Referrals Victoria Mental Health & Substance Use

Central Access and Rapid Engagement Service (CARES) provides screening, assessment, treatment recommendations and referrals to Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use and external community programs in the Victoria area.  The intake team includes professionals with backgrounds in social work, nursing, substance use treatment and psychology, with psychiatrist support to make referral decisions.

CARES Brochure

Access to Mental Health Services & Substance Use Services

Call us at 250-519-3485 to start a self referral or to book an appointment for a single session of counselling.

Many Mental Health & Substance Use Programs require a referral from your family physician, walk-in clinic or nurse practitioner. Please have your primary care provider fax a completed MHSU Referral Form to 250-381-3222.

Referrals should be current and completed with as much information as possible including current symptoms and risk factors.

Some Mental Health & Substance Use Services such as single session counselling and withdrawal management services (ex: detox) do not need a physician’s referral. Simply call us Monday – Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. (closed on stats) to get started.

There are other Mental Health & Substance Use Programs, such a psychiatry, that require a referral from your family physician primary care provider, walk-in clinic or nurse practitioner. Please have your primary care provider fax a completed MHSU Referral Form and client questionnaire to 250-381-3222.

Primary Care Providers: Referrals should be current and completed with as much information as possible including current symptoms and risk factors. In addition to the physician referral form there is a client questionnaire for clients or loved ones to complete and accompany the referral form. 

If you have questions about accessing MHSU Services please call 250-519-3485.

Learn more about resources, tools, self-tests, and education to help support you through wellness and recovery.