Richmond
Mental
Health
Resources Directory
Helping
individuals and families
achieve
and preserve emotional and
psychological
well-being and
prevent
or overcome disabilities
and
prejudices associated with
mental
illness and mental handicaps.
Revised November 2001
by the
Canadian Mental Health
Association
Richmond Branch
Funding for the printing
of this booklet
generously donated by the
Richmond Health Services
Society
Mental Health Services
We would like to acknowledge
Sue Macdonald &
Canadian Mental Health Association
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch
For
compiling the following sections:
Consumer
Rights, Glossary, Major Mental Disorders,
Getting
the Help You Need, and Some of the More Popular Myths.
Consumer Rights
Glossary
Major Mental Disorders
The Early Psychosis Initiative
Early Psychosis Initiative Resource Websites
Getting the Help you Need
Some of the More Popular Myths
Child, Youth & Family Resources
Adult Resources
Older Adult Resources
Community Resources
Multicultural Community Resources
Advocacy Groups
Health Resources
Hospitals
Emergency Services
Definitions
The Bill of Rights helps to reinforce
for consumers, families and society that every individual has the right to
dignity, peace of mind and freedom from being judged solely on mental disorder
and/or behaviours.
You have the right to:
u
be informed about
all aspects of treatment including risks, outcomes, and alternatives;
u
access medical
records;
u
help arrange
personalized treatment options and rehabilitation services;
u
receive prompt, appropriate care and treatment
provided by trained professionals;
u
set your own goals and have your talents
recognized;
u
be understood as an individual with unique
strengths, views and beliefs.
The Mental Health Act was revised in
BC in November of 1999. You may view
this guide at the following locations:
¨
The Richmond
Hospital – Mental Health Outpatient Unit, Psychiatric Inpatient Unit, and Older
Adult
Psychiatric Unit 604-278-9711
¨
Richmond
Health Services Society Community Mental Health Services 604-273-9121
advocacy - Speaking for or acting on behalf of yourself or another person as you
work toward a common goal.
alternative therapy - Non-medical model; i.e. no psychotropic drugs or psychotherapy.
anxiety - Combination of chemical imbalances, psychological and environmental stress factors.
common symptoms
· excessive
worry
· nervousness
· feeling easily
tired much of the time
· blurred
vision, trouble focusing
· headaches,
neck or backaches
· shakiness or
trembling of the arms and legs
burnout - Feeling overwhelmed and overworked.
(Note: the difference between
burnout/exhaustion and depression is that with burnout you feel refreshed after
taking a break; however, when you are depressed and take a break from a
stressor, you may not feel refreshed or energized.
clinical psychologist - Therapist who has a doctorate degree in psychology. The Medical Service Plan (MSP) does not
cover these services.
community support network - Neighbourhood houses, community centres and mental health centres, which
offer programs, ideas and support to
consumers.
consumer - Person who has a mental disorder and direct experience with a mental health
system.
diagnostic and statistical manual, fourth edition
(DSM-IV) - Provides a classification system for
different psychiatric disorders.
Focuses on clinical research terminology.
dissociative disorder - Cut off from one’s feelings or relationship with others resulting from
emotional trauma.
emotional abuse - Control of the victim by intimidation, verbal insults, constant
criticism and unpredictable responses.
empowerment - When a person accepts responsibility for their own life utilizing
their full talents and abilities.
mental illness/mental
disorder - Substantial disorder of thought, mood
perception, orientation or memory that impairs judgment, behaviour, capacity to
recognize reality or ability to meet the necessary demands of life.
panic attack - Sudden onset of intense fear or terror, often with the feeling of
impending doom; occurs suddenly and lasts only a short time. Common
symptoms:
· shortness of
breath
· rapid
heartbeat
· sweating,
dizziness
· the feeling of
being removed from reality
passive aggressive - Expressing anger indirectly and inappropriately. Some examples of such behaviour are when a
person puts off doing a job or does a bad job on purpose, claims
“forgetfulness” to avoid meeting obligations and is resentful when others offer
useful suggestion.
personality disorders - Chronic maladaptive behaviour.
Not to be confused with personality traits, which are unique to the
individual.
phobia - Persistent and irrational fear of a specific object, activity or
situation that results in a compelling desire to avoid the source of fear; i.e.
heights, closed spaces and animals.
post traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) - Intense psychological distress following
exposure to a traumatic event such as rape, incest, terrorism or emotional
abuse.
psychiatric social worker – A person trained in the specialty of social work that is concerned with
the prevention and treatment of mental disorders
also called Registered Social Worker – R.S.W.
psychiatrist -
Medical doctor specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental
disorders that use medication and or psychotherapy.
psychosis
– A major mental disorder characterized
by gross impairment of a person’s perception of reality and ability to
communicate and relate to others.
psychosocial
rehabilitation (PSR) -
A model of recovery, which determines how an individual chooses to rebuild
their life. Changes are based on desire
and readiness.
recovery - Returning to a state of balance and optimal wellness after
suffering from a mental disorder and incorporating the experience into your
life.
reproductive psychiatry -
Deals with psychiatric disorders related to a woman’s reproductive cycle such
as pregnancy, postpartum, menopause and infertility.
seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - A form of depression experienced during the winter months when less
natural light is available. Symptoms
disappear with the onset of spring.
sleep disorder - Lack of refreshing sleep which produce symptoms that mimic
depression. Some examples are low
energy, lack of concentration, feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
social phobia - Intense fear of being embarrassed or negatively judged in social
situations.
treatment - Management of a person’s symptoms through a combination of medication
and or psychotherapy, or alternative therapy.
Major Mental Disorders
Bipolar Disorder (manic
depression) - Alternating periods or cycles of mania and
depression.
mania - Common symptoms:
· persistently
high or irritable
· decreased need
for sleep
· appetite
disturbance
· excessive
spending
· reckless and impulsive
behaviour - often promiscuous behaviour
· inflated ideas
about what you are capable of doing - grandiose thoughts
· delusional and
psychotic thinking
Depression - (as a disorder on its own or part of bipolar disorder)
Common symptoms:
· irritability
· anxious mood
· trouble
sleeping or sleeping too much
· loss of energy
and excessive fatigue
· physical aches
and pains
· diminished
ability to think and concentrate
· feeling bored
and not interested in many aspects of your life
· imagining you
have an illness such as cancer when there are no physical indications
Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) - Consists of recurring anxiety driven
thoughts.
Common obsessions:
· recurrent
thoughts of images, numbers or words
· recurrent
worries about germs, infections, dirt, dust, contamination
· persistent
thought that certain things must always be in a specific position or order
compulsions are unwanted repeated behaviours, also known as rituals, which are
performed in response to an obsessive thought.
The behaviour may distract a person’s attention for many hours in a day.
Common compulsions:
· hand washing
· brushing of
teeth
· cleaning
household items
· hoarding
objects
· checking locks
and doors
Schizophrenia
Common symptoms:
· hearing voices
· confused
thinking, feeling ambivalent because you can’t make a decision
· disjointed
thoughts
· overwhelming
thoughts - thoughts snowball, build and build until your senses are over
stimulated
· thought
withdrawal - your mind goes blank for a few moments
· thinking that
you can control someone else’s thoughts or that someone is controlling your
thoughts
· lack of
motivation
· social
withdrawal
· feeling that
objects or events are meant as personal signs or omens
· religious
preoccupation
INITIATIVE
Minimizing Damage – Maximizing Outcomes:
Treatments for Psychosis
Psychosis is a condition characterized by impairment in reality testing
and may involve severe disturbances in perception, cognition, behaviour, and
feeling. It is a serious but treatable
condition. There are multiple causes of
psychosis, which include substance abuse or withdrawal, exposure to severe
stress, inherited and acquired medical conditions or diseases, and mood
disorders. However, the most common cause
of psychosis is schizophrenia. The onset
of schizophrenia most often occurs during the late teens or early twenties.
Psychosis Damages Psychosocial Development
Psychosis disrupts a young person’s life at a critical stage of social
and psychological development. Social
development is harmed as symptoms interfere with peer relationships and lead to
social isolation. School and work
performance declines, and there can be a profound loss of social and economic
potential. Family relationships also
suffer as both individual and family struggle to understand and cope with the
changes. Secondary psychiatric problems
such as depression and substance abuse often develop. The risk for suicide increases dramatically in people who develop
psychoses. Early intervention is
important since the longer the illness goes on without proper treatment, the
greater the risk the person’s psychosocial development will be permanently
derailed.
Psychosis and Damage to the Brain
Evidence indicates that delayed treatment may cause the illness to
become more biologically entrenched and less responsive to treatment. Structural changes in the brain are common
in the early stages of schizophrenia and are often accompanied by disturbances
in memory, learning, and other cognitive abilities. These negative changes tend to remain stable after the illness
has been active for about five years.
Some experts believe that episodes of psychosis are biologically
dangerous and inflict further damage to the brain with each episode. A window of opportunity may exist when
proper treatment maximizes long-term outcomes.
The Importance of Early
Intervention
Current interventions are effective and almost every individual will
recover from a first episode of psychosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to significantly improved recovery
and outcome. By contrast, the longer
the illness goes untreated, the longer it takes for remission of symptoms, the
lesser the degree of remission, and the greater the chance of early relapse. This underscores the importance of early
identification and treatment. Studies
show that the duration of untreated schizophrenia (interval between first signs
of illness and treatment) is approximately three years. They also show prolonged delays (about a
year or more) between onset of acute psychosis and the initiation of
appropriate treatment. Because of the
damage caused when the early signs of psychosis are ignored, efficient methods
must be established throughout the province to ensure that persons are helped
as soon as possible. Help must be
provided with compassion and respect.
Further traumatizing the person will create more problems and can lead
to early treatment withdrawal.
Early Warning Signs of Psychosis
The onset of psychosis may be
abrupt, but typically preceded by changes in functioning that may last for
weeks, months or even years. Families
and friends usually have a vague but distinct awareness that the person’s
behaviour has become “unusual” and that the person is “not the same”. The number, duration and severity of these
signs differ from person to person.
Potential Warning Signs
Many
of the behavioural changes are normal responses to stressful events. Try not to overreact. Stop.
Think. Are these behaviours
unusually distressing to the individual or impairing their ability to function at home, school, or work? Are they disruptive or distressing to
others? Have the behaviours persisted
for an uncharacteristically long period of time? Persons experiencing the symptoms appearing in the bold face type
(on next page) should be monitored very closely as these symptoms are strong
warning signs for severe mental illness.
If you are concerned do not hesitate to seek help or advice through your
physician, Mental Health Centre or other resource in your community.
Behaviours
Feeling refreshed after much less sleep than normal
Deterioration of personal
hygiene
Cutting oneself; threats of self-mutilation
Hyperactivity or inactivity – or
alternating between the two
Staring without blinking – or
blinking incessantly
Severe sleep disturbances
Agitation
Strange posturing
Bizarre behaviour
Drug or alcohol abuse
Being speeded up for days
Extreme preoccupation with
religion or with the occult
Person feels things around them
seem changed
Ongoing rapid speech that is
difficult to interrupt
Peculiar use of words or odd
language structures
Talks much less
Unusual sensitivity to stimuli
(noise, light, colours, textures )
Memory problems
Severe distractibility
Concentration problems
Irrational statements
Hallucinations
Possessing
special powers
Social
Severe deterioration of social
relationships
Dropping out of activities – or
out of life in general
Sensitivity and irritability when touched by others
Refusal to touch persons or objects; wearing gloves, etc.
Social withdrawal, isolation,
and reclusiveness
Unexpected aggression
Suspiciousness
A new fear of people
Emotive
Inability to cry or feel joy, or
excessive crying
Feelings of depression and
anxiety
Emotions not in keeping with a
situation or thought
Euphoric mood
Inappropriate laughter
Sustained irritability
Personality
Reckless behaviours that are out
of character
Significantly prolonged drop in motivation
Shift in basic personality
The first step is to get educated about psychosis. The next step is to ensure the person is
referred to qualified professionals who are able to make a diagnosis and help
initiate treatment.
Who should I call?
Community information and support
Early
Intervention Program Coordinator 604-822-9731
Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver Branch 604-872-4902
Canadian Mental Health Association Richmond Branch 604-279-7110
BC
Schizophrenia Society 604-270-7841
Richmond Health Services Society -
Mental Health Services 604-273-9121
Vancouver Based Management
Treatment
Community
Mental Health Teams 604-874-7626-8:15 am - 5 pm
Mental
Health Emergency Services
604-874-4307-8 am - 3:30 pm
Early Psychosis Initiative
Resource Websites
Vancouver/Richmond Health Board Early Psychosis Initiative:
This
site’s aim is to provide information about early identification and treatment
of psychosis. http://www.hope.vancouver.bc.ca/hope
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS):
The
Society provides support, education, advocacy and research funding.
http://www.bcss.org/ email: bcss.prov@telus.net
Canadian Mental Health Association:
A
national, voluntary organization in Canada whose mission is to promote the
mental health of all people. http://www.cmha.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association – Richmond
Branch:
Information on programs offered in
Richmond. Also includes catalogue of
library books for the general public to borrow.
Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia:
Information
about unipolar and bipolar illness, panic disorder and anxiety. http://www.lynx.bc.ca/-mda/
Depression and Anxiety Resource and Education
Centre:
University site provides information
and commentary about Mood and Anxiety Disorders for health professionals and
the public. McMaster University,
Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Faculty of Health.
http://www-fhs.mcmaster.ca/direct/
Mental Health Evaluation and Community Consultation Unit:
Internet Mental Health:
This site contains an extensive
catalog of disorders and psychiatric medications, an interactive diagnostic
tool and links to articles and research findings. http://www.mentalhealth.com/
The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention
Centre:
Based in Melbourne
Australia. http://home.vicnet.net.au/-eppic
Organize your thoughts and decide on what information you
are looking for before you start making phone calls
Your search may be time consuming so you may want to follow these basic
steps:
Step 1 - Decide what information you are looking for:
· referral to an
appropriate psychiatrist/counsellor
· drug
information
· directions to
self-help groups
· supported
housing
· program or
agency information
· recreation
Step 2 - Contact people who can support you in your search for
information and making phone calls:
· family
members/friends
· caregivers
Step 3 - Keep a notebook to record useful information:
· care card
number
· social
insurance number
· information
received/contacts made
· does the
program have an intake process and or waiting list?
· does program
agency have an orientation?
· is there
information you can have mailed out to you?
Step 4 - People to contact on your search for information:
· family doctor
· mental health
organizations/non-profit societies
· family/friends
· public health
nurse
· pharmacist
(drug information/interactions/side effects)
Helpful Hint: You have the right to information and the right to access the services
that you need. Don’t give up too soon!
Some of the More Popular Myths
Myth #1
People with mental disorders are not able to handle any pressure.
Fact: People who have a mental illness cope with stress in various ways and
see some forms of stress as a positive influence. Stress is a very individualized response to specific situations.
Myth #2
People with a mental disorder are intellectually impaired.
Fact: Mental disorder is not related to intellectual capability.
Myth #3
Mental disorder is a sign of personal weakness or lack of will power.
Fact: Having a mental disorder has nothing to do with being weak or lacking
will power. People with a mental
disorder cannot “snap out of it” or get better by “trying harder”. No one chooses to be ill.
Helpful Hint:
Avoid using words or terms,
which focus on abnormality and suggest pity or fear:
· “He’s psychotic”
· “She’s neurotic (psycho, lunatic, etc.)”
· “He’s a victim of an anxiety disorder.”
· “My life has been so schizophrenic lately.”
Instead use:
· “She is a person who has schizophrenia.”
· “He is a person who was once treated for
clinical depression.”
· “She is a person who is living with a mental
disorder.”
Adolescent Services Unit
(A.S.U.)
Ministry for Children and
Family 604-660-9376
Offers help in getting food,
clothing, and shelter. Office hours
Monday to Friday 10 am to 7 pm. Outreach 7 pm to 11 pm 604-209-8367
Mental Health Workers 604-604-5219
Or
604-660-3115
Alan Cashmore Centre 604-454-1676
Community mental health services for families with children up to
7 years of age who have social, emotional, and/or behavioral
difficulties.
ANAD - The Association for
Awareness and
Networking Around Disordered
Eating – Vancouver 604-739-2070
Support for people with eating disorders, and their families.
BC Council for the
Family 1-800-663-5638
or
604-660-0675
Organization acts as a clearinghouse for information about family
programs,
resources and produces program material, brochures and manuals on family
related matters.
BC Parents in Crisis Society 1-800-665-6880
Parent Support Circles Or
604-669-1616
Self-help groups for parents with children 12
years and under.
Groups are available throughout BC. Circles deal with parental stress,
Discipline, and building support systems for
children.
A therapeutic and educational day
program for elementary school aged
children with mental health issues
who are experiencing severe
behavioural and emotional
difficulties which result in their inability to cope
in a regular classroom setting. Referrals through school professionals.
(Partnership providers: Richmond
Health Services Society,
Richmond School District, and
Richmond Health Department)
Ch.A.D.D. – Children and Adults with Attention Deficit
Disorder Canada
Richmond Info Line 604-271-9285
Support group for adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and
parents of children with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Chimo Crisis Services
Children Who Witness Abuse 604-279-7077
Groups and individual counselling
for youth aged 4 to 18, who have
witnessed violence against their
mothers.
Youth Counselling
Program 604-279-7077
Ongoing counselling for teens that
are considering suicide or
feeling depressed - Professional
consultations are also available.
Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to
4:30 pm.
Dual Diagnosis Program –
Youth Services 604-251-2264
Provide services for youth (12 to 24
years) with mental health and
drug/alcohol concerns. Please call for an appointment.
Eating Disorder Resource
Centre of BC 604-806-9000
Nonprofit information, referral, and educational service working to
address the problems of people with eating disorders. Maintains a
resource library, provides education and information to professionals.
Family Services of Greater
Van/ Rmd Branch 604-279-7100
Provide therapeutic professional counselling, support and consultation
services for individuals, couples, families and youth. Also offers range
of parenting and life skills groups and workshops.
HYPE—Harnessing Youth Power
and Ethics 604-276-4110
Diverse group of youths who are focused on creating positive change
in our community by promoting respect amongst people, the environment
and especially the individual.
Job Start – Ministry of
Human Resources 604-254-5111
Provide employment exploration, job
search, work experience placement,
upgrading of GED, computer skills,
problem solving techniques, assertiveness,
time management, and career
counseling.
Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre 604-660-5800
Provincial
mental health facility providing various residential, non residential,
and
outreach services to youth with significant psychiatric or behavioural
problems.
Ministry for Children and
Families
Emergency services for the protection of children, as required in times
of personal or family crisis:
Intake/Child
Protection: 604-660-1044
Family Services: 604-660-9260
Youth Services: 604-664-0801
Human
Resources: 604-660-9284
Community Living: 604-660-2100
After Hours 4:30 pm -
8:30 am: 604-660-4927
Self-help/support program for
parents experiencing parent/teen conflict.
Preventive psychosocial adolescent and family counselling for Richmond
youth under 16 years whose behavioural problems have brought them into
initial contact with police. Referrals accepted from Detachment
Investigators only.
Richmond Alcohol and Drug
Action Team 604-270-9220
Outpatient counselling, education and relapse prevention services for
substance misuse problems.
Provide special focus groups to provide
ongoing support for families and/or others who have been affected by
substance abuse.
School-based Prevention Program Ellen Bradley 604-668-6597
DIVA - Support/education group for
teenage girls 13 to 17 years involved in substance use.
Richmond Carefree Society
Mondays & Thursdays only 604-233-8382
Play and care program for special needs children three years
and under providing their parents and families with two “carefree”
mornings a week. Referrals
through community health nurses.
Richmond Family Place
Society 604-278-4336
Monday - Thursday 9 am – 11 am Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
1 pm - 3 pm Drop in for parents of pre-school aged children.
Single parent counselling available. Ongoing parenting classes.
Richmond Family Place Thrift
Store 604-278-4336
Sells clothing and footwear for
children and adults. Clothing donations
accepted. Proceeds go to programs at Richmond Family Place.
Open 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday
– 10 am to 2 pm Saturdays.
Richmond Health Services Society 604-273-9121
Mental Health Services:
Psychiatric
treatment and rehabilitation Seriously mentally ill adults
and
seniors; specialized treatment services for children and
adolescents
with severe emotional and/or behavioural disturbances;
family
support groups. Psychiatric
consultation service for
Richmond
family physicians, and intensive short-term interventions for their
adult and
adolescent patients.
Child & Adolescent Program – CAP – Provides direct client services
Children, youth
and their families and indirect consultation and support
to the
community (including caregivers and service providers). There are 3
components
of CAP:
1. Family and Children’s Component: For children and
youth who present
with acute
and chronic mental health disorders.
Children and youth accessing
this
service usually require the specialized skills of multidisciplinary service
providers.
2. Early Intervention: For children and
youth who present with
mental
health and/or psycho-social concerns (i.e. situational stressors,
unusual
behaviour, mood disturbances). Focus is
on short-term counselling
and
clinical intervention (1-6 months) provided on an outreach basis.
3. TRACC (Team Response to Children and Youth in
Crisis):
For
children and youth experiencing an acute mental health and/or
psychosocial
related crisis. Provides a community
based, mobile
response
ideally within 24 hours of the referral.
TRACC’s services are
accessed
through a helping professional only, to ensure that the
client and
professional are supported in the community and to compliment
existing
services by providing additional care during the crisis.
Richmond Residential
Care/Treatment Homes 604-660-1044
For adolescents 13 to 17
years with severe emotional and behavioural
problems/disorders. Referrals must be made through the Ministry for
Children and Families.
Salvation Army Richmond
Community & Family Services 604-277-2424
Provide
family services, counselling, community lunch, emergency
assistance,
E.S.L. classes, Mandarin classes, and Celebrate Recovery.
Sexual Assault Recovery
Anonymous (SARA) 604-584-2626
Nonprofit society for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Offers
peer-related “12-step” group for adults, and “Sarateen” for younger
victims.
Society For Kids Mental
Health Care 604-878-3400
The FORCE – Families
Organized for Recognition and Care Equality
Purpose is to ensure mental health
care and services are provided to
children and youth. www.bckidsmentalhealth.org
The groups offer an understanding,
confidential and emotionally safe
place where you can explore with a
professional counselor and a small
supportive group (3 to 8 people) the
issues in your life which fuel disordered eating.
Touchstone Family
Association 604-279-5599
Family preservation counselling; parenting groups; eating disorder
groups
for adults and adolescent women; sexual abuse survivor groups.
Youth Residential Consultation Service (YRCS) 604-734-7622
Provides
youth residential consultation services for children and
adolescents
(6 to 17) in foster care. Programs
include
Boundaries Program and Caregiver Program.
Richmond School, Child &
Family Program 604-270-2267
A Mental Health program that provides assessment and treatment for
elementary school aged children and their families. The Program
provides service to children
with severe social, emotional and/or
behavioural difficulties that affect their functioning in the home and
school environments. The program
offers family, individual, play and
group therapy. Referrals through area counselors. (Partnership
providers:
Richmond Health Services Society, Richmond School District, and Richmond
Health Department)
Richmond Single Parents
Counselling 604-278-3820
Richmond Family Place program providing short-term counselling for
single parents. Deals with separation and loss, family violence, abuse,
child management and relationships.
Services are provided for children
up to 3 years old who have gross
motor, fine motor, cognitive,
behavioural or language delays and/or sensory impairments.
Richmond Youth Clinic 604-233-3150
Provides
free, confidential health education, counselling, and clinical services.
Deals
with specific health concerns such as sexually transmitted diseases,
pregnancy,
family planning and nutrition.
Registered Psychologist available
for
counselling at Wednesday clinic. Young
people residing in Richmond are
eligible
for services. Medical Services Plan
coverage not required.
Clinic
hours are 3 pm to 5 pm Mondays and 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm Wednesdays.
Richmond
Youth Services Agency 604-271-7600
Support, counselling, parent-teen
mediation, employment skills and
self-esteem building for “at
risk” youths 13 to 19 years. Young parents
program for pregnant and
parenting youth. Also offers a youth
employment program.
Ongoing
individual counselling for people at risk of or affected by a
suicide
as well as support groups for those bereaved by suicide.
Consultation
and public education seminars are available.
Monday
to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Dual Diagnosis Program 604-255-9843
Provides services for adults with a chemical dependency and a serious
psychiatric disorder.
Handy DART Richmond
604-279-7090
Booking hours are 8:30-5:00 pm Monday-Friday 9:00-2:00 pm
Saturday. Specially equipped
vehicles designed to carry passengers
with physical or cognitive disabilities who are unable to use public
transit without assistance.
Para-Med Home Health
Care
604-273-1142
Outpatient counselling, education and relapse prevention services
for substance misuse problems.
Provide special focus groups to
provide ongoing support for families and/or others who have been
affected by substance abuse.
Mental Health Services: Psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation
services for seriously mentally ill adults and seniors; specialized
treatment services for children and adolescents with severe emotional
and/or behavioural disturbances; family support groups. Psychiatric
consultation service for Richmond family physicians, and intensive
short-term interventions for their adult and adolescent patients.
Richmond
Kinsmen Home Support Society 604-270-8105
Adult day health centre providing
physical, mental, social and
emotional support enabling
clients to remain in their own home.
Home support services for
seniors, people with physical/mental
handicaps, families in crisis and
those with temporary medical problems.
Sexual
Assault Recovery Anonymous (SARA) 604-584-2626
Nonprofit society for survivors
of childhood sexual abuse.
Offers peer-related “12-step” group for adults, and “Sarateen”
for younger victims. All enquiries and meetings are
completely confidential.
The groups offer an understanding,
confidential and emotionally
safe place where you can explore
with a professional counselor and
a small supportive group (3 to 8
people) the issues in your life which fuel
disordered eating.
Victorian Order of
Nurses-Meals on Wheels Program 604-732-7638
Hot meals, regular social contact and informal safety checks for
Richmond residents unable to prepare their own meals and at risk
of social isolation. Chinese meals available. Richmond and Vancouver
residents.
Always
There For You Home Support Society
604-271-4427
Provides companionship for doctor
visits, walking, shopping,
driving playing cards, writing,
personal care and after hospital care.
Alzheimer
Society of BC
Vancouver/Richmond
Region
604-279-7120
Support, education and advocacy
services for people with
Alzheimer disease, family caregivers
and health care professionals.
BC Seniors
Medication Information Line–BC Smile 604-822-1330
1-800-668-6233
This information line is operated
by licensed pharmacists at the
Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences of the University of British Columbia,
and assists seniors and their
caregivers with drug related questions,
especially questions requiring
extensive research.
Caregivers Support
Group 604-279-7034
A support group for those who are
unpaid and provide care or
support at home or in the
community to adult family members
or friends who are fragile,
elderly, chronically ill or have a disability.
Handy DART
Richmond 604-279-7090
Booking hours are 8:30-5:00 pm
Monday-Friday 9:00-2:00 pm
Saturday. Specially equipped vehicles designed to
carry passengers
with physical or cognitive
disabilities who are unable to use public transit without assistance.
Para-Med Home
Health Care 604-273-1142
Home nursing and homemaker
services enabling private and
Continuing Care clients with
diminished physical and/or mental
health to remain in their home.
Mental Health Services:
Psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation
services for seriously mentally
ill adults and seniors; specialized
treatment services for children
and adolescents with severe
emotional and/or behavioural
disturbances; family support groups.
Psychiatric consultation service
for Richmond family physicians,
and intensive short-term
interventions for their adult and adolescent patients.
Richmond Kinsmen
Home Support Society 604-270-8105
Adult day health centre providing
physical, mental, social and
emotional support enabling
clients to remain in their own home.
Home support services for
seniors, people with physical/mental
handicaps, families in crisis and
those with temporary medical problems.
Trained senior volunteers offer
free counselling to guide and support
their peers through difficult
situations such as bereavement, new living
arrangements, relationship
concerns, reduced incomes, and times of
anxiety and depression.
Victorian Order of
Nurses-Meals on Wheels Program 604-732-7638
Hot meals, regular social contact
and informal safety checks for
Richmond residents unable to
prepare their own meals and at risk
of social isolation. Chinese
meals available. Richmond and Vancouver residents.
Al-Anon
604-688-1716
A fellowship of relatives
and friends of alcoholics who meet for mutual
help and support in
dealing with effects of alcoholism.
Alcoholics Anonymous 604-434-3933
Support group of
alcoholics. Call for meeting times and
locations.
Office hours: Monday to
Friday 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to
5 pm, Sunday 9:30 am to
1:30 pm. Telephone lines are open from
8 am to 2 am, with an
answering service for 2 am to 8 am.
Alzheimer Society of BC Vancouver/Richmond
Region 604-279-7120
Support, education and advocacy services for people with Alzheimer
disease, family caregivers and health care professionals.
Anxiety Disorders
Association 604-681-3400
Non-profit society formed to
increase awareness of anxiety disorders
and currently available treatments.
ANAD - The Association for
Awareness and
Networking Around Disordered
Eating 604-739-2070
Support for people with eating disorders, and their families.
Battered Women’s Support
Services 604-687-1867
Business Line 604-687-1868
Information, support, advocacy, counselling,
referrals and support groups
(including custody and access, and lesbian
groups) for women who are
or have been in an abusive relationship. Regardless of race, culture,
physical ability, or sexual orientation. Free legal services for abused
women who have been denied legal aid. All enquiries and meetings are
completely confidential.
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors 1-800-909-6303
Provides public referrals to
registered clinical counselors.
BC Association of Social Workers 604-730-9111
Or
1-800-665-4747
Promotes standards of practice and
ethical commitment.
BC Benefits
604-660-3143
Ministry of Human Resources
BC
Coalition of People With Disabilities 604-872-1278
Self-help, province wide umbrella
group that represents all people
with disabilities. Our mandate is to raise public and political
awareness
around issues of concern to
disability communities, and to create
positive change for people with
disabilities.
BC
Schizophrenia Society 604-270-7841
Support groups and education for
family members and friends with
schizophrenia and other serious
& persistent mental illness.
Canada Pension Plan English
1-800-277-9914
French
1-800-277-9915
TTY
1-800-255-4786
Provides application for and
information about benefits available under the
Canada Pension Plan.
Canadian Mental Health Association – Richmond Branch 604-276-8834
The mission of Canadian
Mental Health Association, Richmond Branch is to improve the mental health of
persons in the City of Richmond through public education, vocational,
recreational and supported housing services and programs.
Public Education Program
The Public Education
Program’s goal is to educate and increase awareness of the importance of mental
health and to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. We do this by providing workshops, lectures,
special events and partnering with groups that have similar goals. We also have a lending library with books
and videos as well as brochures that are available to the public.
Pathways Clubhouse
Pathways Clubhouse is a
Clubhouse Model program accredited by the International Center for Clubhouse
Development. Our program is geared
towards helping people with a serious and persistent mental illness while
following the International Standards for Clubhouse Model Programs. Pathways
Clubhouse has over 580 members, and average daily attendance of 70 and an
active membership of 170. All of our services and policies are member-driven.
Pathways Clubhouse’s
work-ordered day is Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 3:00. The work-ordered day consists of the real and meaningful work
that is generated from operating a clubhouse on a daily basis, while at the
same time, improving work skills and building relationships. The work units we operate are Food
Services/Thrift Store, Clerical/Orientation/Social, and And
Employment/Volunteer/Education.
Members are provided
with community support services, which include help with financial aid,
advocacy, finding quality medical and psychiatric services, and accessing
relevant community resources.
Our Supported Housing
Program is designed to provide a continuum of safe and secure and affordable
housing and support options, while offering a range of diverse and flexible
services respecting the individual’s changing needs and wants over time.
Pathways Clubhouse’s
social program is weekdays from 3:00 to 4:00, 2 evenings, weekends and all
public holidays.
Cedrus Group 604-552-8513
Offers mutual support to
persons with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Also conduct research on
OCD. Hosts methadone support meetings
for adult and youth.
CHIMO - Richmond Crisis
Services: Business Line 604-279-7077
Crisis Line: 9 am to
midnight - 7 days a week 604-279-7070
Open Monday to Saturday, 10
am to 10 pm
Professional counselling programs
for adults and adolescents who are
thinking about suicide, have
attempted suicide or who have lost a
relative or friend through
suicide. Other programs include:
¨
Nova Transition House 604-270-4911
Safe shelter, advocacy, emotional support and information for women
and their children, who are
escaping violence in relationships.
Nova Transition House is a
24-hour facility.
¨ Women’s Counsellor (Stopping the Violence) 604-279-7077
For women who are experiencing or have experienced physical,
sexual or verbal abuse in intimate relationships.
¨
Women’s Outreach Worker 604-270-4949
Outreach to women who have left a
transition house or need to
know their options, advocacy and
accompaniment, public education
on violence against women.
Provide education on a variety of social issues to the community and
within the school system. In-class workshops on suicide awareness,
stress management and emotional resiliency.
Coast Foundation Clubhouse 604-876-6345
Provides a safe and supportive
environment with social, recreational,
vocational, and employment services
for people with emotional and or
psychiatric barriers. Services include low cost meals, access to
affordable
housing, and work placements.
Coast Foundation Society 604-872-3502
Provides housing, social and
employment opportunities for people challenged by mental illness.
Coast Mental Health Drop In 604-683-3787
Provides social and recreational programs, counselling, and advocacy for
people challenged with a mental illness. Offers laundry and shower facilities
and serves an inexpensive meal at noon.
Hours are 9 am to 5 pm every day,
evening programs on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 7 pm.
Provincial body responsible for the
regulation of psychologists and psychological
practice under the Health
Regulations Act. Responsibilities
include the
registration and discipline of
psychologists in the public interest.
Hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday
to Friday.
Community Legal Assistance
Society 1-800-685-6222 Or
604-685-3425
Provide specialized legal help for
British Columbians who are disabled and disadvantaged.
Community Meal – St. Albans Parish Hall - Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
7260 St. Alban’s Road, Richmond 604-278-2770
Creating a safe, friendly
environment in which to share a meal with children,
youth and adults. Everyone is
welcome without charge or obligation.
Dial-a-law 604-687-4680
Pre-recorded tapes provide practical
information on specific topics of law
and the justice system. Is not
intended to give legal advice on any particular
problem. 24 hours a day from a
touch-tone phone.
Disability Resource Centre 604-232-2404
Cross disability serving all
ages-consumer driven. Provides access
to:
information and resources,
independent living skills, pre-employment skills,
entrepreneurship skills,
self-management skills and social and recreational skills.
Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm
DRS Vocational Services 604-270-7721
Provides employment assessment,
employment/vocational counselling and
planning, occupation and labour
market exploration, educational guidance
and planning work experience
placement, job search support and placement
assistance for people with
disabilities such as mental health or emotional issues,
learning development, or physical
disability. Funded by Human Resources
Development Canada.
Eating Disorder Resource Centre
of BC 604-806-9000
Nonprofit information, referral, and
educational service working to
address the problems of people with
eating disorders. Maintains a
resource library, and provides
education and information to professionals.
Enquiry B.C.
Vancouver Numbers: 604-660-2421
TTY: 604-775-0303
Long Distance: 1-800-663-7867 /
TTY: 1-800-661-8773
Provides easy access to reliable,
current information on provincial
government programs and services
for all British Columbians,
from 8 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.
Family Services of Gr.
Vancouver Richmond
Branch 604-279-7100
Provide therapeutic professional counselling, support and consultation
services for individuals, couples, families and youth. Also offers range of
parenting and life skills groups and workshops.
Gambling Counselling
Services RADAT
604-270-9220
SUCCESS 604-279-7180
Provide individual counselling and group sessions to clients and family
members to eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling
and assist them to achieve a stable and healthy lifestyle.
Gastown Vocational
Services
604-683-6047
Three phased program geared to assist individuals with psychiatric
disabilities, ages 16 though 60, in attaining their employment or
educational goals. Ongoing
evening groups provided.
Handy DART Richmond 604-279-7090
Booking hours are 8:30-5:00 pm Monday-Friday 9:00-2:00 pm Saturday.
Specially equipped vehicles designed to carry passengers with physical
or cognitive disabilities who are unable to use public transit without
assistance.
Kettle Friendship Society 604-251-2801
Drop in center and social lounge offering recreational, social, life
skills,
and community integration programs. Drop in hours are 9:30 am to 9 pm
Monday to Friday.
10 am to 5 pm Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
Advocacy Service
604-253-0669
Services are available to all mental health consumers/survivors.
Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 1 pm to 5 pm
Tuesday.
Mental Health Information
Line – BC Mental Health Society
604-669-7600
Operates 24 hours a day.
Recorded message of mental disorders
(such as schizophrenia), centers, programs, and organizations where you
can get help.
Ministry of Social
Development & Economic Security 604-660-9284
Income Assistance Office.
Mood Disorder Association of
BC 604-873-0103
Support group for people with depression, manic-depression and other
mood disorders, their families and friends.
National Network for Mental
Health – Vancouver 604-707-9005
Consumer run, non profit society delivering a variety of programs
including coaching and mentoring support for survivors of mental health
issues who are seeking self-employment.
Para-Med Home Health
Care
604-273-1142
Home nursing and homemaker services enabling private and
Continuing Care clients with diminished physical and/or mental health
to remain in their home.
Pacific Post Partum Support Society 604-255-7999
Support for women and their families experiencing pregnancy,
Post Partum emotional distress, anxiety/depression. Telephone
support,
support groups and literature; also information, consultation and
workshops for professional or lay support people.
Peggy’s Place 604-430-5202
A transition house for women disabled by mental illness who are
experiencing assault, threats, stalking, harassment, or are
suffering
significantly from the effects of past violence. Also provide support for
women who are dual, or multi diagnosed.
RCMP Victim/Witness
Program
604-270-6229
Support for victims’ of/witness to crime and family violence; court
witness preparation and accompaniment.
Short-term support for people
who have lost loved ones as a result of sudden death.
Preventive psychosocial adolescent and family counselling for
Richmond youth under 16 years whose behavioural problems have
brought them into initial contact with police. Referrals accepted from
Detachment Investigators only.
Recovery Inc. Roseanne (9 am to 3 pm
M-F) 604-581-4881
Non-profit organization provides
self-help methods for people
experiencing all types of mental and
emotional problems. Self-help since
1937.
Richmond Alcohol and Drug
Action Team-RADAT 604-270-9220
Outpatient counselling, education and relapse prevention services for
substance misuse problems.
Provide special focus groups to provide
ongoing support for families and/or others who have been affected by
substance abuse.
School-based Prevention Program Ellen Bradley 604-668-6597
DIVA – Support/education group for
teenage girls 13 to 17 years
involved in
substance use.
Richmond Bereavement
Services
604-273-3748
Non profit task force which produces an annual directory of
bereavement services in Richmond.
Offers two or three grief recovery
programs a year.
Richmond Consumer and Family
Society 604-214-9709
Plans and oversees provision of support programs developed by
consumers and family care giver members, and operated with mental health
Consumer Initiatives funding.
-Richmond Peer Support Program 604-214-9707
Provides one-on-one assistance to
people who are recovering from a
mental illness and who are receiving
mental health services.
Richmond District Parents’ Association 604-277-1130
Provides parents of students in
Richmond public schools with an
opportunity to exchange information
and to become more informed
about and involved in their
children’s schooling.
Richmond Food Bank Society 604-271-5609
Food Donations received
Monday-Friday 9 am to 2:30 pm. Food
Distribution Wednesdays and
Thursdays 11 am to 1 pm , and the third
Tuesday of each month. Office hours Monday-Friday 9 am to 2:30 pm.
Richmond Health Services:
Partners in Mental Health 604-273-9121
Offer education and self-help
programs for Richmond adults with
mental health or emotional problems
who are not eligible for
Mental Health Team services. Programs include Changeways, Wellness
Program,
Relaxation, Assertiveness Skills,
and Expressive Art Group.
Richmond Hospice
Association 604-279-7140
Provide emotional support for terminally ill persons and their
families.
Also provide bereavement support groups.
Richmond Kinsmen Home
Support Society 604-270-8105
Adult day health centre providing
physical, mental, social and
emotional support enabling clients
to remain in their own home.
Home support services for seniors,
people with physical/mental handicaps,
families in crisis and those with
temporary medical problems.
Richmond Psychiatric Group
and Family Care Homes 604-273-9121
Referrals through Vancouver
Community Mental Health Services and
Richmond Health Services.
Richmond Society For Community Living 604-279-7040
Non-profit society whose mandate is to provide services to people who
have developmental disability in Richmond. Operates a community based
respite program for children and teens, day programs, job preparedness,
adult residential services and roommate programs.
Richmond Special Needs
Services Department 604-276-4107
City of Richmond program for people whose physical/mental health
and/or income levels are barriers to participation in community
recreation and leisure activities.
Richmond Women’s Resource
Centre 604-279-7060
Lay counselling and support groups
for women coping with loss,
relationship problems, economic
difficulties, depression, anxiety and/or low self-esteem.
Richmond Youth Services
Agency 604-271-7600
Support, counselling, parent-teen
mediation, employment skills and
self-esteem building for “at risk”
youths 13 to 19 years. Young parents
program for pregnant and parenting
youth. Also offers a youth employment
program.
R.I.S.E. Up Employment Services 604-272-4166
Assists adults with special learning needs in attaining and sustaining
competitive paid employment.
Salvation Army Richmond
Community & Family Services 604-277-2424
Provide family services, counselling, community lunch, emergency
assistance, E.S.L. classes, Mandarin classes, and Celebrate Recovery.
Salvation Army - Richmond
House 604-276-2490
Short-term stay for up to ten men,
over the age of 19. Referrals through
the Ministry of Social Development
and Economic Security.
Se-Cure - Vancouver Lilija Velis 604-453-1914
Offers individual help and self-help
groups for people who are
experiencing panic attacks and
agoraphobia. Also offers a kit
providing information on the
management of anxiety and panic
attacks for persons outside the
lower mainland.
Sexual Assault Recovery Anonymous (SARA) 604-584-2626
Nonprofit society for survivors of childhood
sexual abuse.
Peer-related “12-step” group for adults, and
“Sarateen” for younger victims.
SHRA – BC – Self Help
Resources Association of BC – Vancouver
604-733-6186
An umbrella organization that provides support
and resources to
individual self-helpers, services agencies,
supporting professionals,
and others involved in the self-help/mutual aid
community.
Tenants’ Rights Hotline -
Vancouver 604-255-0546
Provides information on rights regarding evictions, repairs,
security deposits, rent increases and arbitration hearings.
The Heart of Richmond AIDS
Society 604-277-5137
Non profit society that promotes
awareness and education in order to
prevent further infections. Weekly support group at 8191 St. Alban’s
Road,
Richmond, Tuesdays at 7 pm. New members welcome.
THEO BC – Training for
Health and Employment Opportunities Society of BC- Vancouver
604-872-0770
Provincial organization providing
training and counselling to enhance
employment opportunities, personal
independence, and quality of life for
those in the mental health
community.
Vancouver/Richmond Mental Health Network 604-733-5570
Support network for clients of the mental health system, open to
anyone who has been to see a psychiatrist. Provides peer support,
support groups, resource library, job and community event postings,
computer and Internet access.
Vancouver/Richmond
VISAC
604-244-9319
One to one therapeutic counselling
and support for child victims/adult
survivors of incest, sexual abuse,
sexual assault, and non-offending members.
Victim support, assists clients who
are reporting a crime and provide
accompaniment for persons during
appearances.
Victorian Order of
Nurses-Meals on Wheels Program 604-732-7638
Hot meals, regular social contact and
informal safety checks for
Richmond residents unable to prepare
their own meals and at risk of
social isolation. Chinese meals
available. Richmond and Vancouver residents.
Volunteer Richmond
604-279-7020
Provide information and resource
material on volunteerism in
Richmond, and information and
referral for people interested in
volunteering. Offers training and consultation on the
development of
volunteer services and
projects. Promotes recognition of
volunteers and
advocates for the community.
¨ Child Care Resource & Referral Service 604-279-7025
MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CHIMO - Richmond Crisis
Services: Business Line 604-279-7077
Cantonese Crisis Line: 604-278-8283
Mandarin Crisis Line: 604-279-8882
Crisis lines open from 9 a.m. to midnight 7 days a week
Trained volunteers provide telephone counselling for people in crisis
and those needing emotional support.
Gambling Counselling
Services
RADAT 604-270-9220
Cantonese or Mandarin SUCCESS
604-279-7180
Provide individual counselling and
group sessions to clients and
family members to eliminate or
reduce the harmful effects of problem
gambling and assist them to achieve
a stable and healthy lifestyle.
MOSAIC - Vancouver 604-254-0244
Services include settlement and
orientation services, information and
referral, employment and counselling
services, interpretation and
transformation services, and
language instruction.
Richmond First Nations
Support Group Society 604-668-6559
Assistance and support for
Richmond’s First Nation families and
individuals through mutual support
information sharing and advocacy.
First Nations Parent Support Society Richmond
604-279-7160
Richmond Chinese Mental
Health Self-Help Support Group
(Cantonese & Mandarin ) Ahlay 604-273-1791
Support group for Chinese speaking Richmond residents and/or
family members with depression, schizophrenia, or emotional concerns.
Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society 604-279-7160
A central resource for Richmond’s
multicultural community. Provides
information and referral, settlement
services, English as a second
language classes. Promotes cross-cultural understanding and
provides
leadership training for immigrant
women.
Adjustment and social services agency for new Chinese Canadians.
Programs include youth counselling and parent support groups.
Vancouver & Lower
Mainland Multi-Cultural Family Support Services Society
604-436-1025
Provides culturally sensitive services to immigrant and visible
minority women and their families
who are facing family violence.
Vancouver Community Mental
Health Services Society
Multicultural Mental Health
Liaison Program 604-874-7626
To increase the accessibility and
acceptability of community mental
health services to members of four
target communities: South Asians,
Chinese, Latin Americans and
Southeast Asians, and to improve the
responsiveness of services to an
ethnically diverse population.
Mandate is to advocate on behalf of individuals who need assistance,
educate people with disabilities on their rights, and share self-help
skills.
Advocates assist people with disabilities to apply for provincial
Disability
Benefits and CPP Disability Benefits.
Also provide information on a
range of services. Please phone
for an appointment.
BC Public Interest Advocacy
Centre - Vancouver 604-687-3063
General interest law centre to help strengthen the voices of those
affected by the actions of regulated utilities, large business, and the
government.
Provide representation to groups who do not have the resources to assert their interests.
BC Review Board &
Mentally Disordered Accused Persons
604-660-8789
Or
1-877-305-2277
Mandate is to protect public safety while also safeguarding the rights
and
freedoms of mentally disordered persons who are alleged to have
committed an offence.
Legal Aid: Richmond representative: Robert Parsonage 604-273-9311
Assists some people who have a legal problem but cannot afford to hire a
lawyer.
MPA-Mental Health Empowerment
Advocates Program 604-738-5770
Assisting consumers in accessing welfare benefits, CPP disability
benefits and other disability related programs and services.
Advocate available in Richmond on Thursday afternoons.
Mental Health Law Program –
Vancouver 604-525-2615
Or
1-888-525-2615
Provide legal representation at review panels and review board
hearings convened under the Mental Health Act or Criminal Code.
Salvation Army Pro Bono
lawyer consultant program 604-277-2424
Provides free legal assistance for people who cannot reasonably afford
legal counsel and who are not entitled to Legal Aid.
Anxiety Disorders
Association – Vancouver
604-681-3400
Non-profit society formed to
increase awareness of anxiety disorders and currently available treatments.
BC Association of Clinical
Counselors 1-800-909-6303
Can provide a list of &
referrals to registered counselors.
BC Psychological
Association: Referrals –Vancouver 604-730-0522
Non-profit public referral service
to registered psychologists in BC
College of Physicians and Surgeons - Vancouver 604-733-7758
Or
1-800-461-3008
Provincial licensing body for physicians. People requiring the services
of a doctor may inquire for the
names of general practitioners accepting patients in their area.
Physicians Sexual
Complaint Hotline 1-800-661-9701
Confidential telephone line for
people wanting to report inappropriate
Behaviour by doctors. Inappropriate behaviour includes: remarks,
innuendo, and unsavoury and or
unnecessary examinations.
D.I.R.E.C.T.
Depression Information,
Resource & Education Centre (Toll Free)
Physician Information
Line 1-888-557-5050 code 800
Public Information Line 1-888-557-5051
code 8000
“Through the provision of immediate
access to expert information,
it is DIRECT’s mission to improve
the rate of early diagnosis and effective
treatment for people with mood
disorders.”
Gilwest Clinic 604-233-3100
HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention
Provide consultation, education,
health promotion, and emotional
support. Referrals to appropriate acute treatment services,
community health services and
community resources. Clinic consists
of a team of physicians, nurses,
social workers, pharmacists and dieticians.
Medical Services Plan (
MSP) 604-683-7151
A person on low income is eligible
to apply for Premium Assistance
(reduced rate for medical
insurance). Temporary Premium
Assistance
is available to individuals unable
to pay due to unexpected hardship.
Mental Health Information
Line 604-669-7600
Long Distance: 1-800-661-2121
Computerized voice system providing “push button” information
on mental illnesses and disorders, and services available in caller’s
home community.
Richmond Hospital -
Inpatient Unit 604-278-9711
Psychiatry Program for
adults-adolescents over 16 and seniors.
Offers variety of groups, activities,
tests and treatments assisting
patients’ return home. This may involve counselling,
medication,
psychological testing, therapeutic
groups, and electro-convulsive
and group outings. Emergency Department assessments,
referrals to other agencies, short
stay crisis intervention hospitalization.
Richmond Hospital Mental
Health Outpatient Services 604-244-5534
Group therapy for adults who want to
make changes in their approach
to life situations. The overall goal
of this program is to enable you to
enjoy an improved quality of life.
Doctor referral required.
Richmond Health Services
Society 604-273-9121
Mental Health Services: Psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation
services for seriously mentally ill adults and seniors; specialized
treatment services for children and adolescents with severe emotional
and/or behavioural disturbances; family support groups. Psychiatric
consultation service for Richmond family physicians, and intensive
short-term interventions for their adult and adolescent patients.
Richmond Population Health
Community Health Nursing Services.
604-233-3150
Includes pre/post natal care,
parenting for families, prevention of
family violence and child abuse;
mental health promotion, education,
consultation and early intervention
treatment and counselling for children,
teens and their families.
Richmond Population Health
Richmond Health Department
Continuing Care Division 604-278-3361
Multi-disciplinary supportive health
care and rehabilitation services for
individuals whose ability to
function independently is affected by health/mental
health related problems. Services
provided in schools, clients’ homes,
adult day centres, residential care
facilities and group homes.
BC Cancer Agency 604-877-6000
BC Children’s Hospital 604-875-2345
Adolescent 604-875-2302
Eating Disorders Program 604-875-2200
Mental Health Program for children
and adolescents 604-875-2719
Or 604-875-2010
BC Women’s Hospital 604-875-2424
Mount St. Joseph Hospital
604-874-1141
Richmond Hospital 604-278-9711
St. Paul’s Hospital 604-682-2344
St. Vincent’s Hospital 604-876-7171
Sunny Hill Health Centre 604-453-8300
Vancouver General Hospital 604-875-4111
Vancouver Hospital and Health Science Centre 604-822-7121
(Formerly University Hospital UBC Site)
Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency
911
CHIMO - Richmond Crisis
Services
English Crisis Lines 604-279-7070
Cantonese Crisis Line 604-278-8283
Mandarin Crisis Line 604-279-8882
Provides telephone support for people in emotional distress.
Open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to midnight.
Emergency assessment (24 Hours)
Richmond
Hospital Emergency – 13 yrs or older
604-244-5151
Vancouver
General Hospital – 17 years or older 604-875-4995
University
of BC Hospital Emergency – 17 or older 604-822-7662
St.
Paul’s Hospital Emergency – 17 years or older 604-631-5016
BC Children’s
Hospital Emergency – 12 yrs or younger 604-875-2134
Help Line For Children 604-310-1234
For reporting child abuse and
neglect
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
Mental Health Emergency
Services – Vancouver 604-872-3311
After hours assessment/referral of people thought to be mentally ill
and in need of emergency intervention. Hours: 5 pm to 1 am
RCMP Victim Services 604-270-6229
Sexual Assault Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault
Rape Crisis Centre W.A.V.A.W. 604-255-6344
Rape Relief 604-872-8212
Surrey Memorial Hospital
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program (SANE) 604-588-3369
Sheila Early –
Coordinator. Open to all lower mainland
residents
13 years and older.
Vancouver General Hospital Sexual Assault
Services 604-875-4995
Observed by Richmond Mental Health Community
MENTAL ILLNESS....
a recognized, medically diagnosable
illness that results in the
significant impairment of an
individual’s cognitive, affective or
relational abilities.
MENTAL INJURY....
an injury to the mind and
self-esteem inflicted by traumatic
experiences or deprivations and
resulting in a mental illness or
behaviours associated with a mental
illness.
MENTAL HANDICAP....
may be defined as a below average
intellectual functioning which
is associated with impairment of
social or cognitive development,
and which can occur at any point in
life through accident or
disease.
MENTAL HEALTH....
may be defined as a felt sense of
well being that exists when
individuals, a group and the
environment interact with one another
in ways that promote
-
optimal development and use of mental abilities
-
achievement of individual and collective goals
consistent with justice and the attainment and
preservation of fundamental equality.
BARRIERS to
achieving and preserving optimal personal and
family mental health:
-
poverty
-
prejudice
- poorly co-coordinated resources
