CRCL is a community-led crisis response team that provides in-person support to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Our trained crisis workers respond to mental health crises, offering immediate assistance, de-escalation, and follow-up support to individuals aged 13+ on the North Shore.  Available in English and Farsi.

Crises We Address:
CRCL is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
• Families experiencing challenges
• Drugs or alcohol use
• Loss of reality
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Fear and anxiety

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger or at safety risk, please call 911.

How We Can Help:

• Offer in-person support wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space to share what’s going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Accompany individuals to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect individuals to appropriate resources and supports in the community
• Provide short-term follow-up care for individuals and families after a crisis event

What We Can’t Do:

• Perform psychological assessments or provide diagnoses
• Prescribe medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or medical specialists (though we can help connect to primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income assistance, disability support, or mental health services

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

A multi-disciplinary and evidence-informed approach to support 13-19 year old youth who are in need of more urgent or intensive mental health and/or substance use services. Outreach workers can provide services in the community.

YURT is for youth experiencing the following:
• Acute disturbance in mood, thinking or behavior which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms
• Moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness
• Functional challenges associated with housing, income and health
• Difficulties accessing health and social services

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

The following services are offered in North Vancouver:

Individual Counselling

Couples/Relationship Counselling

Co-Parenting/Parenting Counselling

Family Counselling

First Language Counselling (Currently: Farsi, Czech, Slovak, Turkish, Polish)

CVAP (Crime Victim Assistance Program) Counselling

Walk/Talk Outdoor Counselling

CRCL is a community-led crisis response team that provides in-person support to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Our trained crisis workers respond to mental health crises, offering immediate assistance, de-escalation, and follow-up support to individuals aged 13+ on the North Shore.  Available in English and Farsi.

Crises We Address:
CRCL is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
• Families experiencing challenges
• Drugs or alcohol use
• Loss of reality
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Fear and anxiety

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger or at safety risk, please call 911.

How We Can Help:

• Offer in-person support wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space to share what’s going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Accompany individuals to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect individuals to appropriate resources and supports in the community
• Provide short-term follow-up care for individuals and families after a crisis event

What We Can’t Do:

• Perform psychological assessments or provide diagnoses
• Prescribe medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or medical specialists (though we can help connect to primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income assistance, disability support, or mental health services

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

With one national office, 11 divisions in all provinces and one territory, and 75 community-based branches/regions, we provide services and supports to over 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 5,000 staff and 11,000 volunteers.

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Blue Wave is a program of the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division which works to support the mental health of youth in British Columbia. Their vision is “To build awareness and acceptance of personal challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues through education, understanding and support”.

Check out the Blue Wave website for a “Wellness Check”, stories from youth with lived experience, resources and to learn more about their programs: the Janice Lee Blue Wave Bursary, the “Living Life to the Full for Youth” life skills course and Blue Wave social media.

Living Systems Counselling services include individual, couple and family counselling as well as play therapy or pastoral counselling. They offer affordable rates and minimum wait times at convenient locations.

Living Systems Counselling utilizes Bowen family systems theory and therapy to address a wide variety of challenges. This counselling approach can help you think more clearly about yourself and your relationships.

To inquire about an appointment contact 604 926 5496. No doctor’s referral is required.

As a non-profit organization they offer counselling to all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or income levels.

The Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre is located in the Robert and Greta Ho Centre for Psychiatry and Education on the Lions Gate Hospital campus and operated by The Canadian Mental Health Association, North and West Vancouver Branch. The resource centre is a place where family, friends and those affected by mental health challenges can feel comfortable to seek support and get trusted information. By providing the resources, the centre is integral to developing community and addressing barriers and stigma surrounding mental health issues. The centre offers educational opportunities and on-the-ground support and problem solving provided by people with lived-experience.

Through fusion of recreational activities,”STEPS” encourages youth to interact in a nurturing and non-judgemental environment while promoting healthy living habits. Activities like hiking, yoga and laser tag build self confidence and strengthen both social and personal fitness goals. The program touches on all aspects of wellness aiming to equip participants with understanding, skills and strategies for living and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Currently the STEPS Program runs September to June. STEPS youth meet weekly. Communication between program coordinator and participants is encouraged on an open group chat webpage keeping youth connected and supported throughout the week. One-on-one meet-ups are also offered through the coordinator as needed. Activities and locations vary, bringing new STEPS adventures weekly.

For more information contact STEPS Youth Program Coordinator, Sydney Mattu.

Hollyburn’s Victim Support Program provides a range of support services free of charge to women, children, youth, and men, who have been victims of:

Relationship violence
Family violence
Sexualized assault (recent or historic)
Criminal harassment.

We provide service to residents of North and West Vancouver, including Bowen Island. We are also able to support individuals outside these areas who are a victim of the above crimes and the matter is scheduled in North Vancouver Provincial Court.

If necessary, services can be provided during non-business hours and/or in a community setting in order to meet your unique circumstances and needs. Coordinated links with multi-language services will be available when required.

Hollyburn also offers fee for service counselling for individuals who have access to Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) funding. For information on our CVAP registered counsellor, please see the Counselling section on our website.

Individuals may refer themselves or access this services through a referral from a family member, community professional, police officer, or police-based victim service.

You are not alone.

Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society  is here to help you cope – with support, information, education, and advocacy.

Pathways consists of family members and friends of those with mental illness who know what others are going through, and can help by sharing their experience.

CMHA offers clinically directed mental health and addiction services for youth and their families. Individual, group and recreational counselling/therapy available. Self-referral.

The North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic offers effective help for adults, parents, teens, children, couples, and families. They will help you better understand your problems, develop a treatment plan that meets your needs, and teach you skills to make lasting positive changes. Their diverse team of psychologists and psychiatrists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide high-quality assessments and therapy that works. They use state of the art cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatment approaches to treat everything from day-to-day stress, anxiety, and low mood to anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and a range of other problems.

The team also conducts psychoeducational assessments and other specialized evaluations (e.g., medical-legal and disability assessments). Their high quality psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults are designed to examine potential learning challenges, symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or giftedness and to assist with school and life planning.

Private services for children, youth and families with ADHD and addiction issues. Access to clinical counselling, group and individual therapy. Fee for service.

Multidisciplinary team consisting of Youth Concurrent Disorder clinicians, Mental Health Clinicians, Psychiatrists, Behavior Support Workers, and Alcohol and Drug Prevention Educators. Referring problems include substance use, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD and other mental health issues.

Mental health services are accessed through the Ministry of Children and Family Development centralized intake. Referrals for Addiction Services are made directly to the VCH North Shore Child and Youth Mental Health Program.

The Centre provides personal support and information on major mental illnesses – schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders.

They also provide a wide range of programs, plus education and information for schools and the general public. To find out more about these programs and other activities, visit their website.

For urgent situations on the North Shore, please call Psychiatric Emergency Nurses (PEN), 604-331-9031, 7 a.m. to midnight; leave a message.

Health Connection is an Adult Service (19+): provides primary care services to individuals who do not have a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner, and face complex medical, mental health, addiction, and/or socioeconomic needs (e.g., housing, income, access to food). No scheduled appointment or formal referral is necessary to be seen at the Clinic, but scheduled appointments are available.

The Clinic team includes family physicians, a nurse practitioners, substance use nurse, a chronic disease nurse coordinator and a medical office assistants. In addition, the clinic is collaborating with community agencies to support clients who require assistance with non-medical issues such as housing, income and access to food.

This clinic is a partnership between the North Shore Division of Family Practice and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

Youth Leaving Care is a program that offers a range of services for youth transitioning out of government care. They provide the emotional, social and developmental supports to assist youth in aging out of care to “age into the community” as functional, independent adults.

Their approach, born from the 4 R’s: Residence, Resources, Relationships, and Resiliency, offers interventions early in the transition process as Transition Support Workers assist youth to develop and execute a life plan inclusive of temporary and/or permanent housing, employment and education, and life skill development.

Many young people leaving government care will often experience fear and isolation as they face the potential loss of relationships and support services. Youth Leaving Care will support and guide youth as they transition into independent living.

This is a collaborative process that involves working with established support services, such as Social Workers, Youth Transition Workers, and Mental health Practitioners to provide a wraparound service for these youth.

To qualify for this program, youth must:
•Be between the ages of 18 and 24
•Have some history of involvement with Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) or Aboriginal Delegated Agency between birth and 19 years of age (this includes Voluntary Care Agreements, Temporary Care Orders, Custody care orders, and Youth Agreements)
•Have the North Shore as their home community

Referral Process
•Self-referral is preferred, however professional or support referrals can also be made
•Referrals can be made directly to the Transition Support Worker via phone or email
•A referral meeting will follow the initial phone referral

Counselling
We can help you when life gets hard or you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, disordered eating, sexual abuse, relationship violence, coming out, gender identity, and more. Our counsellors have the training and experience to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
If your parents can’t afford the counselling fees or you don’t want to tell them about your sessions, we can help. Our intake counsellor can tell you more about the ways we can support you.
We also provide:
• Free transportation, as needed, to and from our office
• Free drinks and snacks during your counselling sessions
We know you’re busy with school, work, and life in general, so our office is open:
• Weeknights until 8:00 pm
• Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm

Embody
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, or disordered eating of any kind, Embody has education, resources, and inspiration that can help.
We also encourage you to check out Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves movement. Join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram and connect with other B.C. youth who are talking about what it means to have a healthy body image.

YouthLAB
Every year, a small group of North Shore high school students (grades 10-12), come together as volunteers to form the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB). If you are interested in public speaking, writing, and mental health, we’d love to connect with you.
YouthLAB members:
• Meet two evenings each month (weekday evening to be determined), from 4:30 – 6:30pm (snacks included when meetings take place in-person)
• Earn up to 50 hours of community service from September through May
• Learn about mental health issues from our professional counsellors
• Advocate for the needs of at-risk youth in our community
• Develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills
YouthLAB members create presentations and campaigns for their high school peers, focused on topics including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ2S+ issues, disordered eating, bullying, and relationship violence. If you’re ready to make a real difference in your community. For additional information click here.
Applications for YouthLAB 2021/2022 cohort (beginning in October 2021) are open now. Please click here for an application form.
The YouthLAB 2019/2020 cohort produced an amazing art book that provides a creative illustration of their youth-lead work in addressing mental health issues facing young people. Eleven youth attending North Shore Schools created this book to share their artistic reflections about wellness and mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma and social justice concerns with their peers. Click here to view and download this book. The 202/2021 YouthLAB created a video, check back here to see it later in May.

PROUD2BE
We created our PROUD2BE programs, because we know that those of us who identify as LGBTQ2S+ need a safe place to talk about how that feels – and how hard it can be sometimes. We also offer help to parents and family members if they’re having a hard time, too.

A multi-disciplinary and evidence-informed approach to support 13-19 year old youth who are in need of more urgent or intensive mental health and/or substance use services. Outreach workers can provide services in the community.

YURT is for youth experiencing the following:
• Acute disturbance in mood, thinking or behavior which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms
• Moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness
• Functional challenges associated with housing, income and health
• Difficulties accessing health and social services

The following services are offered in North Vancouver:

Individual Counselling

Couples/Relationship Counselling

Co-Parenting/Parenting Counselling

Family Counselling

First Language Counselling (Currently: Farsi, Czech, Slovak, Turkish, Polish)

CVAP (Crime Victim Assistance Program) Counselling

Walk/Talk Outdoor Counselling

CRCL is a community-led crisis response team that provides in-person support to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Our trained crisis workers respond to mental health crises, offering immediate assistance, de-escalation, and follow-up support to individuals aged 13+ on the North Shore.  Available in English and Farsi.

Crises We Address:
CRCL is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
• Families experiencing challenges
• Drugs or alcohol use
• Loss of reality
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Fear and anxiety

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger or at safety risk, please call 911.

How We Can Help:

• Offer in-person support wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space to share what’s going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Accompany individuals to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect individuals to appropriate resources and supports in the community
• Provide short-term follow-up care for individuals and families after a crisis event

What We Can’t Do:

• Perform psychological assessments or provide diagnoses
• Prescribe medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or medical specialists (though we can help connect to primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income assistance, disability support, or mental health services

Living Systems Counselling services include individual, couple and family counselling as well as play therapy or pastoral counselling. They offer affordable rates and minimum wait times at convenient locations.

Living Systems Counselling utilizes Bowen family systems theory and therapy to address a wide variety of challenges. This counselling approach can help you think more clearly about yourself and your relationships.

To inquire about an appointment contact 604 926 5496. No doctor’s referral is required.

As a non-profit organization they offer counselling to all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or income levels.

Through fusion of recreational activities,”STEPS” encourages youth to interact in a nurturing and non-judgemental environment while promoting healthy living habits. Activities like hiking, yoga and laser tag build self confidence and strengthen both social and personal fitness goals. The program touches on all aspects of wellness aiming to equip participants with understanding, skills and strategies for living and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Currently the STEPS Program runs September to June. STEPS youth meet weekly. Communication between program coordinator and participants is encouraged on an open group chat webpage keeping youth connected and supported throughout the week. One-on-one meet-ups are also offered through the coordinator as needed. Activities and locations vary, bringing new STEPS adventures weekly.

For more information contact STEPS Youth Program Coordinator, Sydney Mattu.

Hollyburn’s Victim Support Program provides a range of support services free of charge to women, children, youth, and men, who have been victims of:

Relationship violence
Family violence
Sexualized assault (recent or historic)
Criminal harassment.

We provide service to residents of North and West Vancouver, including Bowen Island. We are also able to support individuals outside these areas who are a victim of the above crimes and the matter is scheduled in North Vancouver Provincial Court.

If necessary, services can be provided during non-business hours and/or in a community setting in order to meet your unique circumstances and needs. Coordinated links with multi-language services will be available when required.

Hollyburn also offers fee for service counselling for individuals who have access to Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) funding. For information on our CVAP registered counsellor, please see the Counselling section on our website.

Individuals may refer themselves or access this services through a referral from a family member, community professional, police officer, or police-based victim service.

You are not alone.

Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society  is here to help you cope – with support, information, education, and advocacy.

Pathways consists of family members and friends of those with mental illness who know what others are going through, and can help by sharing their experience.

CMHA offers clinically directed mental health and addiction services for youth and their families. Individual, group and recreational counselling/therapy available. Self-referral.

The North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic offers effective help for adults, parents, teens, children, couples, and families. They will help you better understand your problems, develop a treatment plan that meets your needs, and teach you skills to make lasting positive changes. Their diverse team of psychologists and psychiatrists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide high-quality assessments and therapy that works. They use state of the art cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatment approaches to treat everything from day-to-day stress, anxiety, and low mood to anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and a range of other problems.

The team also conducts psychoeducational assessments and other specialized evaluations (e.g., medical-legal and disability assessments). Their high quality psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults are designed to examine potential learning challenges, symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or giftedness and to assist with school and life planning.

Private services for children, youth and families with ADHD and addiction issues. Access to clinical counselling, group and individual therapy. Fee for service.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

Counselling
We can help you when life gets hard or you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, disordered eating, sexual abuse, relationship violence, coming out, gender identity, and more. Our counsellors have the training and experience to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
If your parents can’t afford the counselling fees or you don’t want to tell them about your sessions, we can help. Our intake counsellor can tell you more about the ways we can support you.
We also provide:
• Free transportation, as needed, to and from our office
• Free drinks and snacks during your counselling sessions
We know you’re busy with school, work, and life in general, so our office is open:
• Weeknights until 8:00 pm
• Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm

Embody
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, or disordered eating of any kind, Embody has education, resources, and inspiration that can help.
We also encourage you to check out Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves movement. Join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram and connect with other B.C. youth who are talking about what it means to have a healthy body image.

YouthLAB
Every year, a small group of North Shore high school students (grades 10-12), come together as volunteers to form the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB). If you are interested in public speaking, writing, and mental health, we’d love to connect with you.
YouthLAB members:
• Meet two evenings each month (weekday evening to be determined), from 4:30 – 6:30pm (snacks included when meetings take place in-person)
• Earn up to 50 hours of community service from September through May
• Learn about mental health issues from our professional counsellors
• Advocate for the needs of at-risk youth in our community
• Develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills
YouthLAB members create presentations and campaigns for their high school peers, focused on topics including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ2S+ issues, disordered eating, bullying, and relationship violence. If you’re ready to make a real difference in your community. For additional information click here.
Applications for YouthLAB 2021/2022 cohort (beginning in October 2021) are open now. Please click here for an application form.
The YouthLAB 2019/2020 cohort produced an amazing art book that provides a creative illustration of their youth-lead work in addressing mental health issues facing young people. Eleven youth attending North Shore Schools created this book to share their artistic reflections about wellness and mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma and social justice concerns with their peers. Click here to view and download this book. The 202/2021 YouthLAB created a video, check back here to see it later in May.

PROUD2BE
We created our PROUD2BE programs, because we know that those of us who identify as LGBTQ2S+ need a safe place to talk about how that feels – and how hard it can be sometimes. We also offer help to parents and family members if they’re having a hard time, too.

CRCL is a community-led crisis response team that provides in-person support to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Our trained crisis workers respond to mental health crises, offering immediate assistance, de-escalation, and follow-up support to individuals aged 13+ on the North Shore.  Available in English and Farsi.

Crises We Address:
CRCL is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
• Families experiencing challenges
• Drugs or alcohol use
• Loss of reality
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Fear and anxiety

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger or at safety risk, please call 911.

How We Can Help:

• Offer in-person support wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space to share what’s going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Accompany individuals to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect individuals to appropriate resources and supports in the community
• Provide short-term follow-up care for individuals and families after a crisis event

What We Can’t Do:

• Perform psychological assessments or provide diagnoses
• Prescribe medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or medical specialists (though we can help connect to primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income assistance, disability support, or mental health services

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Through fusion of recreational activities,”STEPS” encourages youth to interact in a nurturing and non-judgemental environment while promoting healthy living habits. Activities like hiking, yoga and laser tag build self confidence and strengthen both social and personal fitness goals. The program touches on all aspects of wellness aiming to equip participants with understanding, skills and strategies for living and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Currently the STEPS Program runs September to June. STEPS youth meet weekly. Communication between program coordinator and participants is encouraged on an open group chat webpage keeping youth connected and supported throughout the week. One-on-one meet-ups are also offered through the coordinator as needed. Activities and locations vary, bringing new STEPS adventures weekly.

For more information contact STEPS Youth Program Coordinator, Sydney Mattu.

Hollyburn’s Victim Support Program provides a range of support services free of charge to women, children, youth, and men, who have been victims of:

Relationship violence
Family violence
Sexualized assault (recent or historic)
Criminal harassment.

We provide service to residents of North and West Vancouver, including Bowen Island. We are also able to support individuals outside these areas who are a victim of the above crimes and the matter is scheduled in North Vancouver Provincial Court.

If necessary, services can be provided during non-business hours and/or in a community setting in order to meet your unique circumstances and needs. Coordinated links with multi-language services will be available when required.

Hollyburn also offers fee for service counselling for individuals who have access to Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) funding. For information on our CVAP registered counsellor, please see the Counselling section on our website.

Individuals may refer themselves or access this services through a referral from a family member, community professional, police officer, or police-based victim service.

Multidisciplinary team consisting of Youth Concurrent Disorder clinicians, Mental Health Clinicians, Psychiatrists, Behavior Support Workers, and Alcohol and Drug Prevention Educators. Referring problems include substance use, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD and other mental health issues.

Mental health services are accessed through the Ministry of Children and Family Development centralized intake. Referrals for Addiction Services are made directly to the VCH North Shore Child and Youth Mental Health Program.

Health Connection is an Adult Service (19+): provides primary care services to individuals who do not have a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner, and face complex medical, mental health, addiction, and/or socioeconomic needs (e.g., housing, income, access to food). No scheduled appointment or formal referral is necessary to be seen at the Clinic, but scheduled appointments are available.

The Clinic team includes family physicians, a nurse practitioners, substance use nurse, a chronic disease nurse coordinator and a medical office assistants. In addition, the clinic is collaborating with community agencies to support clients who require assistance with non-medical issues such as housing, income and access to food.

This clinic is a partnership between the North Shore Division of Family Practice and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

The North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic offers effective help for adults, parents, teens, children, couples, and families. They will help you better understand your problems, develop a treatment plan that meets your needs, and teach you skills to make lasting positive changes. Their diverse team of psychologists and psychiatrists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide high-quality assessments and therapy that works. They use state of the art cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatment approaches to treat everything from day-to-day stress, anxiety, and low mood to anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and a range of other problems.

The team also conducts psychoeducational assessments and other specialized evaluations (e.g., medical-legal and disability assessments). Their high quality psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults are designed to examine potential learning challenges, symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or giftedness and to assist with school and life planning.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

Counselling
We can help you when life gets hard or you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, disordered eating, sexual abuse, relationship violence, coming out, gender identity, and more. Our counsellors have the training and experience to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
If your parents can’t afford the counselling fees or you don’t want to tell them about your sessions, we can help. Our intake counsellor can tell you more about the ways we can support you.
We also provide:
• Free transportation, as needed, to and from our office
• Free drinks and snacks during your counselling sessions
We know you’re busy with school, work, and life in general, so our office is open:
• Weeknights until 8:00 pm
• Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm

Embody
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, or disordered eating of any kind, Embody has education, resources, and inspiration that can help.
We also encourage you to check out Love Our Bodies, Love Ourselves movement. Join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram and connect with other B.C. youth who are talking about what it means to have a healthy body image.

YouthLAB
Every year, a small group of North Shore high school students (grades 10-12), come together as volunteers to form the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB). If you are interested in public speaking, writing, and mental health, we’d love to connect with you.
YouthLAB members:
• Meet two evenings each month (weekday evening to be determined), from 4:30 – 6:30pm (snacks included when meetings take place in-person)
• Earn up to 50 hours of community service from September through May
• Learn about mental health issues from our professional counsellors
• Advocate for the needs of at-risk youth in our community
• Develop leadership, communication, and public speaking skills
YouthLAB members create presentations and campaigns for their high school peers, focused on topics including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ2S+ issues, disordered eating, bullying, and relationship violence. If you’re ready to make a real difference in your community. For additional information click here.
Applications for YouthLAB 2021/2022 cohort (beginning in October 2021) are open now. Please click here for an application form.
The YouthLAB 2019/2020 cohort produced an amazing art book that provides a creative illustration of their youth-lead work in addressing mental health issues facing young people. Eleven youth attending North Shore Schools created this book to share their artistic reflections about wellness and mental health topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma and social justice concerns with their peers. Click here to view and download this book. The 202/2021 YouthLAB created a video, check back here to see it later in May.

PROUD2BE
We created our PROUD2BE programs, because we know that those of us who identify as LGBTQ2S+ need a safe place to talk about how that feels – and how hard it can be sometimes. We also offer help to parents and family members if they’re having a hard time, too.

The following services are offered in North Vancouver:

Individual Counselling

Couples/Relationship Counselling

Co-Parenting/Parenting Counselling

Family Counselling

First Language Counselling (Currently: Farsi, Czech, Slovak, Turkish, Polish)

CVAP (Crime Victim Assistance Program) Counselling

Walk/Talk Outdoor Counselling

CRCL is a community-led crisis response team that provides in-person support to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Our trained crisis workers respond to mental health crises, offering immediate assistance, de-escalation, and follow-up support to individuals aged 13+ on the North Shore.  Available in English and Farsi.

Crises We Address:
CRCL is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
• Families experiencing challenges
• Drugs or alcohol use
• Loss of reality
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Fear and anxiety

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger or at safety risk, please call 911.

How We Can Help:

• Offer in-person support wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space to share what’s going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Accompany individuals to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect individuals to appropriate resources and supports in the community
• Provide short-term follow-up care for individuals and families after a crisis event

What We Can’t Do:

• Perform psychological assessments or provide diagnoses
• Prescribe medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or medical specialists (though we can help connect to primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income assistance, disability support, or mental health services