Resources
The Internet is a great informational resource, but we know it can be difficult to find exactly what you're looking for. Here we compile a list of organisations, internet sites, books and magazines that offer good information concerning mental health.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Web: www.aacap.orgA psychiatry site that offers information on child and adolescent disorders.
Anxiety Disorders Association
Tel: 604-681-3400
Mail: 4438 West 10th Avenue, Suite 119, Vancouver BC, V6R 4R8
Web: www.anxietybc.com
This association can offer support and assistance to those suffering from any of the following anxiety disorders: Panic Disorder With & Without Agoraphobia, Agoraphobia Without a History of Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, Specific Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Autism
Web: www.autism.com
Offers many links to information on autism.
BC Schizophrenia Society
Web: www.bcss.org
Will provide information and support on dealing with a family member with schizophrenia.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Web: www.cmha.ca/
C.A.R.T.
(Child and Adolescent Response Team)
Greater Vancouver Mental Health Services
Tel: 604-874-2300
Provides urgent response to mental health related crises involving school age children/youth and their families. Provides short term therapy, resources, and referral coordination. Weekdays only.
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
Web: www.bpkids.org
Excellent website for understanding bipolar disorder.
Child Anxiety Network
Web: www.childanxiety.net
Has books listed that may help families.
Child/Youth Urgent Assessment
Tel: 604-875-2654
Web: www.cw.bc.ca/mentalhealth/index.asp
Urgent Assessment Clinic
Outpatient Psychiatry
BC Children's Hospital
9am - 5pm (Mon - Fri)
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Web: www.chadd.org
This website offers information and guidance for those with AD/HD.
Disability Tax Credit
Web: www.cra.gc.ca/disability
A non-refundable tax credit used to reduce income tax payable, including a supplement for persons under 18, available to individuals who have an impairment in physical or mental functions that is severe and prolonged. If a child under 18 is eligible for the disability amount, that child is also eligible for the Child Disability Benefit, an amount available under the Canada Child Tax Benefit. For details, visit www.cra.gc.ca/benefits.
Dr. Cheng's Practice
311 McArthur Avenue Ottawa, ON, K1L 8M3
Web: www.drcheng.ca
Tel: 613-738-6990
Fax: 1-866-216-3261
The practice website for Michael Cheng, a child and family psychiatrist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ontario, Canada. Dr. Cheng works in the Mood and Anxiety Clinic at CHEO and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa.
Early Psychosis Intervention Program
Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities & Maple Ridge
Tel: 604-469-5152
Web: www.psychosissucks.ca
The Explosive Child
Web: www.explosivechild.com
The supporting website for the excellent book about helping the inflexible child.
Embrace The Future
Web: www.embracethefuture.org.au
"Embrace The Future is an Australian program being developed in collaboration with young people up to the age of 24 to educate young people in strategies and skills which promote and sustain resiliency and positive mental health."
Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre
Tel: 604-660-5800
Mail: 3405 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby BC
Web: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/maples/index.htm
The Maples is a designated provincial mental health facility providing residential, non-residential, outreach and ancillary services to collaboratively support youth, families and communities
Mental Health Evaluation & Community Consultation Unit
(Mheccu)
Mail: 2250 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC, V6T 1W6
Web: www.mheccu.ubc.ca
A site devoted to the research & treatment of mental health problems and disorders. Includes news on new initiatives.
Ministry of Children & Family Development
Victoria (250) 387-9699 or your local office
Web Address: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/
This provincial ministry holds the major responsibility for mental health services for children and youth.
Listed below are a few of the services provided:
- Social worker (case manager)
- Psychiatric assessment of child/youth
- Referral to other agencies
- Mental health therapist
Other services to inquire about:
- youth/child care worker
- respite for the family
- services that 'The Maples' can provide to your family
For list of specific community services: see Red Book pages 353 - 373
Mood Disorders Association
Mail: 201-2730 Commercial Drive Vancouver BC, V5N 5P4
Tel: 604-873-0103
Web: http://www.mdabc.net
They offer support and friendship for those with the illness in addition to information and tools for management of the illness.
National Association for Mental Illnesses
Web: www.nami.org
Provides information on all mental health disorders & up to date research. Please note this is an American site.
North Shore - Children & Adolescent Program
Tel: 604-983-6719
Mail: 5th Floor, 132 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, V7M 1A2
North Shore - Youth & Family Psychiatric Outpatient Services
Tel: 604-984-3777
Mail: 148 East 15th Street, North Vancouver, V7L 2R1
North Shore - Office for Children & Youth
Tel: 1-800-476-3933
North Shore Schizophrenia Society
Mail: 205-1865 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1J7
Tel: 604-926-0856
Web: www.northshoreschizophrenia.org
The North Shore Schizophrenia Society supports families to help their relatives with a serious mental illness. Trained family volunteers, with their unique understanding, provide counseling, information, education, advocacy and ongoing support. The Centre covers all serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Our services are free of charge.
Representative for Children and Youth
Tel: 250-356-6710
Web: www.rcybc.ca
Youth Net Vancouver
Tel: 604-733-6186
Mail: 306 - 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver BC, V6H 3V1
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YouthNet is a collaborative community approach enabling youth to openly discuss their mental health and well being, strengthen their community of supports and take action for social change.
youthspace.ca
Web: youthspace.ca
Youthspace.ca is a safe space to chat or post about anything on your mind - suicide, relationships, school, stress. No issue is too big or too small. Our Support Team is made up of trained helpers who are looking forward to hearing about anything that's bugging you. You can chat, post on the support forum, or even e-mail a youth counsellor. Youthspace.ca is always anonymous and free.
youth services directory
Burnaby / Coquitlam
Aunt Leah's Community Outreach
Tel: 205-8062
Fax: 433-0504
Mail: 4810 Boundary Road, Burnaby BC, V5R 2N8
One-to-one worker provides confidential support to youth experiencing personal difficulty. Goal is to reconnect youth with peers, family members, and the community, while improving the youth's self esteem and confidence. Fee for service.
Burnaby Parents of Special Needs Children and Young Adults Support Group
Tel: 291-2258
Burnaby Association for the Mentally Handicapped
Meeting Place: Portable at Brentwood Park Elementary School, 1455 Delta Avenue Burnaby
A group for parents who have special needs children. The group meets informally on the last Monday of each month at 7PM from September to June. Also offers advocacy and social events.
Burquitlam Grief Recovery Society
Fax: 936-9624
Mail: 825 St. Laurence Street, Coquitlam BC, V3J 6G7
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Offers and eight week grief recovery program and a support group for those who have been through the program. One to one counselling is available by phone. There is no charge, but registration is required.
Delta / Richmond
Delta Youth Services
Tel: 948-0660
Fax: 946-8381
Mail: 4899 Delta Street, Delta BC, V4L 2M4
Web: www.dys.bc.ca
Offers professional family and youth counselling, counselling for children and youth.
The Depression Group
Tel: 946-1121
Mail: Delta Hospital, 5900 Mountain View Boulevard, Delta BC, V4K 3V6
Offers a professionally-led Support group to people living with depression. The Hospital also offers "Changeways", a closed group that uses cognitive behavioural therapy to help people cope with their depression. Open to Delta residents only.
Eating Disorder Group
Tel: 279-5599 local 123
Mail: Touchstone Family Association, 120-6411 Buswell Road, Richmond BC, V6Y 2G5
Eating Disorders groups for adults, teens, their family and friends. Please call for further information on different groups and times.
Richmond Youth Clinic
Tel: 233-3150
Fax: 233-3198
Mail: 7000 Westminster Highway, Richmond BC, V6X 1A2
Provides early identification, assessment, and treatment of speech, language, or hearing problems in preschool children, children attending school, and adults.
Fraser Valley
Family and Youth Services Society
(FAYSS)
Tel: 534-2171
Fax: 534-8802
Mail: 201-20538 Fraser Highway, Langley BC, V3A 4G2
Brief, intensive family counselling for families with youth ages 12 to 19, who may be about to leave home and/or be taken into care by the Ministry for Children and Families. This one-month program is for families living in Surrey, Langley, Aldergrove, and White Rock.
Integrated Youth Services East
Tel: 466-4460
Fax: 463-0551
Mail: 101-22522 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge BC, V2X 2V1
Offers residential mental health services and integrated addiction services, both of which address the needs of youth in contact with the law.
Mission Community Services Society
(MCSS)
Tel: 604-253-4469
Fax: 604-253-0418
Mail: 33179-2nd Avenue, Mission BC, V2V 1J9
Serves the Mission community youth through a wide variety of programs and services including: parent support groups, Nobody's Perfect, youth suicide prevention groups and a youth resource centre. Provides mental health services. Operates a Crisis Line 820-1166 and a teen line 462-7900.
Volunteer Community Counselling
Langley Family Services Association
Tel: 534-7921
Fax: 534-9884
Mail: 5539 207th Street, Langley BC, V3A 2E6
Free counselling provided by caring, empathic lay people trained by a professional. Day and evening appointments available. Funded by the Ministry of Children and Families.
Youth Counselling Program
Afro-Canadian Cultural Society
Tel: 856-4838
Fax: 856-1074
Mail: PO Box 1011, Aldergrove BC, V4W 2V1
Volunteer Counselling services for youth aged 7-17 who are experiencing family conflict, abusive relationships, difficulties in school, substance abuse, poverty or discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Provides referrals when necessary. Please call between 9AM-5PM.
Youthquest! Lesbian and Gay Youth Society of BC
Tel: 460-9115
Fax: 460-9116
Mail: 12424 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows BC, V3Y 2J4
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Web: www.youthquest.bc.ca
Provides support, advocacy, peer counselling, referrals and telephone support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth up to 21 years of age. Drop-in programs are available in the Lower Mainland and educational outreach to youth service providers.
Surrey / New Westminster / White Rock
Eating Disorders Support Group
Surrey Community Services
Tel: 584-5811
Fax: 584-7628
Mail: 9815-140th Street, Surrey BC, V3T 4M4
Offers professionally led support groups for people with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia. Participation is at the individual's level of comfort. Meetings are held every other Wednesday evening. For further information, please call.
New Westminster Youth Centre
Tel: 526-1938
Fax: 521-3863
Mail: 830 Sixth Street, New Westminster BC, V3M 5V4
Drop-in safe place for teens to go for one-to-one counselling or group activities. Offers peer counselling, outdoor camping, summer weekly activities, and special events throughout the year. Youth workers provide referral, advocacy, information. Referral through financial aid workers or Safe House. No fees for service.
Odyssey II
Boy's and Girls' Club of Greater Vancouver
Tel: 879-8853
Fax: 879-6133
Mail: 2875 St. George Street, Surrey BC, V5T 3R8
A combined drop-in/structured substance abuse program for youth aged 14-24, and their families. Services include individual and family counselling, support groups, educational workshops, skill development, recreation, peer support and counselling.
Peace Arch Community Services
Tel: 531-6226
Fax: 531-2316
Mail: 882 Maple Street, White Rock BC, V4B 4M2
Provides numerous support groups, self-help meetings and programs including addictions, employment services for adults and youth, information and referrals, and counselling services. Please call for details.
Youth for Youth
Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks
Tel: 527-7762
Toll Free: 1-800-565-8055
Fax: 527-7764
Mail: 55 8th Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 3N9
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Web: www.fbcyicn.ca
Promotes and develops local groups run by and for youth in and from government care; such services include support groups for foster children.
Vancouver
Broadway Youth Resource Centre
(BYRC)
Tel: 709-5720
Fax: 709-5721
Mail: 691 East Broadway (at Fraser Street)
Serve youth from 10 to 24 years of age and families in the Midtown area. Resource room, peer support, counselling, life skills and a drop-in health clinic available for youth on Monday from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Child and Youth Advocate
Tel: 871-6032
Fax: 871-6048
Mail: 250 West Heritage Building, 555 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Z 3X7
Assists children, youth, and concerned others to build the base of child and youth advocacy.
Crisis Centre
Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of Greater Vancouver
Tel: 872-3311
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Web: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
Anytime, offers free, confidential telephone counselling to people who are emotionally upset or are experiencing depression, relationship or family problems, alcohol and drug problems or feeling suicidal.
Dual Diagnosis Program - Youth Services
Tel: 251-2264
Fax: 253-4280
Mail: 300 - 2250 Commercial Drive
Provide services to youth with mental health and drug and alcohol concerns. Offers intake for adolescents and their families. On appointment basis.
Eating Disorder Parent Support Group
Tel: 875-2345 local 7022
Fax: 875-2770
Mail: 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 3V4
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A support group for parents of children/teens with eating disorders. This group is for parents whose children/adolescents attend or attended the Eating Disorders Program at BC Children's Hospital. Meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Emotions Anonymous
(EA)
Tel: 681-5653
Mail: 4784 Main Post Office, Vancouver BC, V6B 4A4
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Support groups for people needing to achieve and maintain emotional health, including depression and/or anxiety. Based on the 12-Step philosophy of AA Meetings. Meetings are held in Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver.
First Call
First Call BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition
Tel: 604-873-8437
Toll Free: 1-800-307-1212
Fax: 604-874-9898
Mail: 202-1193 Kingsway, Vancouver BC, V5V 3C9
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Web: www.firstcallbc.org
Supports the rights of children and youth, based on a common set of principles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Works to affect legislation policy, and practice, by prompting specific interest groups to share information, network and work together.
GAB Youth Services
Tel: 684-4901
Fax: 684-5309
Meeting Place: 1170 Bute Street @ Davie, Vancouver BC, V6E 1Z6
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Offers social and support groups for gay, lesbian, bi, transgendered youth, questioning youth and their guests. Please call for more info.
Girls Support Group
Tel: 257-8545
Fax: 257-8639
Mail: Riley Park Community Centre, 50 East 30th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5V 2T9
A support group for girls aged 9 to young adulthood. The group meets to discuss concerns, issues and to share experiences. Offers social activities and leadership programs.
LGBT Community Centre
Help Line: 684-6869
Administration: 684-5307
Youth Services: 684-4901
Toll Free: 1-800-566-1170 (Prideline BC)
Mail: 1 - 1170 Bute Street
Peer Counselling, referrals, legal info, and health clinic for gays and lesbians. GAB program offers drop-in groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered youth ages 25 and under.
Mental Health Emergency Service
(Car 87)
Tel: 874-7307
Anytime, Psychiatric emergency services, assessment and follow-up.
Options
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Tel: 662-8858
Cell: 618-9723
Mail: 1058 Seymour Street
Program for youth ages 13-24 looking for alternative to using drugs and alcohol. Drop in hours: 1200-1430 Tuesday to Friday, program hours: 1200-1900 Tuesday to Friday, 1200-1700 Saturday
Positive Youth Outreach Program
(POP)
YouthCo AIDS Society
Tel: 808-7209
Mail: 203 - 319 West Pender Street, Vancouver BC, V9B 1T6
Provides ongoing support and services to youth living with AIDS.
Queerlings
Tel: 718-5828
Fax: 718-5858
Mail: Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver BC, V5L 4X4
This group for gay, lesbian or bisexual youth aged 15 to 24 and their friends in Vancouver's East Side area. Offers social activities, videos, group discussions and participation in community events.
RAP: A Peer Support Program for Youth with health Issues
Tel: 737-1163 or 875-3472
Fax: 875-2292
Mail: BC Children's Hospital, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 3V4
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A support group for youth dealing with health issues. Various issues and topics are discussed. Meetings are held twice a month.
Sage Transition House
Tel: 987-3374
A 24 hour crisis line for women and children threatened by violence, abuse or other matters.
Sexual Assault Service
Tel: 875-4995
Mail: Vancouver Hospital Emergency Department, 920 West 10th Avenue
This is a service to examine men and women 14 years or older after they have been sexually assaulted. Available anytime.
Society for Children and Youth of BC
Tel: 433-4180
Fax: 433-9611
Mail: V3644 Slocan Street, Vancouver BC, V5M 3E8
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Web: www.scyofbc.org
Nonprofits, voluntary organization which provides a forum for interdisciplinary exchange and action in relation to issues affecting children and youth. Sponsors workshops and conferences and develops resources for community education purposes. Office hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday.
Unloading Zone
Tel: 709-5727
Fax: 709-5721
Mail: Youth Resource Centre, 691 East Broadway, Vancouver BC, V5T 1X7
12 week preventive program provides youth with practical skills and strategies to move them out of power struggles, so that they can more effectively defuse and resolve their anger. Program is also offered in Punjabi, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Cantonese. Self and professional referral accepted. no fees for service.
Urban Native Youth Association
(UNYA)
Tel: 254-7732
Fax: 254-7811
Mail: 1607 East Hastings Street, Vancouver BC, V5L 1S7
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Web: www.unya.bc.ca
Provides services to Aboriginal youth in the Greater Vancouver area. Committed to advocating and creating opportunities for Aboriginal youth.
Vancouver Community Mental Health Service
(UNYA)
Tel: 874-7626
Hours: 8:00-5:00 Monday to Friday
Offers treatment services for emotionally disturbed persons. Very flexible and will meet with you anywhere you feel comfortable.
Youth Services and Justice Centre
Tel: 981-0073
Fax: 981-0080
Mail: 200 East 23rd Street, North Vancouver BC, V7L 4R4
Provides alternative measures programs, probation and bail supervision, job counselling, addictions counselling, and referrals to other counselling services. Serves West Vancouver and North Vancouver.
YWCA
Tel: 895-5182
Mail: 535 Hornby Street
Provides free individual counselling and referrals for young women. Also offers various group programming on assertiveness, parenting and employment assistance.
All Areas
Battered Women's Support Services
Tel: 687-1867
Hours: 10:00-17:00 Monday to Friday, 17:00-20:00 Wednesday
Youth worker available. Provides crisis counselling, one on one, initial contact with legal advocate, follow-up with qualified volunteers experienced in family, criminal, immigration and other areas of law. Also pro bono legal clinic for women who cannot afford a lawyer.
Canadian Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Tel: 739-2070
Toll Free: 1-877-288-0877
Fax: 730-2843
Web: www.anad.bc.ca
Kelty Resource Centre
Tel: 604-875-2084
Toll Free: 1-800-665-1822
Fax: 604-875-3688
Mail: Mental Health Building 2, Room P3-302, 3rd Floor, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC. V6H-3N1
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Web: www.bcmhas.ca/keltyresourcecentre
Offers one to one in person, telephone support or email exchange to people of all age group with eating disorders and BC children, youth and families with mental health and substance use issues. Provides peer support for parents and family members and guidance to access appropriate services including support groups, treatment programs, etc. Information and tailored resources including websites, brochures, books, DVDs, fact sheets, toolkits, printed and online materials are available across BC.
Horizons
Tel: 215-9868
Fax: 254-4733
A self-help group open to all mental health consumers, their families and friends. The group is consumer-run, and aims to provide support in an empathetic atmosphere to those who have had contact with the mental health system. Please call for meeting times and location.
Kids Help Phone
Kid's Help Foundation
Toll Free: 1-800-668-6868
Anytime, offers free telephone conversation with professional counsellors for anything. Also offers information and referrals.
National Youth Crisis Hotline
Toll Free: 1-800-448-4663
A 24/7 telephone support line. Offers counselling and referrals for teens in crisis. (Christian)
Street Youth Support Program
Tel: 874-2938
Fax: 874-9898 or 669-6671
Provides one-to-one support services to street-involved youth aged 13 to 18 who are coping with drug misuse, sexual exploitation, homelessness, and/or health problems. Social worker referral is required. No fees for service.
Teenage Women's Support Group Rape Crisis Centre
Women against Violence Against Women (WAVAW)
Tel: 255-6228
24 Hour Crisis Line: 255-6344
Fax: 255-3579
Call anytime, offers a regular support an discussion group for young women.
books
Parenting Through Crisis - Barbara Colorosa
Barbara Coloroso is an educator who takes a proactive, positive approach to disciplining children. Her book is worth a read if you are in a crisis with your child. Its concentration is helping kids in times of grief, loss or change.
His Shining Star - Danielle Steele
The true story of Danielle's journey through life with her bi-polar son, which sadly ends with his suicide. A must-read.
The Bi-Polar Child - Demitri and Janice Papalos
book also has a website on our web, so you can get the author's names from there. This book is for anyone who may wonder about the mood swings and suicidal behaviour of their child. A great reference book that offers insight into bipolar illness in children and youth and provides readers with some tips on writing IEP's as well as other useful tips.
The Explosive Child - Ross W. Greene, Ph.D.
This is a must-read for anyone dealing with a child with a mental illness. A practical guide to discipline and counselling therapy for both the child and the family.