Finding a counsellor can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Support for your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as caring for your physical health. Here are some ways to explore your options and find a professional who feels like the right fit.
Ask around
Seek out people you know who have talked to a counsellor. Ask them about their experiences and the process involved in connecting with the counsellor or program. Do they have any recommendations or helpful insights?
Talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner
You can see a doctor or nurse practitioner by visiting a walk-in clinic, or by appointment through a family practice. The doctor or nurse practitioner may suggest a treatment right away, or they may refer you to a specialist such as a psychiatrist.
Get info from the government
Use the Government of BC’s Mental Health and Substance Use Service Map to find local health services and support organizations.
Contact a counsellor or therapist directly
You can find directories of counsellors and therapists through their professional organizations.
- Registered Clinical Counsellors: visit the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Registered Psychologists: visit the BC Psychological Association
- Canadian Certified Counsellors: visit the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Canadian Professional Counsellors: visit the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association
- BC Association of Social Workers: BC Association of Social Workers
Find a specialist
For specialized counselling professionals, such as Marriage and Family Therapists, see the Federation of Associations for Counselling Therapists in BC. You can make an appointment on your own. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a counsellor.
Get help for substance use
Call the BC Alcohol & Drug Information Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441 (604-660-9382 in the Lower Mainland) for information about substance use treatments or supports in your area.
Call 811
Call HealthLinkBC at 811 to talk to a registered nurse about a health problem or concern. HealthLinkBC also has systems navigators who can help you find services in your area. For online information, visit www.healthlinkbc.ca.
Check your workplace plan
See if your workplace has an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) or extended health benefits to cover the cost of psychotherapy sessions. EFAP counsellors provide short-term counseling to help you or a family member.
Look for a low-cost provider
If your workplace doesn’t offer health benefits that cover counselling, you can find a list of low-cost psychotherapy and counselling providers on the HeretoHelp website.
Search for Indigenous resources
Indigenous community members can access some counselling services locally or through the First Nations Health Authority. You can also contact your local Band office or local Friendship Centre.
Call an Indigenous helpline
KUU-US Crisis Line operates a 24-hour provincial crisis and counselling line for First Nations Elders, adults, children and youth in need throughout BC.
- Adults: 250-723-4050
- Youth: 250-723-2040
- Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717
Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. Call 1-855-242-3310.
Immediate support for yourself or someone you love
- Call 9-1-1 for help right away: Fire, police, and/or ambulance, or go to your local emergency medical centre.
- Suicide Crisis Helplines: Text or call 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in BC, both available 24/7.
- Mental Health Support Line: For immediate mental health support or referral, call 310-6789 (no area code) 24 hours a day.
- CRCL: Crisis Response, Community Led: CRCL, pronounced ‘circle’ and formerly known as Peer Assisted Care Teams (PACT) is a mobile, community-led service that provides mental health support to people 13 years and older who are experiencing a mental health crisis. CRCL is available in North West Vancouver, Victoria, New Westminster, Prince George, Comox Valley, and is coming soon to Kamloops. Learn more at CRCL.ca
Learn more about yourself and ways to get help
Take a Self-Assessment
These self-assessment tools are designed to help you reflect on areas such as overall quality of life, anxiety, and substance use. Use them as a personal tool to gain insight into your current wellness and to consider what next steps might be helpful for you.
What is wellness?
Feeling your best begins with knowing what wellness looks and feels like to you as well as by exploring skills and strategies to get there.
What is Therapy?
Therapy can be a valuable space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges with a trained professional. Learn more about the different types of therapy and how they can help.
Engaging Elders for Counselling Services
Connecting with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders is a sacred way to seek mental health support. Learn about ways to connect with an Elder in your community.