Mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being but many rural communities like ours face significant challenges in accessing quality care. These challenges may include a shortage of mental health professionals, stigma surrounding mental health, and limited availability of specialized services.
Fortunately, there is good news! The number of mental health resources and supports for people of all ages and circumstances is growing in our community. Whether through counselling, group therapy, or social prescribing — an increasing list of no cost and affordable options is available. Here is a summary of some services available to folks in our area.
Single session walk-in service (SSWIS) at Sunshine Coast Mental Health Services
Available Monday to Friday. Call early at 8:30 a.m. to book same-day service.
- Drop-in, walk-in and phone/virtual services are available through 604-885-6101.
- No cost mental health support for individuals 19+.
- Designed to address immediate needs and explore potential solutions.
Counselling through the Primary Care Network (PCN)
If you have a family doctor, they can refer you to the PCN counselling team.
- The PCN Clinical Counsellor provides no cost, brief, solution-focused counselling (up to eight sessions) for adults managing mild-to-moderate mental health or substance use concerns.
- Currently offered at Arbutus Medical Clinic. Check with your doctor for eligibility.
Adult short-term counselling at Sunshine Coast Mental Health Services
Available Monday to Friday for short-term individual and group therapy, no crisis services.
- An assessment or doctors referral is required for eligibility.
- No cost counselling can be offered for up to 10 weeks for individuals 19+.
- Speak to your doctor or call to book a single session walk-in appointment for an assessment, 604-885-6101.
Child and family counselling, Sunshine Coast Community Services
Individual and group counselling for families, children, youth and adults.
- Various programs are available.
- For guidance and program information, contact navigator Steve Oka at 604-885-5881.
- Waitlist times vary by program.
Women’s counselling, Sunshine Coast Community Services
Free, confidential counselling for women who have experienced sexual assault, violence in a relationship or childhood abuse. No referral is required.
- Individual and group counselling (when available) is provided on a short- or long-term basis, depending on needs and program capacity.
- Counselling is available in Gibsons and Sechelt. Call or text 604-865-0105 for the confidential line.
VCH Sunshine Coast Junction Community Centre
Recovery community services for those struggling with substance use are available on the Sunshine Coast.
- Sessions are held on Tuesday to Thursday afternoons at Rockwood Lodge in Sechelt and on Fridays at the MHSU Building 1.
- No referral is required. Contact [email protected] or call 604-989-3148.
MindSpace Groups
Wellness groups offer CBT sessions, parenting, ADHD strategies for adults, and CBT skills for insomnia.
- Publicly funded, doctor-led program for adults 18+. Ask your primary care provider about upcoming groups.
- The next in-person group, focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy skills, runs from January 15 to March 15.
- For more information, visit www.mind-space.ca or email [email protected].
Seniors Community Connector
Provides non-medical support using social prescribing to help older adults achieve personal health and wellness goals.
- Eligibility: 55+ years, residing on the Lower Sunshine Coast and experiencing frailty, social isolation or barriers to accessing resources.
- To make a referral or learn more, contact Maryanne Brabander at [email protected] or 604-885-4088 ext. 3.
Are you in crisis or need Immediate Support?
Please contact 9-1-1, the Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed), or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Additionally, you can text or call 988 for immediate support.
Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
Hope for Wellness Indigenous Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
If you or someone you know needs help navigating mental health resources on the Sunshine Coast or wants to learn more about available resources, contact us at [email protected], call 604-885-4088, or visit us at resourcecentre.ca to search our directory.
