Child & Youth TeleMental Health Service

The Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) TeleMental Health Program provides consultative psychiatric care to patients in areas that typically experience long wait times or do not have access to local psychiatry services.

Typical TeleMental Health and Substance Use consults could include: medication reviews, substance use screening, assessment, diagnosis and intervention.

Benefit to patients:

Decreased travel time/cost compared to an in-person consult
Easier to have family or other local support attend with the patient

Benefit to referring physician:

Access to Psychiatric consults for Children and Youth
A dictated report from a Child & Youth Psychiatrist to clarify diagnosis and establish a treatment plan

Is this a crisis service? No.

This program provides consultative services only, where clarification of diagnosis and a proposed treatment plan is desired (Usually a one-time appointment).

Locations served:

Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Duncan, Gold River, Lady Smith, Lake Cowichan, Lantzville, Malahat, Mill Bay, Parksville, Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach, Shawnigan Lake, Shirley, Sooke, Tofino, Ucluelet

Services may be available in the following communities:

Black Creek & Campbell River
- If the child/youth is connected to the Foundry in Campbell River psychiatry services are requested/faxed via the Foundry, not TeleMental Health.
Comox, Port Hardy, Port McNeill & Sointula
- If the child/youth is connected with MCFD in Comox, Port Hardy or Port McNeill psychiatry services are requested/faxed via the MCFD Office, not TeleMental Health.
Tofino & Ucluelet
- If the Child/Youth is connected with MCFD in Tofino or Ucluelet - psychiatry referrals for services are requested/faxed to the MCFD Office, not TeleMental Health.

Child and Youth TeleMental Health Referral Form and Guidelines

General Information on Child & Youth TeleMental Health Service

Referral Required?

Required

How to get a Referral

Referring Physician’s role

Determine patient suitability for receiving service via TeleHealth
- i.e. Patient/Parent willingness to use TeleHealth, patient not acutely ill with psychosis or active suicidal thinking
Physician faxes a Child & Youth TeleMental Health Referral Form to Island Health’s TeleMental Health Services requesting a Child Psychiatric consultation, noting relevant background on the patient, contact information for the Legal Guardian, and a clear referral question
Your referral will be reviewed and if the service is confirmed to be suitable for the patient’s situation, Island Health’s TeleMental Health Service staff will contact the Legal Guardian to book a consult
- A letter will be faxed to your office to notify you of the booked appointment
Consent, Family, and School Forms are required to be completed prior to booking the appointment, and will be sent to the Legal Guardian.
- The Legal Guardian will be directed to submit their completed forms to the referring doctor’s office (if they do not have access to a fax machine themselves)
- We appreciate you then faxing the forms to TeleMental Health Service Fax # 250-519-3545

Child and Youth TeleMental Health Referral Form

To be submitted via the Child/Youth's GP or Pediatrician.

Email: Telementalhealthintake@islandhealth.ca
Phone: 250-519-3583
Fax: 250-519-3545

For alternate, more urgent services:
The referring physician can contact The BC Children's Hospital, Compass Mental Health, and make arrangements to talk with the psychiatrist.

News & Events

February 15, 2024

“The most important call I’ve made in my life”: Service Link phone line makes an impact in first year

“The most important call I’ve made in my life,” is exactly the feedback Island Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use program was hoping to hear following the launch of the Service Link phone line one year ago.

February 8, 2024

New Intensive Day Program Opens for Youth with Mental Health Concerns

Youth living with complex mental health needs and behavioral challenges now have access to an intensive day program. This new program provides therapeutic and educational services to support recovery while maintaining close, ongoing connection with youths’ home communities.

February 2, 2024

Enhanced drug-checking service expands to Port Hardy

People who use unregulated substances in the Port Hardy area now have access to free local drug-checking services to help reduce unregulated drug overdoses and save lives.