Counselling, Treatment & Recovery

Who this is for

• These services are for adults aged 19 and older.
• People aged 18 or younger can access Children and Youth Services. 

When this may help

• This service may help if mental health or substance use challenges are affecting your health, relationships or daily life.

How to get started

• Contact your local Mental Health and Substance Use team. Staff can explain:
  • What services are available
  • Whether you are eligible
  • Whether you need a referral
  • How to apply or be admitted to a program

What to expect

• Your care will depend on your needs and the services available in your community.
• You may:
  • Meet with a care provider to discuss your mental health, substance use and goals
  • Create a treatment and recovery plan together
  • Receive counselling individually or in a group
  • Learn ways to manage your health and support your recovery
  • Work with a recovery coach

  • Be connected with other community services 

     

Anxiety disorders clinic (South Island)

The Anxiety Disorders Clinic provides care for people in the Greater Victoria area who are experiencing an anxiety disorder.

We offer group therapy (CBT) for Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We may also offer limited one-on-one treatment for other anxiety disorders like Panic Disorder or Specific Phobia.

People can be supported if other mental health conditions are stable and anxiety is their main concern. People whose anxiety is mainly due to major life stress may be better helped by other services. People must be able to take part in group therapy.

Find more information on the following websites: 

• Anxiety Canada
• International OCD Foundation 

Referrals must come from a primary care provider or Island Health psychiatrist through a Mental Health and Substance Use team. 

The Anxiety Disorders Clinic is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Bridging Care Program: Intensive day program (South Island)

The Bridging Care Program is a short-term mental health program for people who may need hospital care or who have just left the hospital or a crisis service. A clinician from Island Health must refer people to the program.

The program runs for 1 to 4 weeks. People go to group sessions every day and meet with a mental health worker each week. They may also see a psychiatrist if needed.

The program helps people learn coping skills, manage their emotions, and work on their recovery goals.

Contact the program for more information: MHSUBridgingCare@islandhealth.ca or 250-370-8039. 

Mental health counselling

Mental health counselling services are available in communities across the Island Health region for adults aged 19 and older. These services help people manage moderate to severe mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

People with mild concerns may be referred to other services that better meet their needs and help prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Services are offered in person or online. They may be one-on-one or in a group setting.

Please contact your local Mental Health and Substance Use team for information on the referral process. 

Mental wellness day program (South Island)

The mental wellness day program in Victoria is for adults aged 17-75 who are experiencing serious mental health challenges. This psychosocial rehabilitation program is group-based and focused on recovery. It helps people transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care as well as people in the community.

The program is tailored to your needs and provides wellness education, skill development, health promotion and community integration.

We help people who are currently receiving care from a psychiatrist. People with developmental disabilities or head injuries are better supported by other resources in the community.  

Referrals must be made by a healthcare provider. Please contact your local Mental Health and Substance Use team for more information.

View the Mental Wellness Day Program Handout for more information.

Souper meals 

Souper meals is a program in Victoria that teaches kitchen skills while offering healthy, affordable, homemade meals to current clients of Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) services. The frozen meals are made by MHSU clients participating in the Souper Meals psychosocial rehabilitation kitchen experience program. Learn more about Souper meals in our featured story.  

Contact us 

1035B North Park Street 
Victoria, B.C. V8T 1C4 
250-381-3322

Short-term assessment and treatment 

Short-term assessment and treatment programs provide support for people experiencing severe mental health and substance use issues.

Clients are assessed by a clinician or primary therapist and may receive single or multi-session individual or group therapy, psychiatric consultation, self-management support and referral to community services. Optional consultation and follow-up by a team of psychiatrists may be offered as needed. 

Please contact your local Mental Health and Substance Use team for information on the referral process.

Substance use counselling

Substance use counselling services are available for adults aged 19 and older who require support to treat or manage moderate to severe substance use issues.

Clients must be willing and able to take part in addiction counselling and attend sessions without being in active withdrawal or intoxicated. Most services include individual and group therapy support. 

Please contact your local Mental Health and Substance Use team for information on the referral process. Some program examples are listed below.

Addictions Outpatient Treatment (South Island)

Addiction Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is a community-based substance use counselling service for adults aged 19 and older. We provide in-person and virtual therapeutic interventions and advanced recovery skills to prevent relapse. Services are offered through individual and group treatment for up to 2 years. 

Referrals are accepted from any Island Health clinician or by contacting Centralized Access and Rapid Engagement Service at 250-519-3485.

Journey: Intensive day program for substance use (South Island)

Journey is a three-week intensive program for people in early recovery from substance use. Journey provides psychoeducation in a group format and focuses on building skills relevant to early recovery. The program runs Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm (excluding statutory holidays).

Referrals are accepted via Pathways from any Island Health clinician. Individuals may also self-refer. For a referral, please contact Centralized Access and Rapid Engagement Service at 250-519-3485. For more information, contact the Journey program directly at 236-638-1441.  

Recovery Addiction Support (South Island)

Recovery Addiction Support (RAS) offers group programs and short-term counselling for people in early recovery from substance use, as well as family members and loved ones who support them. Services include a morning psychoeducation group offered seven days a week, a family support group on Saturdays, and a recovery support group on Wednesday afternoons.

Individuals can self-refer to join RAS. Contact the program directly for more information: 250-213-4441 or RAS@islandhealth.ca.