Crisis Response

If you are in a situation that involves immediate risk of harm to self or others, please call 911.

Crisis services are available across Vancouver Island. Please contact one of the crisis lines below for immediate support and connection to local services.

Crisis Lines

Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888

  • For emotional support and connection to local services 24-hours a day, every day of the year.
  • Crisis Chat: vicrisis.ca available 6 – 10 p.m.
  • Crisis Text: 250-800-3806 available 6 – 10 p.m.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8

  • A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717

  • For Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and across the province. Support is available 24-hours a day, every day of the year. 
  • Adult Crisis Line: 250-723-4050      
  • Youth Crisis Line: 250-723-2040
  • Métis Crisis line: 1-833-638-4722

Services provided 

Crisis services vary in each community and may include:

  • Immediate assessment and support
  • Outreach services
  • Crisis Response Teams
    • In some communities, these teams work with policing partners to support people who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis.
  • Peer support
  • Referral to additional services

For access to crisis services, call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888.



The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers mental health support and community-led crisis response services in select communities. Find more information on the CMHA website.

General Information on Crisis Response

Referral Required?
Not required

News & Events

Photo of Bruce Saunders, Laurel Saunders and Paul Saunders

From a hospital theatre to a provincial honour: The story behind Movie Mondays

June 14, 1993. A Monday night like any other, but one that would quietly spark something lasting. Bruce Saunders walks into the auditorium at the Eric Martin Pavilion at Royal Jubilee Hospital with a mix of purpose and nerves. He sets up the data projector, checks the cables, slides in a VHS tape, and brings Cannery Row—John Steinbeck’s tender ode to misfits and community—to life on the screen.

Read more

people laughing at the dinner table

Holiday Health Guide for a joyful season

The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it can also bring about challenges—from changes in health care schedules to added emotional stress.

Read more

Hand supporting man sitting down

From silence to support – starting the conversation about suicide

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Island Health mental health and injury prevention experts are encouraging everyone to break the silence surrounding suicide and to make space for help and hope.

Read more