Province announces $5 million toward expanding mental health services during pandemic

Adults, youth and frontline healthcare workers will benefit from increased access to virtual services. The funding will also increase access for Indigenous communities and those living in rural area.

“I have heard from people right across B.C. about how this pandemic is taking a toll on their mental health,” said Darcy. “Whether longstanding challenges are flaring up or you’re struggling with your mental health for the first time — we’re here for you. We’re working quickly to expand virtual mental health services to ensure that when you reach out for support, someone will be there to help.”

The provincial government is working in partnership with Foundry Centres, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the BC Psychological Association, and other community partners.

Here is what the expansion includes:

Providing more access to online programs for mental health by expanding the BounceBack program. BounceBack provides online coaching and the Living Life to the Full program, which helps people deal with life challenges and learn self-management skills
Expanding access to no- and low-cost community counselling programs, including those that serve immigrant and refugee populations, and enabling them to be delivered virtually
Increasing access to online peer support and system navigation
Providing virtual supports for youth aged 12 to 24 by making Foundry services available around the province through voice, video and chat
Providing more online tools and resources to help people assess and manage their own mental health
Supporting front-line health-care workers through a new online hub and providing virtual peer support
A new online psychological support service for health-care workers

Available virtual supports

BounceBack — Expanding access to free online, video and phone-based coaching and skills-building program so that more seniors, adults and youth who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry, can receive care. (Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division). Available now. For more information, visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/covid-19
Virtual counselling services — Expanding access to virtual community counselling for individuals or groups at low or no cost. A list of community counselling agencies offering virtual support is online. Available now. For more information, visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/covid-19
Peer support and system navigation — Expanding access to virtual mentoring and supports by increasing the number of peer support and system navigation workers. (Canadian Mental Health Association). Available now. For more information, visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/covid-19
Living Life to the Full — Launching access to free virtual Living Life to the Full peer support and practical skills courses for coping with stress, problem solving and boosting mood. The eight-week course is led by a trained facilitator. (Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division). Available now. For more information ,visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/covid-19
B.C. COVID-19 mental health self-assessment tool — Launching a set of mental health screening self-tests alongside the COVID-19 self-assessment tool. (Canadian Mental Health Association). Available April 20. For more information, visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/covid-19

Virtual support for front-line health-care workers:

Mobile Response Team (MRT) — In addition to supporting workers on the front lines of the overdose public health emergency, the MRT will also support the mental well-being and psychological safety of front-line health-care workers, specifically home-care and long-term care workers, who are experiencing exponential distress and mental health concerns in response to COVID-19. (Provincial Health Services Authority). Available now, 24/7. For more information, call 1 888 686-3022 or email: MRT@phsa.ca.
Free online mental health first aid — New online supports for front-line health-care workers to help them cope with any psychological effects they may be experiencing. (BC Psychological Association). Available now. For more information, visit: https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/covid-19-resources
Online resource hub — Expanding online resources to include information to improve psychological and social supports and provide strategies to help front-line workers take care of their mental health and well-being. (Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division). Available April 20. For more information, visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/covid-19
Virtual peer support service — Launching a phone and text-based peer support service, staffed by former long-term care and home support workers, to provide confidential emotional support to current workers, and referrals to other services and supports. (Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division, SafeCareBC and other health partners). Available May 2020. For more information, visit: www.cmha.bc.ca/covid-19

Virtual mental health supports for youth:

Foundry Virtual Clinic — Nine existing virtual Foundry centres are now accepting virtual walk-in counselling. A new provincewide youth-focused virtual clinic with counselling, peer support, primary care and family support for young people aged 12 to 24 and their families will be available via voice, video and chat. Available April 20, 2020. For more information, visit: www.foundrybc.ca

Virtual mental health supports for seniors:

BC211 — The Province has already expanded bc211, a provincewide information and referral service, to match seniors whose support network has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak with volunteers. This service will take calls from people who would like to volunteer to help seniors in their community with basic needs, including grocery shopping and pharmacy drop-offs and check-ins. Available now. For more information, visit: http://www.bc211.ca/

Virtual mental health supports for victims of family or sexual violence:

VictimLink BC — Immediate 24/7 crisis support for victims of family or sexual violence is available by phone through VictimLink BC’s 24/7 telephone service. Available now. For more information, call 1 800 563-0808 or email: VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca

by Ashley Legassic