Guide to Finding Mental Health Practitioners
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Vancouver Island Crisis Line (24 hours):
1-888-494-3888. Web: .
Here to Help Resource and BC Mental Health & Addiction Line:managing mental health or substance abuse problems. 250-310-6789 (24/7) Web:
HealthLinkBC (24 hours): Dial 8-1-1
Access to non-emergency health information and services.Web:
Mental Health & Substance Use Intake:
Contact 250-519-3485. A Mental Health Referral from a family physician is required.
Web:
Professional Community Resources:
- Family Services of Greater Victoria:
250-386-4331
- Pacific Centre Family Services Association:1-866-478-8357
- Eating Disorders Program (Ministry of Children & Family Development): 250-387-0000
- Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
Crisis & info line (24 hours):
250-383-3232
- Women’s Transition House:
250-592-2927,
Crisis line (24/7): 250-385-6611
- Alcohol & Drug Info and Referral Services 1-800-663-1441
Volunteer Counsellors
These are not professionals but supervised by professionals. Fees are usually lower.
- Citizen’s Counselling: 250-384-9934,
- Beacon Community Services:
250-656-0134,
- Esquimalt Neighbourhood House:
250-385-2635,
INTERVIEWINGA MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSSIONAL
Contact the person by telephone rather than electronic mail to get a better impression. You may find it useful to ask the following questions:
- Are you accepting new clients?
- What are your fees?
- What are your hours?
- How much experience do you have helping people with my problem?
- What does a typical session look like?
- What approaches and techniques do you use?
Some mental health professionals offer a free 20-minute in-person interview so that you may decide if you are a good match before you commit to work together.
Gather information so that you understand what type of approaches will be used so that you can fully consent and participate in the process of change.
This brochure is not meant to describe all services available. The information provided is also subject to change.
RevisedJune 2017
Guide to Finding
Mental Health
Practitioners
Services
in
Victoria
250-721-8341
This brochure presents information on counselling and psychological services offered outside of those available at UVic’s Counselling Services.
This information can help you identify mental health professionals working privately or through a community agency.
Consider talking to one of our staff in person or by telephone if you would like to further explore your options or obtain the names of specific mental health professionals with relevant expertise.
OPTIONS FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
UVic faculty and staff are welcome to contact Counselling Services with questions, concerns about a student, or for more information about our services.
Instructors, faculty and staff holding continuous employment and governed by the PEA or CUPE collective agreements may have Extended Health Benefits that reimburse fees to see a psychologist or a counsellor. More information on the yearly amount that can be claimed is available in collective agreements (or equivalent)and through Human Resources at 250-721-8085.
Many UVic employees can access their Employee and Family Assistance Program 24/7 by phone, web or mobile app.
Morneu Shepell can be contacted at 1.844.880.9142 orworkhealthlife.com
TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Counsellors
Counsellors have varying levels of training and experience. Although there is no law governing counsellors in BC, many voluntarily accept to be accountable to a Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Clinical Practice within a peer review framework of one of twoassociations:
1)The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) grants the title of Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) to their members who have a Master's degree and supervised clinical experienceor call toll free1-800-909-6303
2)The Canadian Counselling Association (CCA) grants the title Canadian Certified Counsellor .
Registered Psychologists
Psychologists usuallyhold a doctorate in psychology and have several years of experiencein researching and/or conducting counselling and psychotherapy. Theyare qualified to use certain psychological tests to assess intelligence and psychopathology.
Psychologists are regulated under the Health Professions Act, which guarantees qualifications for licensingby the College of Psychologists.
Psychological services are usually reimbursedbyemployers’ Extended Health Plans. The website of the British Columbia Psychological Association presents the profiles and specific expertise of psychologists who are voluntarily part of this association.
Visit or
1-800-730-0522.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine like a family physician and then take specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioural problems. They are qualified to prescribe medication and their fees are covered by the Medical Services Plan (the provincial health plan).
Psychiatrists are licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. Seeor 1-800-461-3008.
To obtain a referral, you must first see a General Practitioner.
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Marriage and Family Therapists
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, whose qualifications are recognized by an association of their peers (not officially licensed in BC). They have graduate training (a Master's or Doctoral degree) in marriage and family therapy and at least two years of clinical experience.
MFTs approach problems within the context of marriage, couples and family systems.
For more information, contact the British Columbia Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (BCAMFT) or 1-778-888-6844.
Registered Social Workers
Social Workers are professionals officially recognized under the Social Workers Act in BC who hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, a discipline focusing on the wellness of individuals as it relates to family and community. Most are employed in government and voluntary organizations.
For more information, contact the BC Association of SocialWorkers or1-800-665-4747.
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