As residents of Vanderhoof we have several mental Health supports available both locally and through online portals supported by various government and service agencies. Most of these are currently being delivered via online or technology methods (phone, video, email, texting). PLEASE REACH OUT IF YOU ARE IN NEED OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS. No one needs to go through the isolation of Covid-19 alone.
Please see below for a listing of some of the most supported

Northern Health Mental Health support: (250) 567-5994 Open 830-4 Monday to Friday
There’s Counselling For That- Becca Shears (778) 763-1374 Vanderhoof Cousellor

Virtual Mental Health Supports During COVID-19 From Province of BC website
Last Updated: April 30, 2020
B.C. seniors, adults, youth and frontline health care workers experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic can get help through virtual services.
To support British Columbians of all ages during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province is expanding existing mental health programs and launching new services.
On this page:
- Supports for Everyone
- Supports for Healthcare Workers
- Supports for Youth
- Supports for Students and Educators
- Supports for Parents
- Supports for Seniors
- Supports for Victims of Family or Sexual Violence
- Supports for Indigenous Peoples
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Everyone
BounceBack™
BounceBack™provides free access to online, video and phone-based coaching and skills-building program. Seniors, adults and youth who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry, can receive care.
- Register for programs and connect with a coach at BounceBack™
- Learn more at Canadian Mental Health Association – B.C. Division: COVID-19
Virtual Counselling Services
Virtual community counselling for individuals or groups at low or no cost.
Peer Support and System Navigation
Virtual mentoring and goal-oriented supports offered by peer support and system navigation workers.
Living Life to the Full
Free access to Living Life to the Full peer support and practical skills courses for coping with stress, problem solving and boosting mood. The 8-week course is led by a trained facilitator.
- Get more information at Living Life to the Full
- Learn more at Canadian Mental Health Association – B.C. Division: COVID-19
Mental Health Check-in (Canadian Mental Health Association)
This free, anonymous self-assessment tool helps you understand how you are feeling and reflect on your mental, physical and social well-being. It helps cut through the wealth of information available online to find the resources most useful to you.
- Try the Mental Health Check-in now
COVID-19 Psychological Support Service
Free psychological first aid is available over the phone to all B.C. residents aged 19 and over (including frontline health care workers) who are experiencing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Fill out a form online through the BC Psychological Association to access this service
- Call 1-604-827-0847
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Healthcare Workers
Mobile Response Team (MRT)
In addition to supporting workers on the frontlines of the Overdose Public Health Emergency, the MRT will also support the mental well-being and psychological safety of frontline health care workers who are experiencing exponential distress and mental health concerns in response to COVID-19. To access, call or email the Provincial Health Services Authority.
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Call: 1-888-686-3022
- Email: MRT@phsa.ca
Virtual Peer Support Service
Available May 2020, a phone and text-based peer support service, staffed by former long-term care and home support workers. It provides confidential emotional support to current workers. Peers can also help guide callers to other services and supports if needed.
Care for Caregivers (Canadian Mental Health Association and SafeCare BC)
Trusted information, free workshops to support employees and quick daily coping tips are available through this online hub for healthcare workers. This site provides a range of easy to use resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Learn more at Care for Caregivers
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Youth
Foundry Virtual Clinic
Nine existing virtual Foundry centres are now accepting virtual walk-in counselling.
- Visit Foundry to find a centre in your community
As of April 20, 2020, young people 12-24 and their families will be able to access youth-focused virtual clinics offering counselling, peer support, primary care and family support through voice calls, video and chat.
Y Mind
Young people 13-30 can sign up for six-seven week long programs online for free starting early May 2020. The YMCA of British Columbia’s Y Mind program helps young people cope with stress, worry and anxiety.
- Learn about Y Mind
Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) Community Based Teams
Intake services and mental health counselling from the Ministry of Children and Family Development for children and youth across B.C. Virtual care by phone and online is available.
Parent Peer Support and Child & Youth Mental Health Navigation
Families helping families. With 20 years of experience providing peer support, information and navigation of mental health services, FamilySmart programs help BC families and caregivers who are parenting children and youth facing mental health challenges.
- Call: 1-855-887-8004
- Email: info@familysmart.ca
- Learn more about FamilySmart
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Students and Educators
Here2Talk
All registered post-secondary students can get confidential, free counselling and referral services through Here2Talk by app, phone or online chat. Here2Talk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Visit Here2Talk or download the app to start a chat session with a trained counsellor
- Speak to a counsellor on the phone at 1-877-857-3397. Use 1-604-642-5212 if you are a student calling from outside of Canada (international calling charges may apply)
WE Well-being
Free online resource for students, parents and educators to support social and emotional well-being as they navigate the new world of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Learn more about WE Well-being
LGBTQ2S+
Gender and sexuality alliance meetings are now happening online and over the phone. Find resources, by educators for educators, to support students looking for a safe place to share.
- Visit SOGI 123 to learn more.
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Parents
EASE (Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators) at Home
EASE at Home offers helpful tips for parents, like how to teach children calming breathing techniques or use structured games like scavenger hunts to build routine in a way that’s fun.
- Learn more about EASE at Home
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Seniors
bc211
The Province has expanded funding for bc211, a province-wide information and referral service. It matches volunteers to seniors whose support network has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The service takes calls from people who would like to volunteer to help seniors in their community with basic needs, including grocery shopping and pharmacy drop-offs and check-ins.
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Victims of Family or Sexual Violence
VictimLink BC
Immediate 24/7 crisis support for victims of family or sexual violence is available by phone through VictimLink BC’s 24/7 telephone service. This service also provides information and referrals for all victims of crime.
- Call 1-800-563-0808 or email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca to get help
- Learn more about VictimLink BC
Virtual Mental Health Supports for Indigenous Peoples
Mental Health and Cultural Supports
Many phone and online counselling, support programs, and treatment and healing centres are available virtually for Indigenous people across B.C.
- Find the mental health and cultural supports you need
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day
Virtual appointments and access to primary and mental health care closer to home. This program is for First Nations and their family members who have limited or no access to their own doctors.
- Book an appointment through the First Nations Health Authority