How to Respond to a Crisis
If you find yourself responding to a mental health emergency where someone is in danger of causing bodily harm to self or others, do one of the following:
Option 1: Call the Crisis Line (310-6789 or 1-800-Suicide)
- They will conduct safety assessment and recommend course of action
- They can contact the individual directly to provide support
- They can contact emergency services if necessary
Option 2: Call Emergency Services (911)
- They will conduct a safety assessment and take action as necessary
- They provide transportation to emergency room where individual will receive mental health assessment
Option 3: Go to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital Emergency Room
- Fastest way to obtain safety assessment and treatment in a crisis situation
- Students are not responsible for transporting other students to the hospital – contact staff or emergency services
By contacting one of the above options, you guarantee the safety of the individual, and immediate assessment and referral to appropriate treatment options. Some of these treatment options are described below.
Online Resources
If you or someone you know needs mental health support immediately, refer to these links.
Here2Talk 24/7 Online Support
VictimLink BC 24/7 Crisis Phone Support
VictimLink BC
Immediate 24 hours, 7 days a week, crisis support over the phone for victims of family or sexual violence. This service also provides information and referrals for all victims of crime.
- Call 1-800-563-0808 or email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca to get help
- Visit VictimLink BC
KUU-US Crisis Line Society 24/7 First Nations/Indigenous Phone Support
KUU-US Crisis Line Society | HealthLink BC
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia.
KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.
Y Mind: YMCA Mental Wellness Programs
Y Mind: YMCA Mental Wellness Programs
Free online programs for young people aged 13-30. The YMCA of British Columbia’s Y Mind program helps young people cope with stress, worry and anxiety.
- Learn about the free online programs for young people aged 13-30 here.
BounceBack Online, Video & Phone Support
BounceBack
Provides free access to online, video and phone-based coaching and skills-building. This program is for seniors, adults and youth who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry.
- Register for programs and connect with a coach at BounceBack™
If Someone Is Being Abused
If you find yourself dealing with someone aged 0-18 who is experiencing abuse or neglect:
- To report abuse or neglect of a child aged 0-18 in British Columbia, call 1-800-663-9122 twenty-four hours a day to report. A duty worker will talk with you about your concerns, even anonymously at first, and about the reporting process.
- If you are a child in an abusive situation you can call the children’s HELPLINE at 604-310-1234. This line is available for anyone aged 0-18 to call in for help.
Addictions & Overdose Support
There are resources available to support you if you are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. You can book an appointment with one of our counsellors in Counselling Services. You can also see what resources are available in your community through these links:
Get Help | 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
HelpStartsHere | BC Government
Substance Use Problems | HealthLinkBC
Alcohol and Other Drugs | Canadian Mental Health Association
Treatment, Support and Recovery | Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Local Agencies & Resources
Assessment Centres
Youth Short-Term Assessment Response Treatment Team (START)
Confidential mental health crisis intervention services for children and teens (ages 6 – 18).
How to Access this Service: Youth, families and professionals call directly to 1-844-782-7811.
Adult Short-Term Assessment and Treatment
Access to:
- Information and referrals to other community services/resources
- Short-term or brief individual therapy/counselling
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric consultation
- Urgent community response
- Crisis intervention
How to Access this Service: Call 604.870.7800. You can self-refer into the program or referrals can be made on your behalf by your family doctor, a family member, friend or others supporting you.
Community Social Services (Housing, Food, Legal Help)
Abbotsford Community Services:
- Programs and support for housing, work, and nutrition (free food)
- Addictions counselling
- Food Bank
- Sexual Abuse Intervention
- Intimate Partner Abuse program (Stopping the Violence)
- Legal Assistance
How to Access This Service: Call 604-859-7681 or email info@abbotsfordcommunityservices.com
Addictions Support
Abbotsford Community Services – Free Drug & Alcohol Outpatient Program
- Individual, couple, family counselling
- Recovery Groups for men and women
- Substance Affected Group
- Referrals to other services
- Prevention activities in the community
How to Access this Service: Attendance at an orientation session is required. There is a waitlist for individual counselling however new clients can usually join a group right away. Call 604-850-5106 to find out date of next orientation.