Crisis Lines & Community Resources, Victoria BC

You don’t have to face a crisis alone

⚠️ IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER: Call 911 | Go to Emergency | Suicide Hotline (988)

About this resource list: This page provides emergency crisis resources and key local access points for mental health, substance use, and community support in Greater Victoria. For a comprehensive directory, visit BC 211 or call/text 2-1-1.

Important Notice

I am not a crisis or emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please:

Call 911
Go to your nearest hospital emergency department
Call the BC Crisis Centre: 1-800-784-2433 (24/7)
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Helpline, Canada-wide, 24/7)

In extreme situations, I may be able to respond to urgent concerns outside of scheduled sessions, but I cannot guarantee availability. I do not provide 24/7 crisis support.

988 Suicide & Crisis Helpline

Call or text for immediate crisis support, Canada-wide.

310Mental Health Support

Province-wide support line for any mental health distress, not only suicide. Dial with no area code from anywhere in BC.

Vancouver Island Crisis Line

Crisis support by phone, 24 hours a day, for all of Vancouver Island. Local crisis text and chat have been discontinued; if you prefer to text, call or text 988 instead.

Victoria General Hospital (VGH)

Emergency Department.

Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH)

Emergency Department.

CRCL (Crisis Response, Community Led)

Community-based, non-police crisis response program operating in Victoria region. Operated by AVI Health & Community Services.

Westshore Urgent Primary Care Centre

Same-day urgent care in Langford for concerns that should be seen within 12 to 24 hours but are not life-threatening, including low mood and anxiety. Not an emergency department.

Foundry Virtual BC

Free same-day virtual counselling and peer support for young people aged 12 to 24, and their caregivers, anywhere in BC.

Start here if you’re not sure where to go. These are the two most important navigation services for community resources and health information in BC.

BC 211

Information and referral to community, government, and social services across BC and Yukon. Phone, text, and live chat available 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays.

HealthLink BC

Speak with a health service navigator, registered nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or qualified exercise professional. Translation in 130+ languages.

Primary access points for publicly funded mental health and substance use services in Greater Victoria.

Victoria CARES

Island Health’s intake and assessment point for adult mental health and substance use services in Greater Victoria. Call to book; same-day single-session appointments are often available. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

RAAC (Rapid Access Addiction Clinic)

Assessment, treatment planning, and medication support for opioid and alcohol use disorder. Walk in for opioid services on weekday mornings; call to schedule an alcohol assessment.

Foundry Victoria

Free, confidential health and wellness centre for ages 12 to 24: same-day counselling booked by phone from 9:30 am, substance use supports, primary care, and peer support.

Island Community Mental Health

Psychosocial rehabilitation for adults living with mental health and substance use challenges: peer support, supported employment and education, housing help, and seniors outreach.

Mental Health Recovery Partners South Island

Free peer and family support for people affected by mental illness: one-to-one peer support, drop-in groups, education, and up to six free family support sessions.

Connections Place

Clubhouse community where adults living with mental illness build wellness, employment, and social connection. Membership is free.

Recovery supports for alcohol, drugs, and gambling: from medical detox and residential recovery homes to peer fellowships and family support. Most are free, and most accept self-referral. See also the Salvation Army ARC under Housing for shelter-based recovery programs.

Alcoholics Anonymous, Greater Victoria

12-step fellowship for anyone who wants to stop drinking. Daily meetings across Greater Victoria; the phone line is answered 24 hours.

Narcotics Anonymous, South Vancouver Island

12-step fellowship for recovery from drug addiction, with meetings from Greater Victoria to Sooke.

SOLID Outreach Society

Peer-run harm reduction: outreach, overdose prevention, supplies, and support from people with lived experience.

Anawim Companions Society

Substance-free drop-in house and residential recovery programs for men and women rebuilding their lives.

ReWired Recovery Foundation

Westshore charity funding access to addiction treatment and building sober community, with a drop-in Recovery Hub in Langford.

Island Health Community Medical Detox

Voluntary, medically supervised withdrawal management for adults; the average stay is about seven days. Intake through Access Central.

Alcohol & Drug Information and Referral Service

Free, confidential BC-wide line for referrals to detox, treatment, counselling, and support groups for any substance use concern.

Gambling Support BC

Provincial service for anyone affected by their own or a loved one’s gambling: information, referral, and support around the clock.

New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community

Our Place Society’s long-term residential recovery community in View Royal (9 to 24 months) for adult men and women, housed separately; priority for people who have experienced homelessness or justice involvement. Referral-based.

Island Health Treatment & Recovery Beds

The bed-based recovery ladder: sobering and assessment (under 24 hours), medical detox, 14-to-30-day stabilization, supportive recovery homes, and intensive residential treatment. One intake line covers them all.

Hope Farm Healing Centre (The Mustard Seed)

Farm-based residential healing community near Duncan for men in recovery from addiction: therapeutic farm work, structure, and faith-rooted support, run by The Mustard Seed.

Kids Help Phone

For people under 20 across Canada. Professional counselling and crisis support.

Child, Youth & Family Mental Health Intake (Island Health)

Specialized mental health support. Self-referral accepted for Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) and Discovery Youth Substance Use.

Victoria Youth Empowerment Society

Youth services agency offering shelter, youth detox, outreach, life skills, and family support.

Sanctuary Youth Centre

Drop-in centre for street-involved and at-risk youth aged 14 to 22: meals, showers, groceries, and mentorship.

Threshold Housing Society

Supportive housing, substance-use recovery, and essential services for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region

One-to-one and in-school mentoring matching children and youth with screened volunteer mentors.

Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health

Island Health centre providing assessment, therapy, and mental health services for children and youth, including Ledger House.

Victoria Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Centre

Counselling, victim services, and a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre for children and youth up to age 19 affected by abuse, plus support for non-offending parents.

Learning Through Loss

Grief support and grief literacy for youth: school workshops, training for the adults around them, and no-cost youth programs.

Saanich Neighbourhood Place

Family resource centre offering child and family programs, parent education, youth outreach, and licensed child care.

BGC South Vancouver Island

Child, youth, and family programs across the region, from after-school care and camps to parenting support. Langford-based.

Help Fill A Dream Foundation

Financial assistance and dream experiences for Island families whose child has a life-threatening or critical condition.

Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island

Funds equipment, travel supports, family accommodation, and bursaries so Island children can access the health care they need. Colwood office.

Victoria Society for Children with Autism

Parent-led society offering family socials, parent support groups, a lending library, and respite funding.

The Cridge Centre for the Family

Childcare and preschool, transition housing for women, brain injury services, seniors housing, and family supports.

James Bay Community Project

Community hub with family, youth, and seniors programs, outreach, and volunteer services.

Burnside Gorge Community Association

Community centre offering family services, childcare, youth recreation, and community events.

Fernwood NRG

Neighbourhood house with $10-a-day child care, free family drop-ins, community meals, and the Good Food Box.

Haven Pregnancy Support Clinic

Free pregnancy support: pregnancy testing, decision-making and parenting education, material aid such as diapers and formula, and pregnancy and infant loss support.

Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC)

Indigenous-led health, counselling, and wellness services. Includes mental health support and housing programs.

Kuu-us Crisis Line

BC-wide Indigenous crisis line with separate lines for adults and youth.

Hope for Wellness Helpline

For all Indigenous peoples across Canada experiencing distress.

Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services

Urban Indigenous child and family services rooted in Indigenous cultural values, keeping children and youth connected to family, community, and culture.

Hulitan Family and Community Services

Culturally rooted, trauma-informed programs for Indigenous children, youth, and families, including child and youth mental health and family preservation.

Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness

Indigenous-led culturally supportive housing, harm reduction, and recovery programs to end Indigenous homelessness on Vancouver Island.

Indigenous Disability Canada (BCANDS)

Support for Indigenous people with disabilities and their families: disability case management, PWD applications, RDSP navigation, and Jordan’s Principle services.

Island Health Community Access Line (South Island)

One call connects family and friend caregivers with respite options, adult day programs, home support, and caregiver services. Open 8:30 am to 10:30 pm daily.

SAIL, Seniors Abuse & Information Line

Confidential BC-wide line where older adults, and people who care about them, can talk about abuse, mistreatment, or any seniors issue.

Office of the Seniors Advocate BC

Independent provincial office monitoring seniors services: information and referral on health care, housing, income supports, and transportation.

Seniors Serving Seniors (Seniors Link)

Seniors-helping-seniors nonprofit running the Seniors Link information and referral line and the Greater Victoria Seniors Services Directory.

Seniors 101

Online guide and printed directories of services, products, and supports for Island seniors and their families.

Silver Threads Service

Seniors activity and wellness centres in Saanich and Victoria: social, fitness, and creative programs, meals, and outreach.

Beacon Community Services / SHOAL Centre

South Island community services agency; its SHOAL Centre in Sidney is a hub for adults 55 and up, with wellness programs and social dining.

Metchosin Seniors’ Resource Centre

Volunteer-run centre helping Metchosin-area seniors find information, services, and programs for wellness and independent living.

Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre

Member-run activity centre at West Shore Parks and Recreation: classes, games, crafts, exercise, and social events for adults 55 and up.

Memory Connections

Community arts and music programs, including Memory Cafe, for people living with memory loss and their care partners.

Family Caregivers of BC

Information, education, and one-to-one support for unpaid family caregivers across BC, including a toll-free caregiver support line.

Broadmead Care Adult Day Programs

Low-cost adult day programs ($5 per day with a meal) at four Greater Victoria sites, including dedicated veterans programs.

Saanich Volunteer Services

Volunteers help Saanich residents live independently: drives to appointments, friendly visits, tax filing, and minor home repair.

Oak Bay Volunteer Services

Volunteer support for Oak Bay adults: transportation, errands, visits, and practical help.

Capital City Volunteers

Volunteers help lower-income Victoria seniors 65 and up with friendly visits, walks, light gardening, errands, and rides to appointments.

Seniors’ Entitlement Services (Quadra Village)

Volunteer advocates help adults 55 and up navigate financial, housing, health, and legal systems across the core municipalities.

Victoria Women's Transition House

Safe emergency shelter for women, non-binary and two-spirit people fleeing violence. Crisis line, safety planning, and second stage housing.

VictimLink BC

For victims of crime, including domestic and sexual violence. Confidential, multilingual support.

Victoria Sexual Assault Centre

Crisis response, counselling, and victim services for survivors of sexualized violence and their loved ones.

Greater Victoria Police Victim Services

Victim services for all seven Greater Victoria police agencies, including West Shore RCMP and VicPD: crisis response, support, referral, and court support. After hours, call VictimLink.

Sooke Transition House Society

Emergency shelter, crisis support, and programs for women and their children fleeing violence in the Sooke region.

Margaret Laurence House

Second-stage housing (6 to 18 months) for women leaving an abusive relationship who have children in their care; intake by phone, self-referral welcome.

Victoria Women in Need (WIN)

Practical support for women in crisis: household goods for fresh starts, clothing, gift certificates, and bursaries, funded by the WIN resale shops.

For comprehensive housing navigation, dial or text 2-1-1.

Mustard Seed Food Bank

Largest food bank in Greater Victoria. Market-style grocery experience. No shame, guilt, or fear.

Our Place Society

Community centre for working poor, homeless, and vulnerable. Meals, showers, healthcare, transitional housing.

Goldstream Food Bank

The Westshore food bank, serving Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Metchosin, East Sooke, and the Highlands with monthly food hampers.

Sooke Food Bank

Community food bank for the Sooke region, operating from the Sooke Community Hall.

Rainbow Kitchen

Free hot breakfast and lunch on weekdays in Esquimalt, with grab-and-go pantry items. Everyone welcome, no questions asked.

Victoria Cool Aid Society

Emergency shelters, supportive housing, a community health centre, dental clinic, and meal programs across the capital region.

Pacifica Housing

Affordable independent and supportive housing across Greater Victoria.

BC Housing

Provincial gateway to subsidized housing and rent supplements, including SAFER for seniors and the Rental Assistance Program for families.

Salvation Army Victoria ARC

Emergency shelter with meals, residential addictions recovery programs, community dining, and spiritual care in downtown Victoria.

Sooke Shelter Society

Emergency shelter, survival supplies, food, clothing, and case management for people experiencing homelessness in the Greater Sooke area.

M’akola Housing Society

BC’s largest Indigenous affordable housing provider; main office on Goldstream Avenue in Langford.

Greater Victoria Housing Society

Affordable rental housing for low- to moderate-income seniors, families, singles, and adults with disabilities.

Shelbourne Community Kitchen

Member-based food security hub: pantry program, cooking skills, and garden programs. Registration is free and in person.

Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank

Food hampers and extra produce for Saanich Peninsula residents.

St Vincent de Paul, Vancouver Island

Emergency food, clothing, housing support, and thrift stores across the Island.

The Soup Kitchen (9-10 Club)

Free dine-in breakfast at St Andrew’s Cathedral every weekday morning, including holidays.

Red Cedar Cafe

Free frozen meals with volunteer home delivery on Sunday evenings, plus a Friday Free Store grocery giveaway.

Living Edge Community

Free weekly grocery markets at six locations across Greater Victoria, including Langford on Fridays; no ID or registration needed.

Community Living BC (CLBC)

Supports adults 19+ with developmental disabilities, ASD, and FASD. Residential support, home share, and community inclusion.

Victoria Disability Resource Centre

Peer-run centre offering information and referral, help applying for disability benefits, peer support, and skills programs.

Disability Alliance BC

Help applying for and appealing disability benefits (PWD, CPP Disability, Disability Tax Credit) plus a free Disability Law Clinic; serves the Island by phone and virtually.

Garth Homer Society

Day services, life skills, and employment programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

Action Committee of People with Disabilities

Advocacy and application help for PWD, CPP Disability, OAS, and subsidized housing.

Victoria Brain Injury Society

No-cost programs, one-on-one case management, and advocacy for brain injury survivors and their families; offices downtown and in Langford.

Sooke Options for Community Living

Sooke programs for people with developmental and physical disabilities: day programs, life skills, and family support.

ORCCA Dental Society

Nonprofit dental care for children and teens from low-income families across the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria.

WorkBC Victoria

Job search resources, training, wage subsidies. Free access to computers and phones.

The Law Centre (UVic)

Free legal representation for low-income residents (criminal, family, human rights, civil).

Legal Aid BC - Family Law Centre

Free legal representation and advocacy for survivors of family violence. Victoria location available.

WorkLink WorkBC, Westshore & Sooke

Free WorkBC employment services for the Westshore and Sooke: job search, resumes, training, and employment supports.

Together Against Poverty Society

Free legal advocacy for income assistance, disability benefits, and tenancy problems, plus year-round tax filing help.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria

Settlement services for newcomers, immigrants, and refugees: immigration support, free English classes, employment help, and interpretation.

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society

Settlement, employment, language, and community programs for immigrants and refugees.

Credit Counselling Society

Non-profit credit counselling and debt help, free to most clients; Victoria appointments by phone.

If you are experiencing increased distress but are not in immediate danger, you can:

Contact me to schedule an additional session Phone: 250-556-4623 Email: sean@introspectuscounselling.ca
Ask about short-term check-ins to help you get through a difficult period
Discuss whether adjustments to your current treatment plan might be helpful

If you are unsure whether to contact me or the crisis resources above, err on the side of safety and use a 24/7 crisis line.

If you are feeling unsafe but not in immediate danger, a safety plan can help you stay grounded.

You are welcome to bring any safety plan you have started into our sessions so we can review and personalize it together.

Important Disclosures

This list is not exhaustive; services change over time and there may be additional resources that are a better fit for your specific cultural, linguistic, or personal needs.
If you have specific needs or are unsure which service to contact, you can discuss this with me during session and I will do my best to provide additional referrals.
I am required to break confidentiality if I believe you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or others, or if there is a significant risk of harm to a child or vulnerable person.

Encouragement & Next Steps

If you are struggling, reach out; we can talk about additional support options and what feeling safer might look like for you.
Consider saving the most relevant numbers from this page in your phone now so they are easier to access if you need them quickly in the future.
You do not have to go through a crisis alone; support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.