Places to get Treatment
Family doctors
A family doctor (also known as a general practitioner, GP, family physician or primary care physican) is a good first step if you're feeling symptoms of a possible mental health problem and don't know what to do. A family doctor can rule out other possible explanations for your symptoms and look at the broader emotional, physical and lifestyle context as well as your medical and family histories. Family doctors are the only treating physican for many people with mental illness, including the majority of individuals with depression. Family doctors can prescribe medications and provide referrals to psychiatrists or other specialized mental health services such as community mental health clinics, neurologists, hospital clinics, hospital inpatient programs).
You can access family doctors through walk-in clinics in your neighbourhood or appointment-only family physician offices. See the physician directory on the College of Physicians and Surgeons website or call them at 1-800-461-3008 to find a family doctor in your community who is currently accepting new patients. Except for a few specialized services, visits to your family doctor are free of charge if you have a valid BC CareCard or have interim coverage from another provincial medical services plan.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have additional training specifically related to psychological problems and who are eligible to prescribe medications and psychotherapy (i.e., counseling). While family doctors have generalized experience in mental health care, psychiatrists have specialized expertise, but you will need a referral from a family doctor to see one. The amount and type of counseling psychiatrists provide often depends on the psychiatrist, and on the mental illness being treated. Many psychiatrists focus on managing medication regimens which are later managed through family doctors. You can see a list of psychiatrists in your area on the College of Physicians and Surgeons database, but you will still require a GP referral to see one. Again, a CareCard covers psychiatrist visits.
Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors and Social Workers
Registered Psychologists (have RPsych after their name) generally have a PhD in psychology. They can diagnose and provide psychotherapy but they are not eligible to prescribe medication.
Registered Clinical Counsellors (have RCC after their name) and Social Workers (usually have MSW after their name) address clinical mental health issues through assessment, prevention, therapy, and intervention. They cannot prescribe medications either and have a Masters degree or equivalent.
Psychologists and clinical counsellors can be accessed through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) if your workplace offers one; you can also contact the BC Psychological Association or BC Association of Clinical Counsellors or BC Association of Social Workers directly for a referral. Some workplace extended health benefits will cover some costs for private counselling, and some therapists will offer sliding scales based on your income. Note that other than short-term EAP counselling which is usually paid by an employer as a benefit, these services are not covered by a BC CareCard. Other places that may offer low-cost counselling in your community include clinics at universities or colleges with clinicians completing their training, or family services agencies in your community.
Mental Health Teams or Centres
Mental health centres or teams are governmental service providers in major communities in each health authority region. Their services are covered by your CareCard. There are around 100 such teams across the province for adults and nearly as many for children and youth (under 19). Mental health centres provide teams of different kinds of professionals including social workers, nurses, mental health workers, peer support workers, occupational therapists and others. Physicians often consult periodically.
Intake workers at mental health teams provide assessment and case management. They are part of the treatment and recovery process for people who are frequently admitted to psychiatric wards in hospitals; have multiple, complex mental and/or physical health issues; and/or require income assistance or supported housing. They coordinate treatment services and often provide recreation programs, support groups, employment services and/or life-skills training.
Mental health teams in larger urban centres like Greater Vancouver or Greater Victoria or Kelowna will tend to see patients with the more severe symptoms such as people with psychosis or schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thinking/behaviour. But some centres will accept people with more moderate symptoms. You can refer yourself, but centres appreciate a referral from a family doctor (and busier centres will require a referral). Adult teams are part of regional health authorities; child and youth teams are part of the Ministry of Child and Family Development. To find an adult or child/youth mental health team in your area, see the Blue Pages in your phonebook, or call the BC Mental Health Information Line.
