-723-2040 to talk to someone at any time. Visit WWW.KUU-USCRISISLINE.COM for more information.
- Adults can also call 1-833-MÉTISBC (638-4722).
Family caregivers
- Talk to a Family Caregivers of BC supporter through the Caregiver Support Line at 1-877-520-3267 (Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 7:00 pm)
Healthcare providers
- The Mobile Response Team is available 24/7 to support the mental well-being and psychological safety of frontline healthcare workers who are experiencing distress and mental health concerns in response to COVID-19. Call 1-888-686-3022 or email MRT@phsa.ca
- Text FRONTLINE to 741741 for crisis support through WELLNESS TOGETHER CANADA
Community Services and Support Groups
Everyone
- For information about substance use services and referrals to local services (including virtual meetings), call the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service at 604-660-9382 (in the Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-1441 (in the rest of BC)
- Regional educators and branches from the BC Schizophrenia Society continue to help families and caregivers. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH for more
Older adults
- Find local service providers through BETTER AT HOME. You can also call the Better at Home provincial office at 604-268-1312
Mental Health Services & Organizations
- British Columbia Psychological Association
- British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
- Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna Branch
- Canadian Psychological Association
- College of Psychologists of BC
- College of Psychologists of SK https://www.skcp.ca/
- Elizabeth Fry Society
- Foundry
- Kelowna Mental Health & Substance Use Services