Child & youth mental health online

Meet with a child and youth psychiatrist by secure video when local psychiatry services are not available.

When this service may help

This service may help when a child or youth needs:

• A psychiatric assessment
• Help clarifying a diagnosis
• A medication review
• Substance-use screening
• Recommendations for treatment and ongoing care

This is usually a one-time consultation. It does not provide ongoing psychiatric treatment.

Who can use this service

• The service is available to eligible children and youth who live in participating Vancouver Island communities.
• A doctor or pediatrician must determine whether a video consultation is appropriate.

How to get started

A referral is required.

1. Speak with your family doctor or pediatrician.
2. The doctor completes and submits the referral form.
3. The TeleMental Health team reviews the referral.
4. If the service is appropriate, the team contacts the child’s legal guardian to arrange the appointment.
5. Required consent, family and school forms must be completed before the appointment can be booked.

Submitting a referral does not guarantee that the service will be available or appropriate.

What to expect

• The child or youth will meet with a psychiatrist through a secure video appointment.
• The psychiatrist may:
  • Ask about mental health, development, daily life and current concerns
  • Review medications
  • Discuss substance use
  • Clarify a possible diagnosis
  • Recommend treatment and next steps
• A parent, guardian or another local support person may be able to attend.
• After the appointment, the referring doctor receives a report with the psychiatrist’s findings and recommended treatment plan. Ongoing care remains with the child or youth’s local care team.

How to prepare

Before the appointment:

• Complete and return all required forms
• Have a current medication list available
• Write down questions or concerns
• Gather relevant medical, mental-health or school reports
• Ask who should attend the appointment
• Make sure the child or youth has a private, quiet place for the video call

The team will provide connection instructions.

Cost

• This consultation is publicly funded for eligible B.C. residents. Using video may reduce the time and cost involved in travelling for an in-person appointment.

Is this service available in my community?

Availability depends on where the child or youth lives and which local services they already use.

Contact the TeleMental Health team or ask the referring doctor to confirm the correct referral pathway.

This is not a crisis service

• TeleMental Health does not provide urgent or emergency care.
• Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department if a child or youth is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention.
• TeleMental Health Brochure for Children and Youth
• TeleMental Health Brochure for Parents and Guardians

Contact

TeleMental Health intake

Phone: 250-519-3583
Email: Telementalhealthintake@islandhealth.ca

Referral forms must be submitted by the child or youth’s doctor or pediatrician.

Information for health-care providers

• Review the eligibility guidelines and submit the Child and Youth TeleMental Health Referral Form.
• Fax: 250-519-3545
• Child and Youth TeleMental Health Referral Form and Guidelines