Helpful tips to find Free Counselling & Mental-Health Related Services
Provided as a courtesy & on a volunteer basis
Provided as a courtesy & on a volunteer basis
If paying for counselling would create financial hardship, you may consider seeking services from a non-profit or a government-funded organization as an option.
BC Ministry Mental Health & Addictions
Tools to navigate & access Free BC Government Funded Mental Health Services
Crisis Services
1 (833) 456-4566
Text START t0 45645
Service is available across Canada via toll-free phone or text in English.
Le Service téléphonique est aussi offert en Français
Mental Health support & suicide prevention for anyone in Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Wellness Together Canada – Free Counselling Services
1 (866) 585-0445
Services provided by Homewood Health’s
Full range of free mental health support and counselling to people of all ages in every part of Canada.
Funded by Health Canada
They also provide a number of downloadable PDF resources as well as self-directed e-courses for your use
Other Free Crisis & Mental Health Services in British Columbia
Crisis Line Association of BC
1 800 SUICIDE (24 hrs): 1 (800) 784-2433 ext 310
Mental Health Support (24 hrs): 310-6789
KUU-US Aboriginal Crisis Line
Toll-Free (24 hours): 1 (800) 588-8717
Adult – Elders Crisis Line (24 hrs): (250) 723-4050
Child – Youth Crisis Line (24 hrs): (250) 723-2040
Youth Chat
Youthspace.ca – Suicide Prevention, Education & Support
Youth Text (6pm – 12am): (778) 783-0177
www.youthspace.ca – 6pm – 12am:
BC Interior
Interior Crisis Line Network
Toll-Free (24 hours): 1-888-353-CARE (2273)
Coastal Region
Vancouver Crisis Centre
Toll-Free (24 hours): 1-866-661-3311
Toll-Free TTY (24 hours): 1-866-872-0113
Crisis Chat: crisiscentrechat.ca
Fraser Valley
Fraser Health Crisis Line
Toll-Free (24 hrs): 1 (877) 820-7444
Crisis Line (24 hrs): (604) 951-8855
CTC – Telecare Crisis & Caring Line
They Provide Christian Crisis Intervention, Listening & Referrals
Toll-Free: 1-888-852-9099
Crisis Line: (604) 852-9099
Northern BC
Northern BC Crisis Centre
Toll-Free (24 hrs): 1 (888) 562-1214
Crisis Line (24 hrs): (250) 563-1214
Toll-Free Youth Support: 1(888) 564-8336
Youth Support: (250) 564-8336
Crisis Chat: www.northernyouthonline.ca
Richmond, South Delta, Ladner & Tsawwassen
Chimo Crisis Services Crisis Lines
Crisis Line (8am – 12am): (604) 279-7070
S.U.C.C.E.S.S Chinese Language Help Lines
Cantonese Crisis Line (10am – 10pm): (604) 270-8233
Mandarin Crisis Line (10am – 10pm): (604) 270-8222
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island Crisis Line & Chat
Toll-Free (24 hrs): 1(888)494-3888
Crisis Text: (250) 800-3806
Crisis Chat: www.vicrisis.ca
Help for Kids
Kids Help Phone
Phone Text or Live Chat
1 (800) 668-6868
kidshelpphone.ca
Text CONNECT to 686868
Youth Chat
Youthspace.ca – Suicide Prevention, Education & Support
Youth Text 6pm – 12am: (778) 783-0177
www.youthspace.ca – 6pm – 12am:
KAMATSIAQTUT – Nunavut Help Line
Nunavut Help Line – 24 hrs
This line is also available for individuals trying to reach Kids Help by phone
1 (800) 265-3333
nunavuthelpline.ca
Child & Family | Mental Health Related Services
Interior Community Services
Website: www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca
Interior Community Services (ICS) is a non-profit agency providing programs for people of all ages.
Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA
Website: www.kamloopsy.ca
Women Emergency Shelter;
Learn to cope with anxiety Programs;
Mindfulness, Youth & Family Seminars;
Career & Employment, and more.
Their paper brochure may contains complementary information about their health, wellness, & mental health services info for every Kamloops locations.
They offer a very diverse selection of services. Their offer of services may vary from time to time.
YMCA offers some no fees services and other services are included in a membership. They have multiple phone numbers posted on their website.
School District 73
School Psychologists;
School and Family Consultants;
Speech and Language Pathologists;
Variety of specialist teachers trained to support students with diverse abilities.
https://www.sd73.bc.ca/en/community-parents-and-students/inclusive-education-services.aspx
School District 73 Additional Community Support Listing
https://www.sd73.bc.ca/en/community-parents-and-students/community-supports-.aspx
School District 58
Student Support Services
sd58.bc.ca/
Compass Mental Health: Supporting Providers
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Parkview Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre
They provide services to the emergency department within RIH Kamloops for the treatment and assessment of children and youth for behavioral and emotional challenges, and for those in need of admission to the pediatric in-patient psychiatry unit.
They also provide youth workers and social work services as needed.
They require General practitioner or pediatrician referral
More info: (250)314-2122
See: https://find.healthlinkbc.ca/ResourceView2.aspx?org=53965&agencynum=17648239
YMCA-YWCA – Mental Wellness Programs
Variety of mental wellness groups that support individuals of all ages and families to learn healthy coping skills, connect with others in the community
Free Mental Health Support & Counselling for Youth (12-24)
Foundry BC
Free confidential Mental Health Support services for youth (12 – 24)
Self-Referrals Accepted
1-833-FOUNDRY
1-833-308-6379
foundrybc.ca/virtual
Province-wide initiative supported by the Government of British Columbia, Graham Boeckh Foundation, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Providence Health Care and St. Paul’s Foundation.
Free Mental Health Support for Caregivers
Non-judgmental and confidential mental health support service for those working in healthcare and social services.
1-866-802-7337 (PEER) Or Chat online at https://caretospeak.ca
Interior Health & Mental Health Services
Government of BC Directory of Virtual Mental Health Supports
HealthLinkBC
Help to navigate the mental health system at any time of the day or night every day of the year.
Phone: 8-1-1 ( Non-emergency health information in British Columbia)
HealthLinkBC also provides easy access to a directory of B.C. health services & medically-approved information on more than 5,000 health topics, symptoms, medications, and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
bc211
Website: bc211.ca
Interior Health Crisis Line
Website: interiorhealth.ca
T: 1 (888) 353-2273
Early Psychosis Intervention Program
T: (250) 377-6500
Lansdowne Centre
235 Landsdowne Street
Kamloops, BC V2C 1X8
Mental Health and Substance Use
Mental Health intake services location:
#200 – 235 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops (downtown)
T: (250) 377-6500
Mental health centres through Interior Health services:
BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information
Website: heretohelp.bc.ca
heretohelpbc.ca/connect/community-resources
BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (do not add 604, 778 or 250 before the number).
Free and available 24/7
1-800-SUICIDE (that’s 1-800-784-2433). Distress or worried about someone else
Free and available 24 /7
Canadian Mental Health Association
Website: kamloops.cmha.bc.ca
857 Seymour Street, Kamloops | T: (250) 374-0440
Toll-free: 1 (855) 674-0440
310-6789 Helpline ( do not dial area code)
Alzheimer Society of BC
Website: alzheimer.ca/bc
Alzheimer Resource Centre
405-235 1st Avenue, Kamloops
T: (250) 377-8200
Toll Free: 1 (800) 886-6946
BC Schizophrenia Society
Website: bcss.org
T: (250) 319-7667
Mood Disorder Association of BC
Website: www.mdabc.net
T: (604) 873-0103
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
BCBH British Columbia Bereavement Helpline
Non-profit, free, and confidential service connecting members of the public to grief support services
Telephone: (604) 738-9950 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Website: bcbh.ca
Toll free 1-877-779-2223
Compassionate Friends of Canada
Website: www.tcfcanada.net
T: (250) 374-6030
Learning Through Loss
Free short-term counselling and educational programs for groups and individuals of all ages
Recent Domestic Violence & Assault
Kamloops Sexual Assault and Counselling Centre
24/7 Crisis line: 1 (888) 974-7278
Kamloops YMCA/YWCA Support for Women & Children
250-374-6162
Confident Parents Thriving Kids
Confident Parents: Thriving Kids
welcome.cmhacptk.ca
Addictions | Al-Anon
Alcohol & Drug Information Referral Service ADIRS
Toll-Free: 1 800 663-1441
Lower Mainland: 604 660-9382.
Free, multilingual telephone assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Program funded by the Ministry of Health, and provided by BC 2-1-1
They can also connect you with local substance use resources
www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/resources/adirs
Mental Health Intake Services
#200 – 235 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops
T: (250) 377-6500
Al-Anon Family Groups
Website: www.bcyukon-al-anon.org
T: 1 (888) 425-2666
Support services for people affected by someone else substance use
Alcoholics Anonymous
Website: bcyukonaa.org
T: (250) 374-2456 Meeting information 24/7
Narcotics Anonymous
Website: www.bcrna.ca
T: 1 (855) 349-2722 Kamloops area help line
King Street Centre
T: (250)376- 7655
126 King Street
Kamloops, BC V2B 3Z8
Brain Injury
Kamloops Brain injury association
Website: kbia.ca
408 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC | T: (250) 372-1722
Crime Victims
VictimLinkBC
Website: www.victimlinkbc.ca
Toll-free: 1 (800) 563-0808 (24/7)
T: (604) 875-0885
Text/SMS: (604) 836-6381
Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre
Website: www.ksacc.ca
Locations:
Kamloops
601 – 235 First Avenue | T: (250) 372-0179
Chase
830 Thompson Avenue | T: (250) 571-4411
Logan Lake
5 Beryl Drive | T: (250) 372-0179
The Sexual Assault Centre offers more than sexual assault counselling. The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre (KSACC) provides counselling for trauma, supportive counselling, as well as information to survivors, sexualized violence including historical childhood sexualized abuse, as well as survivors of partner assault. These services may include individual or group based counselling.
Sexual Assault Centre offers Community Based Victim Services
The Centre offers information and support in navigating the Criminal Justice System. The Community-Based Victim Service Worker can refer victims and families to appropriate counselling and community services. All services are available for both all genders. Their services are free and there is no waiting period for victim services.
Elizabeth Fry Society – Kamloops and District
Website: hwww.kamloopsefry.com
T: (250) 374.2119
Legal Aid Offices: (250) 314-1900
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Website: madd.ca
Kamloops region: 1 (250) 819-7812
Toll Free: 1 (877) 676-6233
Canadian Sport HELP line
Abuse-Free Sport
Website: abuse-free-sport.ca
Tel | Text: 1-888-83SPORT -1-888-837-7678
Email: info@abuse-free-sport.ca
Dementia & Alzeimer
First Link Dementia Help Line
They answer questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Learn about:
https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline
Gambling
British Columbia Responsible & Problem Gambling Program
Website: https://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
T: 1 (888) 795-6111 – 24/7 Help Line
Gamblers Anonymous
Website: gabc.ca/kamloops
1 (855) -222-5542 ( Vancouver Hotline)
Meetings every Thursday’s 7 pm to 8 pm
Desert Garden Seniors Community Centre (boardroom)
540 Seymour Street, Kamloops
Free Counselling for Thompson Rivers University Students
No Fee Counselling Service for Thompson Rivers University Students
Website: www.tru.ca/current/wellness/counselling/about.html
Counselling services covered by the tuition fees
The TRU counselling team offers:
Telephone: 250-828-5023 – Email: studentservices@tru.ca
The TRU Student Counselling Office is located inside Old Main building
Unit#1631
805 TRU Way
Kamloops, BC Canada
V2C 0C8
Free Counselling Service for First Nations and Inuit (online & telephone)
Free counselling online chat
Website: www.hopeforwellness.ca
Free Counselling Help Line Call 24/7
1-855-242-3310 (toll-free)
Languages spoken:
KAMATSIAQTUT – Nunavut Help Line
Nunavut Help Line ( 24 hours)
This line is also available for individuals trying to reach Kids Help by phone
1 (800) 265-3333
nunavuthelpline.ca
Residential Schools Resolution Support Program Learn More
Hotline to help residential school survivors and their relatives suffering trauma
1 (866) 925-4419
BC First Nations Health Benefits Mental Health Provider List (FNHA)
FNHA
List of FNHA – Mental Health Provider List ( BC regions including Kamloops)
Professional Designation Acronyms brief definitions:
Counsellors/Counselling Therapists /Psychotherapists
Social workers & other professional designations
Direct URL to download the First Nations Health Authority list:
www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-First-Nations-Health-Benefits-Mental-Health-Provider-List.pdf
Career Planning & Counselling
WorkBC Centre
Websites: www.workbc.ca/WorkBC-Centres/Thompson-Okanagan/Kamloops-Lansdowne.aspx
Unit 210 450 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops
T: (250) 434-9441
E-mail: centre-kamloops-lansdowne@workbc.ca
Counselling Program through Nicola Family Therapy is designed to provide counseling support to women and men of the Employment Program of British Columbia affected by violence and abuse. Clients must be eligible to work in BC and have some level of paid or volunteer employment as a goal.
Wellness & Career Counselling for Youth
YMCA
Specialized Youth Employment Services to unemployed 16-30 year olds in Kamloops.
Develop your job search skills, strategies and information
• Resume and cover letter writing skills
• Understanding the Labour Market & tapping into the hidden job market;
• Networking strategies for employment;
• Life & career planning;
• Self-marketing to employers;
• Interview skills tips;
• Employment & career placement services;
For more information copy | paste this link in your browser:
www.kamloopsy.org/employment-services.htm
Career Counselling Services for Immigrants
Kamloops Immigrant Services
immigrantservices.ca
kis@immigrantservices.ca
Tel: (778) 470-6101 Toll Free: 1.866-672-0855
KCR Community Ressources
ISS of BC
Career Paths Programs & Services
T: (250) 763 – 8003 | careerpaths@kcr
kcr.ca
No Cost Services are provided to residents of Thompson – Okanagan valley, Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Kamloops, Clearwater, Sicamous, Revelstoke, Peachland, Penticton, Princeton, Summerland, Osoyoos.
Services de conseils d’emploi pour immigrants francophones
Société de development économique de la Comlombie-Britannique
Intégration économique
https://www.sdecb.com/expertise/immigration-economique/integration-economique-candidats
Free counselling 24/7 for B.C. post-secondary students
The Province of BC has selected Morneau Shepell to develop free mental health counseling and referral service for post-secondary students throughout British Columbia. The estimated cost for the program is $1.5 million per year for the next three years has for the primary objective to improve mental health, and is part of the Pathway to Hope of the BC government.
24/7 mental health support for Canadian post-secondary students
Students can speak to a counsellor toll-free at 1-877-857-3397 or direct 604-642-5212. Students outside Canada can dial 1-604-642-5212. English and French Counselling services but additional languages are made available by request.
Mental Health App https://here2talk.ca/home
Psychological Safety at Work Resources
More Information: Click or Touch Screen on the Topics
If you would like your program or organization added to this list please contact us by filling the contact form below
Conditions apply* Must be Offering FREE Mental Health services & Publicly Recognized
Disclaimer: Please understand that this list is current as of December 2022 and is not updated regularly, thus might be out-of-date. We provide this information on a volunteer basis and have no official role in the community to provide these resources. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions, changes and for the level/quality/satisfaction in relation to service(s)/advising/products/goods/referral(s) provided by any of the external (publicly funded, governmental/Crown entities, non-profit or private individuals/corporate-business entities, LLC/sole proprietor(s), DBA’s) you may hire or contact. We humbly provide these tips to assist clients, without access to funds or funding, in finding affordable assistance for mental health concerns or and counselling services in BC/Canada. We do not endorse or recommend any particular products, treatments, services or diagnosis, whether specifically or generally, and professional advice should be sought in relation to all health and treatment decisions. We provide information and listings only which we hope are helpful, however, full disclaimers apply. It is not a comprehensive list, merely some helpful pointers for directions in which you might find free counselling help or mental health resources. As an independent, privately owned business, Sandstone Counselling Centre Inc. provides these counseling and mental health-related resources to assist you in your individual search. There are other resources available in the BC/Canada area and we encourage you to continue your search until you find the best fit for your circumstances.
Publicly recognized sources of information
Online Counselling | Telephone Counselling
Mental Health Services
Learn why Online & Telephone Counselling should be considered as a valuable option