The Red Fish Healing Centre represents a new way of providing care in BC.

Located in kʷikʷəƛ̓əm territory in the Lower Mainland, in Coquitlam, BC, the centre is open to clients from across the province. It offers a new model of treatment, addressing complex mental health concerns and substance use disorders at the same time. Research shows this new model can offer better outcomes for clients. Approximately 95% of Red Fish clients reported improved mental health between admission and discharge.

Treatment at Red Fish is personalized (designed for the specific person), culturally safe, evidence-based and trauma-informed, putting the dignity of clients first. The centre offers both on-site therapeutic spaces, including live-in treatment, and virtual support.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

The Red Fish Healing Centre takes a comprehensive approach to addiction and mental health recovery. Staff at Red Fish understand that addiction involves many factors, including emotional, psychological, medical, and social elements. The centre treats both addiction and mental health by addressing these aspects concurrently. Treatment supports mental wellness and addiction recovery, as well as physical health and community connection. These supports continue as the clients transition back into their own communities, in partnership with their local health resources. 

Treatment at Red Fish is based on evidence from research, staff expertise and lived experience. It acknowledges that clients are experts in their own recovery process, and brings learning from clients and families into the design of its programs. The healing centre focuses on providing seamless, integrated care, working with health authorities, community care providers, BC Housing and others to ensure clients are supported throughout their recovery journeys.

A Healthy Environment

Our physical environments can be an important factor in our health. The Red Fish Healing Centre was built around this principle, with a design that promotes dignity, wellness and recovery. The centre offers private rooms for clients, welcoming and relaxing indoor and outdoor spaces, and Indigenous art. As well as therapeutic spaces, there are gardens, communal gathering areas and sacred spaces, all designed to support healing and health. The centre was planned and built with input from staff, clients and their families, and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Nation, on whose land it stands.

Red Fish is committed to ensuring that care is trauma informed and culturally safe. The team believes that people of all backgrounds and identities must feel safe and respected when accessing care, regardless of age, gender, orientation, race, religious or spiritual beliefs, disability or any other factor.

Currently, the Red Fish Healing Centre offers 105 beds to people from across BC who have a concurrent mental illness and substance use disorder.

Accessing Care at the Red Fish Healing Centre

People who would like to receive care at the Red Fish Healing Centre will need a referral from a health professional. The centre receives referrals for clients who have both a substance use disorder and complex mental health needs. The centre accepts clients who are on probation, and clients who are currently using methadone or Suboxone. Treatment programs typically last from six to nine months.

The Red Fish Model

Since opening in 2021, the Red Fish Healing Centre has been a great success. The BC government is working to expand the model, building new centres and facilities with the same principles and values. Like the Red Fish Healing Centre, these new programs will focus on evidence-based, trauma-informed and culturally safe care. The government’s 2024 budget adds new funding for this expansion.

The Red Fish model is an important part of BC’s spectrum of care, which includes live-in treatment, community-based services, peer support and harm reduction efforts. Learn more about the Red Fish model on their website or through this detailed guide.