South Island residents now have a new avenue to get same-day specialist mental health advice.
People experiencing a mental health or substance use issue that does not require a hospital visit can now access a same-day assessment appointment or walk-in counseling at Island’s Central Access and Rapid Engagement Services (CARES). Health in Victoria.
“When people ask for help, they need to find support quickly and easily,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Without timely access to care, many people struggling with mental health and addiction issues may feel unsupported or decide not to seek treatment. “This new service in Victoria eliminates wait times by providing same-day access to dedicated mental health professionals, ensuring compassionate care is available just when it is needed most.”
At CARES, clients are seen by trained and trained mental health and substance use clinicians who provide a goal-oriented counseling session with therapeutic support.
They can be scheduled for a follow-up appointment based on their needs, where they can obtain a detailed assessment and intake exam to help them find the most appropriate mental health or substance use service for them.
“Many people who seek care at Royal Jubilee Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Services Department can receive better care through this new walk-in mental health service,” said Tasha Mckelvey, director of mental health and substance use at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Island Health.
“Our goal is to quickly and efficiently provide or connect people with the support they need to improve their health and well-being, learn skills to manage their health condition, and better understand the supports and resources available in the community.”
Island Health says clients will also be referred to other community services and supports when needed.
Additional clinical and peer support functions have been implemented in Victoria CARES to support service demands. The same-day service offers both in-person and virtual counseling sessions.
Victoria CARES is located at 1119 Pembroke St. and can be accessed by calling 250-519-3485 to book an appointment or walk-in during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
People experiencing a more serious mental health or substance use emergency or crisis should always call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
Crisis services are also available:
- Call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888 to access 24-hour crisis support
- Text the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 250-800-3806 from 6 pm to 10 pm every night
- Call or text the Community Led Crisis Response Team (CLCR) at 250-818-2454, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Online chat crisis service from 6pm to 10pm every night via www.vicrisis.ca
- Call BC211 at 2-1-1 to reach an information specialist 24 hours a day, or visit www.bc211.ca
- Dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to get help immediately, anytime
- Call the KUU-US crisis line at 1-800-588-8717 to access 24-hour Indigenous-specific crisis support
For information or help navigating mental health and substance use services, call Island Health Service Link at 1-888-885-8824.
This line is answered by an operator every day of the week. As this is not an emergency or crisis service, callers who leave a message will be contacted the same day or the next day.
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