Other Support

Intercultural Association Of Victoria (ICA)The purpose of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is to support the full integration of newcomer immigrants and refugees into the social, economic and civic life of the Capital Region of British Columbia. 250.388.4728

Seniors Distress Line Provides support for seniors in B.C. on topics specific to older adults, such as suicide, retirement, stress, relocation, loss of a loved one, physical or mental health issues, or emotional support. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in up to 140 languages:  Call 604-872-1234

VictimLinkBC  Provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services. The confidential, multilingual service is available throughout B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:   Call 1-800-563-0808 (toll-free)

Anxiety Canada A non-profit organization which provides self-help, peer-reviewed and trusted resources on anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.  Online resources include educational videos , information exchange , an online course for anxiety management, downloadable articles and resources, and the free and widely popular MindShift CBT App.                   

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS)  Provides specialized treatment and health care services for adults with complex mental health and substanceuse disorders throughout the province. Most of their services are for people who need more specialized care                        

BC Bereavement Helpline Provides compassionate listening, support, information and referrals to resources for those coping with grief and loss. Available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm:  Call 1-877-779-2223 (toll-free)   

BC Refugee Hub  An online mental health toolkit for refugees and refugee claimants includes a short guide to mental health, mental illness, trauma, and resources available to those working with refugees and refugee claimants, along with services and supports available for refugees and refugee claimants.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Offers education and support through one on one and group coaching and counselling. Phone: (250) 216-4228

Heads Up Guys Based out of the University of British Columbia and part of the Men’s Depression and Suicide Network, this Canada-wide initiative aims to develop resources, services and programs to improve the mental health and well-being of men. 

HeretoHelp Features personal stories and self-help resources on mental health and substance use. Some topics include anxiety and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, grief, personality disorders, psychosis, self-harm, stress, suicide, substances like alcohol and other drugs and co-existing mental health and substance use disorders.

Lumara Society Provides education, support, and counselling services to individuals, families and groups who are grieving the death of a loved one or coping with a life-threatening illness.

MindMapBC Provides a custom-made database of outpatient mental health services, including professional counselling, peer counselling, and support groups. Selected services are affirming of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Mind Space Skills for Wellbeing This non-profit organization (formerly CBT Skills Groups Society) offers a variety of programs to help people in B.C. (17.5 years and older) learn mental health skills in a supportive group format. Referral from a physician (family or walk-in) or nurse practitioner is needed to participate in programs.

Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (MDABC) A non-profit organization that provides treatment, support, education, and hope of recovery for people living with a mood disorder. 

QMUNITY A non-profit organization based that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives.

QMUNITY provides a safer space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. Services include free counselling, information and referrals, peer support, support groups, events, training and workshops, and other educational resources.

South Asian Community Hub  A primarily volunteer-run non-profit organization based in Surrey. Launched in 2020, it helps people in South Asian communities who are struggling with mental-health and addictions challenges connect with tailored and in-language services, including counselling, harm-reduction and victim and income-assistance services.

Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation A black-led and black-serving organization that connects Black individuals and families facing barriers to mental health care to our free counselling services, low-cost counselling services, patient navigation services and advocacy.

Hope for Wellness Helpline Professional counsellors share support and resources on a variety of wellness topics with Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Support is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) and Inuktitut. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are available through online chat or phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free)

Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) A provincial organization that provides essential services to residential school survivors and families experiencing intergenerational trauma. Indigenous Wellness at Lumara Supports self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) individuals and families by providing holistic culture-based programming that is responsive to a multitude of complex needs.

Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society Shares confidential outreach services such as counselling, cultural supports, wellness programs, and a support line. Available Monday to Friday, 8 am and 8 pm, and between 10 am and 2 pm on weekends and holidays: Call 1-888-403-3123 (toll-free)

Dr. Kristen Neff.   Mindful self-compassion exercises and resources.   https://self-compassion.org/.   

BC Association for Living Mindfully (BCALM). https://www.bcalm.ca/. 

DoYogaWithMe https://www.doyogawithme.com/ yoga practices including many by local Victoria, BC yoga instructors