Mental Health

It’s okay to ask for help.

Resources for Parents

  • The Sanctuary Course, Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, sanctuarymentalhealth.org/sanctuary-course/

    The Sanctuary Course was developed in consultation with mental health professionals, theologians, and people with lived experience, this eight-session study guide explores key mental health topics and examines meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote wellbeing.

    Raising Teenagers, Collet Smart, www.raisingteenagers.com.au

    Collett Smart is a Christian psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. I highly recommend her book, ‘They’ll be Okay: 15 Conversations to help your child through troubled times’ and her podcast, ‘Raising Teens.’

    Faith in an Anxious World, Fuller Youth Institute, https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/anxiousworld

    This parenting podcast is free and designed to complement Fuller’s youth 4 week curriculum but is helpful as a standalone resource. In these four episodes, an expert answers some of parents’ biggest questions about young people and anxiety.

  • Raising Children, raisingchildren.net.au

    Parenting videos, articles, and apps backed by experts. Provides content specific for all stages: pregnancy, newborns, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school age, pre-teens, teens, grown-ups. Some suggested articles, Mental health in pre-teens and teenagers, Staying connected with pre-teens and teenagers, and Active listening with pre-teens and teenagers.

    Young Minds, www.youngminds.org.uk

    A UK charity working to stop young people’s mental health reaching crisis point. They provide support for young people and parents. You might like to check out the Parent’s A-Z mental health guide, The Parents’ guide to looking after yourself, and How to talk to your child about mental health.

    Supporting Youth, Mental Health First Aid, https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/training/mhfa/youth-virtual/

    A 10 hour course which focuses on information and strategies for adults (i.e., parents, family members, community leaders, teachers, etc.) whose primary focus is youth (aged 14-25). Can be completed online. Cost varies depending on the facilitator.

Support for Young People and Families

  • Kids Help Phone, Call: 1-800-668-6868, Text: 686868, kidshelpphone.ca

    The country’s only 24/7, nationally available, bilingual e-mental health services for young people. They provide crisis support and counseling services as well as information, support forums, and resources. Their website also includes resources to help parents/caregivers support young people, found here.

    BC Crisis Centre, Call: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), crisiscentre.bc.ca

    Immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgemental, confidential support and follow-up to youth, adults, and seniors through 24/7 phone lines and online services.

  • Pocketwell, https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/pocketwell/id1576878966

    Free app from the Canadian government. It is available across Canada and is in English and French. Via the app, users can measure & track wellbeing, conduct self-assessments which then connect you to appropriate resources and trained counselors/crisis responders. Suitable for all ages.

    Here2Talk, https://here2talk.ca

    All students – domestic or international – currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counseling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web. Available in various languages.

  • Heads Up Guys, The University of British Columbia, headsupguys.org

    Specifically designed for men and their families, to prevent the continued erosion of men’s mental health and deaths by suicide. This site combines lived experience, clinical practice, and research expertise to provide strategies, self-assessment tools, therapist/counselor directory, and practical tips.

    Mental Health and Substance Use Services and Resources, HealthLink BC, www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use

    The HealthLink BC Directory provides listings for health services provided by the provincial government, provincial health authorities, and non-profit agencies across the province. You can also call 811 for 24/7 health advice.

    Campus Lightbox, campuslightbox.com

    This is a student operated website that has collected all mental health resources for UBC students in one place. Please note it can be used for those not at UBC who are looking for local resources.

Faith-based Therapists

Other Support & Resources

  • Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMH) provides treatment and support to children and youth ages 0 to 18 years affected by serious mental health issues. Families are included and supported in the overall treatment plan. These services are offered in the community rather than in hospital or residential treatment facilities. Referral Line: 604 709-4111 child_and_youth_mental_health_tool_kit.pdf (gov.bc.ca)

    Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre at BCCH : www.keltymentalhealth.ca  Provides information, resources and peer support to families with mental health and substance use challenges.  An excellent resource to learn and find personalized supports. 1-800-665-1822 and email : keltycentre@cw.bc.ca

     The Foundry : www.foundrybc.ca  Provides health and wellness supports for youth ages 12-14 online and through integrated offices.

     Anxiety Canada : www.anxietycanada.com Provides resources for youth and families related to managing anxiety.

    Parent Consulting: Rebecca Janke Parent Consultant www.rebeccajanke.ca email: rkjanke04@gmail.com  Provides parent support, education and courses for families and caregivers.  

    The Living Room: Granville Chapel support group for those that live with mood disorders such as depression, bi-polar, or anxiety. Meet twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7-9pm. email: janiceelderton@gmail.com

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