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If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1.

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 9-8-8

​Call 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide

310 Mental Health Support

310-6789 (NO AREA CODE)

Call for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

Opioid Treatment Access Line

1-833-804-8111

Call for same-day opioid addiction support.

KUU-US Crisis Response Service

1-800-588-8717

Call for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

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    Youth Resilience

    Fostering resilience in the young people we care about is crucial for their overall wellbeing. By modelling resilience ourselves and by teaching it as a skill, we can help give young people the tools they need to meet challenges.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
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      • What to Do About Anxiety
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    Man looks out window pensively

    Anxiety, Stress, Depression. Understand the differences.

    Anxiety, depression, and stress are three common mental health concerns that can deeply impact our daily lives. But sometimes, when you’re not feeling well, it can be hard to figure out exactly why.

    Learn more
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    Opioid Treatment Access Line: phone number 1-833-804-8111

    Get same-day support

    The Opioid Treatment Access Line makes it faster and easier to access life-saving medication with same-day support.

    Learn more
  • Articles

Main navigation

  • Wellbeing
    • Healthy Living
      • Eating Well
      • Staying Active
      • Sleep Habits
      • Mindfulness
    • Emotional
      • Resilience
      • Self-Esteem
      • Loneliness
    • Social
      • Stigma
      • Family
    Image
    young person talking to a group

    Youth Resilience

    Fostering resilience in the young people we care about is crucial for their overall wellbeing. By modelling resilience ourselves and by teaching it as a skill, we can help give young people the tools they need to meet challenges.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Depression
      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
    • Stress
      • Symptoms of Stress
      • Managing Stress
    • Self-Harm
    • Suicide
    • Seeking Help
      • Families Supporting Youth
      • Youth Supporting Themselves
      • Multi-Language Services in BC
    Image
    Man looks out window pensively

    Anxiety, Stress, Depression. Understand the differences.

    Anxiety, depression, and stress are three common mental health concerns that can deeply impact our daily lives. But sometimes, when you’re not feeling well, it can be hard to figure out exactly why.

    Learn more
  • Substance use
    • Types of Substance Use
      • Alcohol
      • Opioids
      • Stimulants
    • Addiction
      • Addiction and Health
      • Treatment and Recovery
    • Harm Reduction
      • Overdose Prevention
      • Respond to an Overdose
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
    Image
    Opioid Treatment Access Line: phone number 1-833-804-8111

    Get same-day support

    The Opioid Treatment Access Line makes it faster and easier to access life-saving medication with same-day support.

    Learn more
  • Articles

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Youth Supporting Themselves

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Mental health

  • Anxiety
    • What to Do About Anxiety
    • Panic Attacks
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Depression
    • Symptoms of Depression
    • What to Do About Depression
  • Stress
    • Symptoms of Stress
    • Managing Stress
  • Self-Harm
  • Suicide
  • Seeking Help
    • Families Supporting Youth
    • Youth Supporting Themselves
    • Multi-Language Services in BC

As a young person, you may sometimes want to get mental health or substance use supports on your own.

This could be for a variety of reasons. You might feel like your family will react negatively, or you may have safety concerns. If this is the case, there are ways you can get help for yourself.  

If you are between 12 and 24 years old, you can reach out to Foundry BC. At Foundry BC, you can access services including counselling, peer support, substance-use services, groups, medical appointments, and help seeking employment. Foundry BC has in-person services in various communities across the province, as well as online services through their app, Foundry Virtual.

If you are 13 years old or older, you can attend an intake at a Child and Youth Mental Health clinic on your own or with the support of a trusted adult. An intake appointment is an in-person or virtual conversation with a counsellor to talk about what you are experiencing and the services that may help. The counsellor may recommend a number of options, including supports in the community, additional counselling options or referral to other professionals like a psychologist or therapist. You can learn more about what to expect during a Child and Youth Mental Health intake here. 

You could also consider reaching out to a helpline. This can be a good option if you need help right away. Helplines are also there for you if you just need someone understanding to talk to. Helplines are free, and some can even be accessed using online chat or text message for extra privacy. 
 

Your BC Services Card

You should know that some services require you to show your BC Services Card, also known as your MSP number or care card

You can write down the 10-digit “Personal Health Number” on the back of the card if you can’t bring the physical card with you

Taking a picture of the front and back of your card is another great option

Your school counsellor might also have access to your Services Card number if you don’t know where the card is kept

If you do not have access to your Services Card, you can discuss other options—other services might be available to you without your card

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Reaching out for help can be stressful or overwhelming at times—if possible, consider asking a friend, school counsellor or other supportive adult to come with you. 

Here are some places to start if you need some support. 

Additional Tips for Youth

Speaking to a doctor or counsellor for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you have never gone to an appointment alone before. It might be helpful to speak to a friend or trusted adult to help you prepare. You could also bring a list of questions to ask so you don’t forget.

Often young people think their questions are silly or not important—remember that you have the right to understand what is happening for you, and to learn about different options for support. Helping you understand this is part of a doctor or counsellor’s job.  

You can also ask someone to come with you to help remind you if you get anxious or nervous during appointments. 

Often, getting support can feel complicated. There may be lots of information for you to remember. It is common for people to take notes during appointments—you can ask your doctor or counsellor to repeat information, or to explain words to you. A friend or trusted adult can also join you in your appointments to take notes if you need help. 

The first time we visit a doctor or counsellor is often with our parents or guardians. If you have visited a provider with your family before, they may have your parent’s contact information on file. You can request that they change the contact information to your own phone number or email if you want to keep appointment reminders and other calls private. 

It is common for youth to worry that their parents will be able to see when they have visited a doctor or counsellor. Your BC Services Card does not track appointments—there is no website or account where your parents can see how many appointments you have had. You can discuss with the provider and their front desk staff whether they can tell your parents or guardians that you have had an appointment. 

Resources

Showing 4 Resources

Foundry Centres

Foundry

Offers health and social services for young people to access mental health care, substance use services, youth and family peer supports, primary care, and social services. Services are provided together in a single place to make it easier for young people to find the care, connection and support they need.

Centres provide safe, non-judgmental care, information and resources in a youth-friendly space and work to reach young people earlier - before health challenges become problematic.

Multiple Locations

Learn More
Available B.C. wide

Foundry Virtual

Foundry

Provides access to virtual services through an app and web portal for youth and their caregivers in BC. Services are free and confidential.

Use the app to access same-day virtual services or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, find peer support, access primary care, join a group or workshop for youth or caregivers, or browse a library of tools and resources.

Learn More
Available B.C. wide

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinics

Free mental health clinics for children and youth in locations across B.C. 

Learn More
Available B.C. wide

YouthInBC - Chat Line

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia

Provides a web-based hotline for BC youth in distress. The service is provided through a live chat function and email. The website also provides resources and information on youth mental health issues, as well as links to the crisis intervention telephone line.

Learn More
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Call 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency. For mental health support, call:

Crisis Line

Call 1-800-784-2433 or dial 9-8-8 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide

Mental Health Support Line

310-6789 (no area code needed)

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Emergency Contacts

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 9-8-8

Mental Health Support

310-6789