An individual may engage in different treatments and use various services in their community or in hospital.
Child & youth mental health
Child and youth mental health services are offered throughout British Columbia by the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD).
Community-based mental health programs
Community Mental Health & Substance Use Services include individual and group counselling, psychiatric and psychological services, urgent and emergent intervention, and case management services. Services may be combined in rural areas.
For more information on local community services please contact your local Mental Health Services Office and visit our Mental Health resources page.
Hospital-based psychiatric services
Acute services are person centered, recovery-oriented and follow a Trauma Informed perspective. Emphasis is on delivering interventions that empower, build on individuals’ strengths and reinforce people’s sense of hope.
Inpatient psychiatry units have an interdisciplinary structured program consisting of individual psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, psychoeducational, group therapy, occupational therapy programs, family assessment and therapy, behavior therapy, recreational activities and electroconvulsive therapy.
Tertiary psychiatric services
Adult Tertiary Psychiatry refers to highly specialized mental health services designed for individuals with severe mental illness that have not responded to treatment. These individuals have experienced ongoing difficulty with managing their illness and living in the community. The goal of these programs is to provide high-level care, treatment, and rehabilitation in a flexible “deinstitutionalized” and interactive community environment, followed by return to their home community as soon as possible.
Admission to Tertiary Psychiatric Programs are by referral only.
We want to hear from you
If you are unhappy with the service you received, you are encouraged to speak with the person who provided the service, or to the manager of the area. All patients and clients are encouraged to try and resolve any issues at the time and place care is received.
If you still feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, you can contact the IH Patient Care Quality Office directly for further action.