In the event of immediate risk of harm to self or others, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.
For emotional support or assistance, call the Vancouver Island 24 Hour Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888.
For free health advice, 24/7, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1
The following emergency departments have dedicated Mental Health and Substance Use services:
Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) are specialized care units within hospital emergency departments that provide support for individuals aged 17 and over who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis related to mental health and/or substance use.
These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the hospitals below.
All emergency departments support care for those aged 16 and under. For more information, visit Children & Youth Services.
PES units are available in these hospital emergency departments:
Acute psychiatric hospitalization provides short-term assessment and treatment services to individuals experiencing symptoms of severe mental illness. Upon admission, the inpatient care team provides acute care services and explores appropriate community supports and referrals post hospital discharge.
Admission to inpatient care is based on recommendation by the clinical care team.
Emergency departments may not be the best place for people experiencing acute intoxication. Island Health funds community-based Sobering and Assessment Centres to support people with recovery from acute intoxication. For more information, visit Substance Use Bed-Based Services.
The Addiction Medicine Consult Service (AMCS) supports physicians and care teams by providing consultation for any patient on an inpatient unit with known or suspected substance use disorder and/or who are experiencing harm due to their substance use.
The purpose is to strengthen a patient’s assessment, treatment and discharge plan when substance use may interfere with patient care.
Referral to AMCS is required from the individual’s in-hospital care team.
