Mental Health and Substance Use Information and Publications
Last updated on March 7, 2025Aboriginal
- A Path Forward: BC First Nations and Aboriginal People’s Mental Wellness and Substance Use – 10 Year Plan (PDF, 2.1MB)
Developed collaboratively by First Nations Health Authority, Ministry of Health, and Health Canada, the aim of the plan is to transform systems and improve capacity to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and First Nations infants, children, youth, adults and Elders. - The Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan (PDF, 1.5MB)
The First Nations Leadership Council and British Columbia developed this plan to identify priorities for action to close the health gap between First Nations and other British Columbians. - The Aboriginal Health Directorate aims to improve the health and well-being of Aboriginal People
Alcohol
Alcohol remains the most widely-used drug in Canada, with close to 80 per cent of British Columbians reporting drinking in the past year. Hazardous alcohol use can lead to a number of health and social problems such as injuries, violence, certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and liver disease. The harms and costs associated with alcohol use are greater than those for all illegal substances combined. Canada has developed low risk drinking guidelines to help Canadians balance the benefits and harms associated with alcohol.
Use the following resources to find general information and advice around alcohol:
Understanding Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines help Canadians moderate their alcohol consumption and reduce immediate and long-term alcohol-related harm.
Life Ring
LifeRing support groups provide access for women and men to community-based mutual self-help support groups for those who self-identify with problematic substance use.
Anxiety
- Anxiety Disorders Toolkit
A resource to help individuals cope with an anxiety disorder and to educate anyone wanting to learn more about this common type of mental health problem.
Case Management
- Assertive Community Treatment (PDF, 1.4MB)
Chinese (PDF, 356KB)
Punjabi (PDF, 170KB) - British Columbia Program Standards for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams (PDF, 1.4MB)
This document provides the standards of care for Assertive Community Treatment services in British Columbia that were developed based on best practices. These standards define the intended clients, the required services, the type of staff/numbers needed to competently provide the services, and the intended benefits/outcomes for the clients receiving the services. - Intensive Case Management Team Model of Care (ICMT) Standards and Guidelines (PDF, 2.9MB)
Consumer Involvement
- Consumer Involvement and Initiatives (PDF, 762KB)
The involvement of consumers/ people living with mental illness, continues to be a major emphasis in mental health planning and service delivery.
Chinese (PDF, 484KB)
Punjabi (PDF, 201KB) - Peer Support Resource Manual (PDF, 1.7MB)
This manual provides background information on the importance of peer support for people with a mental illness, the key elements needed in a peer support program and a step-by-step outline of how to develop a peer support program.
Crisis Intervention
- Crisis Response/Emergency Services (PDF, 4.4MB)
Punjabi (PDF, 1.0MB)
This document outlines five core components within a system of crisis response/emergency services. - Emergency Mental Health Educational Manual (PDF, 169KB)
This manual contains the core information necessary for health care providers and frontline responders to work within the context of mental health emergencies.
Depression
- Antidepressant Skills Workbook
A self-care manual that provides an overview of depression, explains how it can be effectively managed according to the best available research and gives a step-by-step guide to changing patterns that trigger depression. Also available in Chinese, French and Punjabi. - British Columbia’s Provincial Depression Strategy (PDF, 2.1MB)
A strategy to identify opportunities to improve the quality and effectiveness of British Columbia’s approach to the prevention and treatment of depression. - Antidepressant Skills Workbook for Teens
This toolkit contains resources and strategies important for the self-management of depression. - Managing Depression
A series of three toolkits to help you process a diagnosis of depression, work with your health professional, and prevent a relapse.
Developmental Disabilities
- Planning Guidelines for Mental Health and Addiction Services for Children, Youth and Adults with Developmental Disability (PDF, 2.0MB)
Highlights the approach and principal recommendations for planning mental health and addiction services for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities.
Eating Disorders
- Action Plan for Provincial Services for People with Eating Disorders (PDF, 3.0MB)
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, developed this action plan in response to a review of services to children, youth and adults with eating disorders in BC conducted in 2009 and early 2010.
Employment and Education Supports
- Advanced Practice – Psychosocial Rehabilitation
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery (PDF, 2.5MB)
Chinese (PDF, 3.2MB)
Punjabi (PDF, 786KB)
The practice of psychosocial rehabilitation, with a focus on early intervention and recovery, facilitates hope and provides information to enhance supported education and employment services.
Family Involvement
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Families at the Centre: A Planning Framework for Public Systems in BC
The framework aims to improve mental health and reduce the harms of substance use for all families members by encouraging all people to work together towards the shared goal of helping to improve the lives of BC families who are facing mental health challenges. - Family Toolkit
A tool kit designed to assist families in caring for a family member with a mental illness or substance use disorder by providing information and practical resources. - Family Support and Involvement (PDF, 1.4MB)
Chinese (PDF, 413KB)
Punjabi (PDF, 180KB)
Elements of best practices for family supports and involvement are outlined in this document and continue to be built upon in program planning.
Financial Assistance for Psychiatric Medication (Plan G)
- No-Charge Psychiatric Medication: PlanG
The plan provides coverage of certain psychiatric medications. Available to individuals of any age who are registered with a mental health service centre and who demonstrate clinical and financial need.
Harm Reduction
- Harm Reduction: A British Columbia Community Guide (PDF, 464KB)
A document outlining what harm reduction means and examples of how communities and municipalities can be partners in preventing and reducing harms from substance use. - Methadone Maintenance Treatment (2002) (PDF, 606KB)
This document is part of an ongoing effort supported by Canada's Drug Strategy to increase access to effective methadone maintenance treatment programs. - Toward the Heart
Allows British Columbians to easily access harm reduction information sources, a catalogue of harm reduction supplies, naloxone pilot program information, and referrals to other health services.
Housing and Homelessness
- Housing & Supports for Adults with Severe Addictions and/or Mental Illness in B.C. (PDF, 4.0MB)
- BC Housing
The provincial crown agency that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those in greatest need.
In-Patient Psychiatric Care
Income Support
- Information for Persons with Disabilities regarding Income and Employment Supports and other services
The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation makes a difference in the lives of British Columbians trying to overcome social and economic barriers. On this page, you'll find more information about income supports, services for people with disabilities and employment support services.
Information Sharing Resources
- Information Sharing Best Practice Guides
These guides function as reference tools that service providers can consult not only to comply with relevant legislation and policies, but also to feel empowered to share information appropriately in a timely way across service providers to enhance continuity of care with clients and families - Information Sharing Fact Sheets
These fact sheets are designed to support people with lived experience, families and service providers in knowing their rights to information, understanding requests for information, disclosure of personal health information and consent, and finding other resources and information they may need.
Language Service
- The Provincial Language Service
Provides both on-site and telephone interpreting in over 100 languages for agencies and institutions across the province.
Legislation
- Mental Health Act
B.C.’s legislation governing the care and treatment of people with mental illness. - Guide to the Mental Health Act (PDF, 5.1MB)
Provides a general overview of the Mental Health Act and its application.
Some key provisions of the act are explained in plain language to:- Make the act more understandable.
- Promote consistency in interpreting the act so people in need of involuntary psychiatric treatment receive help in a responsible and lawful manner.
- Community Care and Assisted Living Act
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)
- Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act
- Infants Act
- Adult Guardianship Act
- The Mental Health Review Board
LGBTQ2S
- PRISM Services
This Vancouver Coastal Health service provides supports for substance-use-affected lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, queer and Two Spirit communities. - QMUNITY is BC's queer resource centre – the hub for the lesbian, gay, trans*, bi and queer community program, training and advocacy. Health related resources are available including mental health and substance use.
Maternal Health
- Addressing Perinatal Depression: A Framework for B.C.'s Health Authorities (PDF, 933KB)
This framework will help guide the development of a regionally appropriate strategy for addressing perinatal depression at the local level. - Early Intervention, Outreach and Community Linkages for Women with Substance Use Problems (2006) (PDF, 620KB)
Clinicians and researchers acknowledge the importance of sensitivity to gender differences and needs when developing and delivering substance use treatment services. - Healthy Pregnancies
A component of Healthy Families BC, a provincial strategy to improve the health and well-being of British Columbians at every stage of life. - A Healthy Pregnancy is in Your Hands
The Public Health Agency of Canada’s site if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or caring for a pregnant woman. - Motherisk
A Hospital for Sick Children program, which provides evidence-based information and guidance about the safety or risk to the developing fetus or infant – including maternal exposure to drugs, chemicals, diseases, radiation and environmental agents.
Mental Health and Substance Use Fact Sheets
- HereToHelp.bc.ca Fact Sheets
A series of 42 basic fact sheets on various mental health and addictions topics. - Psychology Works Fact Sheets
Informational fact sheets on mental health and addictions.
Mental Health First Aid
- Mental Health First Aid Course
A course offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association course for people who want to gain a better understanding of mental illnesses and develop basic skills to deal with concerns arising from a mental illness. - Mental Health First Aid Canada
Provided by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Mental Health First Aid Canada program aims to improve mental health literacy, and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.
Mental Health Promotion
- Mental Health Promotion Tool Kit
A guide for implementing a mental health promotion program, including examples, strategies, tips and tools.
Opioid Agonist Treatment
Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is the recommended first-line treatment for people with opioid use disorder. It uses medications (Methadone, Suboxone, Kadian or Sublocade) prescribed by a trained doctor or nurse that act slowly in the body to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of overdose. It has been shown to help people stay in treatment and away from toxic opioid use.
Registered nurse (RN) and Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) OAT Prescribing (Certified Practice for Opioid Use Disorder)
To increase the number of clinicians who can prescribe medications for opioid-use disorder, registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) can complete training to begin prescribing certain types of OAT. This initiative broadens access to OAT particularly in rural and remote parts of the province.
Through a competitive Request For Proposals the province contracted Changemark research and evaluation group to evaluate the implementation of the nurse’s prescribing initiative for a period of twelve months from June 2023.
Overdose Emergency
- Rural and Indigenous Overdose Action Exchange (PDF, 33.5MB)
- Escalating BC’s Response to the Overdose Emergency (2019) (PDF, 4.5KB)
- Construction Industry Roundtable on the Opioid Overdose Crisis (PDF, 1.5MB)
Parental Mental Illness
- Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness: A Training Tool for Communities (PDF, 2.1MB)
This manual contains what is needed for anyone with some experience in adult education to hold a community event that will inform audiences as to the issues involved in supporting families with parental mental illness.
Police and Corrections
The following information sheets developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association outline common issues related to police interactions with people with mental illness and substance use disorders:
- Hallucinations and Delusions: How to Respond (PDF, 59KB)
- Interfaces Between Mental Health and Substance Use Services and Police (PDF, 1.2MB)
Prevention
- Health Canada’s Alcohol and Drug Prevention Publications
An indexed list of links to publications concerning alcohol and other drugs.
community developers, health promoters, law enforcement officers and public health nurses. - Preventing Substance Use Problems Among Young People (2002)
Provides direction on effective programming for a broad range of prevention activities and should be of interest to educators.
Primary Care
- Family Physicians Guide – complete document (PDF, 9.3MB)
A family physician guide for treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, early psychosis and substance use disorders - Integrated Models of Primary Care and Mental Health & Substance Use Care in the Community (PDF, 1.4MB)
This review identifies researched models of integrated care that were found to be specifically effective for individuals with mental health and/or substance use needs, including primary care services. This document provides current, best known practices for health authorities, regional managers, physicians and those considering realignment of care strategies. - Collaborative Mental Health Care
This site provides up-to-date information on collaborative activities between mental health and primary care providers in Canada. - Partners in Care
- Shared Care Partners for Patients
Psychological Treatment
- B.C. Psychological Association Referral Service
A searchable database of registered psychologists in British Columbia. - B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors Referral List
A searchable database of registered clinical counsellors in British Columbia.
Psychosis
- Schizophrenia - Here to Help
Provides helpful information for individuals and families living with schizophrenia to understand, manage and cope with this illness. - Early Identification of Psychosis – A Primer (PDF, 82KB)
This booklet was developed for mental health workers, school counsellors, alcohol and professionals, and others working with youth and young adults who may be at risk for psychosis. - Early Psychosis – A Care Guide (PDF, 3.2MB)
This guide provides an overview of practices that the authors believe to be optimal in treating and assessing early psychosis. - Early Psychosis – A Care Guide Summary (PDF, 2.8MB)
This summary highlights the approach and principal recommendations contained in the Early Psychosis – A Care Guide. - Early Psychosis – A Guide for Mental Health Clinicians (PDF, 912KB)
This booklet provides general practitioners with a brief overview of first-episode psychosis guidelines in order to promote early and appropriate intervention. - Early Psychosis – A Guide for Physicians (PDF, 848KB)
This booklet provides mental health clinicians with a brief overview of first-episode psychosis guidelines in order to promote early and appropriate intervention. - Standards and Guidelines for Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Programs (PDF, 82KB)
Provincial standards and guidelines for evidence-based early psychosis intervention programs in British Columbia.
Research
- A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada (2002)
A report designed to raise the profile of mental illness among government and non-government organizations, and the industry, education, workplace and academic sectors. - Becoming Whole: Youth Voices Informing the Substance Use System (PDF, 2.0MB)
This report profiles the experiences of young people who have struggled with substance use and mental health challenges, and shares their suggestions for creating and supporting youth engaged services. - Health and Human Services Library
Provides a searchable online catalogue of resources. - Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Canada 2006
A report to raise awareness and increase knowledge and understanding about mental health and mental illness in Canada.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes people to lose touch with reality and sometimes makes it difficult for them to think and speak in an organized way. This loss of touch with reality is called psychosis. Psychosis is a part of Schizophrenia, but may also be seen on its own. For more information on Schizophrenia see:
Self-Help Tools
- From Grief to Action
A not-for-profit advocacy and support network for families and friends affected by drug use. - HereToHelp.bc.ca Fact Sheets
A series of 42 basic fact sheets on various mental health and addictions topics. - Managing Mental Disorders
A series of three toolkits to help people who already know that they have a mental disorder develop skills to manage their illness on their own - Managing Depression
A series of three toolkits to help you process a diagnosis of depression, work with your health professional, and prevent a relapse. - You and Substance Use
A resource which educates the user about the impacts of problem alcohol or drug use behaviour, treatments and strategies on becoming more active in the recovery process.
Seniors
- Dementia Action Plan (PDF, 105KB)
The Dementia Action Plan outlines province-wide priorities for improved dementia care through health system and service redesign work currently underway in British Columbia. - Guidelines for Elderly Mental Health Care Planning for Best Practices for Health Authorities (PDF, 1.1MB)
A guide for health authorities in designing, developing, implementing and evaluating services that maximize quality of life for elderly people who have complex and challenging mental health problems. - Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seniors with Substance Use Problems (2002)
Includes issues related to the accessibility and provision of services. - Meeting Seniors Mental Health Needs (PDF, 1.7MB)
Substance Use
Substance use can occur along a spectrum from beneficial use to problematic and dependent use. As a general rule, substance use is a problem when it negatively affects our life or the lives of others.
- Adult Substance Use System of Care Framework (PDF, 5.4MB)
The Framework is a technical policy document that outlines the core elements necessary to build an integrated, coordinated and evidence-based substance use system of care. It was developed as one of the priority actions identified under The Pathway to Hope action plan and will be used by government and health system partners to guide system planning and priorities. - Provincial Guidelines for Biopsychospiritual Withdrawal Management Services for Adults (PDF, 1.2MB)
The Guidelines are intended to support and inform health authorities and health authority-funded direct and contracted service providers in the delivery of withdrawal management services for adults. - Provincial Guidelines for Biopsychospiritual Withdrawal Management Services for Youth (PDF, 1.8MB)
The Guidelines are intended to support and inform health authorities and health authority-funded direct and contracted service providers in the delivery of withdrawal management services for youth. - A Systems Approach to Substance Use in Canada: Recommendation for a National Treatment Strategy (PDF, 556KB)
A collaborative report that provides direction and recommendations for improving the quality, accessibility and range of services and supports to address risks and harms associated with substance use. - BC Guidance Document for Supervised Injection Services (PDF, 114KB)
- Early Intervention, Outreach and Community Linkages for Women with Substance Use Problems (2006)
Clinicians and researchers acknowledge the importance of sensitivity to gender differences and needs when developing and delivering substance use treatment services. - Every Door is the Right Door: A British Columbia Planning Framework to Address Problematic Substance use and Addiction (PDF, 1.6MB)
A planning framework to guide and support health authorities to address problematic substance use and associated mental health problems with integrated responses.
Suicide
- Hope and Healing: A Practical Guide for Survivors of Suicide (PDF, 286KB)
This guide focuses on the practical matters that survivors need to deal with after a suicide. - Strengthening the Safety Net: A Report on the Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Initiative for B.C. (PDF, 4.0MB)
This report provides a framework and planning template and recommendations for local, regional and provincial initiatives addressing suicide prevention, intervention and postvention across the lifespan. - Working With the Client Who is Suicidal: A Tool for Adult Mental Health and Addiction Services (PDF, 1.7MB)
This document is intended to serve as an information and planning tool for people working with suicidal adults in mental health and addiction settings.
Tobacco
Quitting Smoking & Tobacco Use
Tobacco-related illness is the leading cause of preventable death in British Columbia. Tobacco use causes up to 6,000 deaths in the province each year, including over 100 non-smokers who die from diseases caused by second-hand smoke. Smoking kills more people in British Columbia than all other drugs, motor vehicle collisions, murder, suicide and HIV/AIDS combined. Learn more about the policies, programs and services the provincial government provides under the Tobacco Control program, including those on tobacco cessation (quitting smoking).
- Smoking & Tobacco Use
- B.C.’s Tobacco Regulation
- Smoking and Tobacco
Health Canada’s extensive website on the health effects of tobacco and second hand smoke, including smoking cessation resources.
Trauma
- B.C. Trauma Informed Practice Guide (PDF, 1.8MB)
This guide, which includes an organizational checklist, supports knowledge and awareness of trauma while helping to translate what we know into practical strategies for practitioners and system planners.
Treatment for Mental Health and Substance Use
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Youth Mental Health Transition Protocol Agreement (PDF, 364KB)
The agreement helps to support positive transition experiences of teens between the ages of 17-21 (and their families) who are receiving mental health services as they transition from the child and teen system to Adult Mental Health and Substance Use services. - British Columbia Program Standards for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams (PDF, 1.4MB)
Provides the standards of care for Assertive Community Treatment services in British Columbia, developed from best practices. The standards define who benefits from ACT, the required services, the type of staff/numbers needed, and the intended outcomes for the clients receiving the services. - Clinical Practice Guidelines and Protocols in British Columbia
The Guidelines and Protocols Advisory Committee develop guidelines to provide practical and easy-to-follow advice to practitioners for effective patient care. - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Core Information Document (PDF, 1.0MB)
This document provides an overview of cognitive behavioural therapy and summarizes evidence supporting its effectiveness in addressing a variety of psychological problems. - Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
A 20-minute video guide for patients and families, which provides an overview of ECT, information regarding how it's done, the benefits and risks associated with the treatment, and what a patient can expect if they choose to undergo this type of treatment. Available in Cantonese, English, French and Punjabi. - Electroconvulsive Therapy: Guidelines for Health Authorities in British Columbia (PDF, 3.7MB)
The purpose of these guidelines is to standardize the delivery of electroconvulsive therapy services across British Columbia. - Emergency Mental Health Educational Manual
This manual contains the core information necessary for health care providers and frontline responders to work within the context of mental health emergencies.
Service Model and Provincial Standards for Adult/Youth Residential Substance Use Services:
Adult Residential Treatment Standards (PDF, 1.0MB)
Youth Residential Treatment Standards (PDF, 1.2MB) - Improving Health Services for People with Severe Addictions and Mental Illness (PDF, 466KB)
Workplace Mental Health
- Antidepressant Skills at Work
This workbook deals with depression in the workplace. - Depression and Work Function: Bridging the Gap Between Mental Health Care and the Workplace (PDF, 1.0MB)
This workbook reviews many of the current clinical and workplace issues associated with depression. - Guarding Minds @ Work
A set of resources designed to protect and promote psychological health and safety in the workplace.