If you do not have a family doctor, here are some suggestions:

1. Go to a walk-in clinic

Visit any walk-in clinic. You do not need an appointment. Find a walk-in clinic near you at medimap.ca and check for wait times and hours. You can also get information about local walk-in clinics by calling 8-1-1 Healthlink BC or searching their online directory.

Sometimes doctors at walk-in clinics will see you more than once for follow-up, but not always. You might get a different doctor each visit. You can also ask for a referral to a paediatrician or mental health clinician at a walk-in clinic.

Except for a few specialized services, visits to doctors are free of charge if you have a BC Services Card/CareCard. Visits are also free if you have temporary coverage from the medical services plan in another province.

Walk-in clinics that specialize in child or youth mental health:

• Foundry Centres (for youth ages 12-24): Foundry Centres offer multiple services in one location. You can find someone to talk to, get support from a care provider, and connect with friendly experts to navigate health and social services, resources, and programs. All centres deliver free, respectful, non-judgmental, and strength-based services in a youth-friendly space. If you are located in a community that does not currently have a centre, Foundry Virtual offers online services.
• Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) (up to age 18): If you haven’t already, you can access your local CYMH intake clinic during their walk-in days and hours. Your child will likely be able to have an intake interview with a clinician to see if services would be a good fit.
  • Call your local clinic ahead of time to confirm intake hours and process. Serval CYMH offices are not doing intakes in person. 

First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day: If your family needs to see a doctor, you can call 1-855-344-3800 to book a virtual visit for culturally safe health care.

2. Find doctors taking new patients

Call HealthLink BC (8-1-1) and ask if there are family doctors in your community accepting new patients. They can also help you find out if there is a waitlist service.

If there is a waitlist, it’s better to be on the waitlist than not! A family doctor is an important part of your child’s ongoing care.

3. Look further into your community for support

For information on mental health resources and services, contact:

• Your child’s school
• Your local community health centre
• The Kelty Centre