If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, a good first step is to get an assessment. This helps to identify the difficulties your child may have and the services that would best meet their needs.

These services are free to families in BC. Just bring your child’s BC Services Card/CareCard with you.

Try these options first (no referral needed): 

• Your family doctor or a walk-in clinic.
• Intake clinics offered by Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) teams. These walk-in clinics are for ages 18 and younger. They are located in around 100 communities in BC. See the list of intake clinics and their hours.
• Check to see if there is a Foundry Centre in your community (for ages 12-24).

*Note: During COVID-19, appointments may be offered virtually/by phone. 

You can also: 

• Ask what services are available through your child’s school.
• Contact us at the Kelty Centre1 800 665 1822
  
  keltycentre@cw.bc.ca for help finding services.

After you are assessed by a doctor or a CYMH team, you may be referred to:

• a more specialized mental health or substance use program or service (e.g. a psychiatrist)
• a service provided by the BC health authority you live in

Unsure which health authority your community is in? 

If this is a crisis and you need immediate help call 911 or go to your nearest hospital’s emergency room.