Mental Health Treatment & Recovery Beds

Community bed-based services across Vancouver Island are for adults with a significant and persistent mental illness who require 24-hour care. Length of stay and level of care vary depending on individual needs. Each program works with clients to build their life skills with the goal of living in community.

The cost for services varies depending on the program and client income. 

Access and referral

Referrals are required to access services. Please speak with your community care team, including: 

  • community teams (e.g. Assertive Community Treatment or Case Manager through the Victoria Mental Health Centre or Intensive Care Management Team)
  • social workers
  • primary care clinician/ family doctor

Program Criteria

Varies between facilities and services. Please use the drop-down to view criteria for each facility.

Licensed Care (under license by the Community Care and Assisted Living Act)

Licensed Care Programs support adults (aged 19 and over) with a significant and persistent mental illness who have a demonstrated need for psychosocial rehabilitation support. Clients with a co-occurring substance use disorder are not precluded from accessing services. Clients pay a per diem (daily fee). 

Licensed Care Programs are governed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act and are required to follow The Act’s Residential Care Regulation. See inspection reports for each Program.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum 19 years of age
  • Primary care need is related to the person’s significant and persistent mental illness
  • Attached to a primary care provider AND a community team (e.g. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Victoria Mental Health Centre (VMHC) Case Manager)
  • Must be willing to engage in psychosocial rehabilitation programs and recovery planning

Locations 

•    Styles Apartments 
•    Panama House 
•    Wascana Group Home
•    Greenridge Place

Referral Pathway:

Referral package goes to MHSU Bed Based Services Access Team, which will assess the referral and if client is eligible, will recommend a placement for either the Assessment Unit, Post Acute Community Supports, Psychosocial Rehabilitation or Licensed Care sites.

Complex Care Housing (CCH)

Tillicum Apartments – 20 beds, 6 respite beds

Operator and funder: Island Health

Staffed 7 days a week, Tillicum CCH provides bed-based integrated mental health, medical, and substance use supports to some of the region’s most vulnerable clients who would most benefit from comprehensive supports provided on-site. Clients are able to access a broad range of services and supports on-site, reducing barriers to accessing healthcare. 

Transitional, or step-down, and respite beds are also available through CCH.

Eligibility Criteria:

Each of the criteria below must be met to be considered for Tillicum CCH:

  • Adults (19 and older) living with serious mental health and/or substance use challenges and other health issues that severely impact function and ability to maintain housing. 
  • Formal diagnoses of mental health disorder, substance use disorder, acquired brain injury and other conditions are not required.
  • Individuals whose needs are not met by existing housing, are homeless (unsheltered or sheltered) or are precariously housed.
  • Individuals that would benefit from access to 24/7 mental health, substance use services and/or functional supports. 
  • Individuals who have not been successfully supported by other mental health/substance use programs, and/or have a history of eviction or discharge from supportive or transitional housing, 

Referral Pathway:

Post Acute Community Supports (PACS)

Short-term assessment beds for adults (19+) with a significant and persistent mental illness. Clients must have a demonstrated need for psychosocial rehabilitation supports. Clients with a co-occurring substance use disorder can also be supported in PACS programs. Referrals accepted from Acute Care (i.e. hospital). Length of stay between 90-150 days. Client-Supported Meal Program. Clients pay a monthly program fee. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Referral must come from Acute Care (i.e. hospital)
  • Minimum 19 years of age. 
  • Primary care need is related to the person’s significant and persistent mental illness.
  • Attached to a community team (e.g. ACT or VMHC Case Manager).
  • Must be willing to engage in psychosocial rehabilitation programs and recovery planning.

Referral Pathway:

A single referral package to MHSU Bed Based Services Access Team can result in placement recommendations at the Assessment Unit, Post Acute Community Supports, Psychosocial Rehabilitation or Licensed Care sites, if the client is deemed eligible for the program.
An acute care clinician, or community team member (e.g. ACT or VMHC Case Manager) can complete the referral form. All referrals are sent to MHSUResidentialAccessSI@islandhealth.ca.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Programs

Temporary community-based beds for adults (19+) with a significant and persistent mental illness. Clients must have a demonstrated need for psychosocial rehabilitation supports. Clients with a co-occurring substance use disorder can also be supported in PSR Programs. Clients pay a monthly program fee. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Minimum 19 years of age. 
  • Primary care need is related to the person’s significant and persistent mental illness.
  • Attached to a community team (e.g. ACT or VMHC Case Manager).
  • Must be willing to engage in psychosocial rehabilitation programs and recovery planning.

Referral Pathway:

A single referral package to MHSU Bed Based Services Access Team can result in placement recommendations at the Assessment Unit, Post Acute Community Supports, Psychosocial Rehabilitation or Licensed Care sites, if the client is deemed eligible for the program.
The client’s community team member (e.g. ACT or VMHC Case Manager) can complete the referral form and functional assessment. All referrals are sent to MHSUResidentialAccessSI@islandhealth.ca

Contracted Affiliates and Seniors 55+ sites

Referral Pathway:

A single referral package to MHSU Bed Based Programs Access Team can result in placement recommendations at the Assessment Unit, Post Acute Community Supports, Psychosocial Rehabilitation or Licensed Care sites, if the client is deemed eligible for the program.
The client’s community team member (e.g. ACT or VMHC Case Manager) can complete the referral form and functional assessment. All referrals are sent to MHSUResidentialAccessSI@islandhealth.ca

General Information on Mental Health Treatment & Recovery Beds

Referral Required?
Required
Contact Us

Victoria

Mental Health and Substance Use 
250-519-3595 
Fax: 250-519-3481
MHSUResidentialAccessSI@islandhealth.ca (for criteria and referral forms)

 

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