Mental Health Resources

Access UBC or community resources, some with the option to seek help virtually.

Working with SVPRO and a mental health provider

SVPRO can offer emotional support such as a place to talk without judgment, strategies for managing intense or overwhelming emotions, and validation of your experience and feelings. Support Specialists can also offer psycho-educational support, for learning more about the social context in which sexual violence occurs. For some people, this understanding is an important part of the healing process.

For additional support, we can help you connect with a counsellor for ongoing mental health needs such as processing of traumatic memories. SVPRO provides specialized sexualized violence support services that are different from the therapeutic counselling process; we provide practical, time-sensitive support, including accessing services from UBC and community providers and other related services.

UBC resources for students

  • Health and wellbeing resources
    It’s important to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health as you navigate the challenges of university life. UBC offers a variety of free resources to support you throughout your studies. See what support options are available for you depending on your needs.
  • UBC Counselling Services
    If you’re feeling persistently stressed, anxious, or sad, you can book a Counselling appointment by phone. UBC students can access same-day single session counselling, wellness advising appointments, group counselling programs, and Indigenous student support.
  • UBC Wellness Centre
    The Wellness Centre believes that a healthy mind, body, and spirit are foundations for students to achieve their personal and academic goals. Through the Wellness Centre, you can connect with trained students to navigate campus services, talk to a peer about what is going on for you, and learn more about health topics and wellness resources. The Wellness Centre is currently offering virtual services.
  • AMS Peer Support
    The AMS Peer Support has a trained volunteer team that provides free, confidential, one-on-one virtual peer support for UBC students and staff facing a wide variety of challenges.
  • UBC Student Assistance Program
    Offered by Aspiria, the UBC Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a free, 24/7 wellness resource for students. Services include personal counselling, life coaching, group programs, and more based on your needs.
  • Here2Talk
    Get started with free, 24/7 single-session counselling by phone or online chat for all UBC students, no matter where you are in the world.

See “Virtual Resources” below for additional virtual resources that are open to all, that students can also access.

UBC Resources for Faculty and Staff

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
The program is a confidential and voluntary counselling support service that provides you and your family with the help you need to resolve a wide range of personal, work, health, or life issues. Expert information and immediate support resources are available in-person and by phone, video, web, or mobile app.

Community resources

The following resources sometimes have waitlists to get an appointment. If this is the case and you need to find something sooner, please connect with a Support Specialist for additional assistance to locate an available service provider.

While we do our best to provide referrals that are in line with our values, we encourage you to look into each resource to ensure you feel it will be a safe and comfortable option for you. Our support specialists are happy to help with this process.

  • Vancouver Access and Assessment Centre
    The Access and Assessment Centre is here to help you, your family member or your friend during a non-life threatening mental health and/or substance use issue. To connect with the Centre, call 604 675 3700.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health Community Mental Health Services
    Vancouver Coastal Health Community Mental Health Services are accessible by referral from a physician or the Access and Assessment Centre. It can be helpful to know what services are available to prepare for a conversation and request referrals from your doctor or Access and Assessment.
  • Family Services of Greater Vancouver
    Family Services of Greater Vancouver offers counselling and trauma services, including for families/family issues, and victim services. Connect with Family Services by calling 604 731 4951.
  • WAVAW Counselling
    WAVAW offers one-to-one counselling and support groups for survivors of marginalized genders: cis and trans women, Two-Spirit, trans and/or non-binary people who have experienced sexual assault. Our counselling model supports survivors to cope with the impacts of violence, ranging from anger and grief to issues surrounding sexuality, intimacy, and trust.

Virtual resources

  • Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) Self-help
    Manage your well-being with tools on stress, relationship problems, substance use, and more. Register with a UBC email, which you can set up for free.
  • Bounceback
    Access the free skill-building program designed to help manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry, online or over the phone with a coach.
  • Provincial Crisis Centre of BC
    Call or chat online with a crisis responder anytime If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or at risk of harm.
  • Stigma Free Society
    Join online support groups available to residents of Canada through the Stigma Free Society.

Crisis Lines

  • 310 Mental Health Support
    Call 310 6789 for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.
  • BC Crisis Centre Greater Vancouver
    Call 604 872 3311. For the toll-free number, call 1 866 661 3311.
  • 1-800-Suicide
    If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be, call 1 800 784 2433.
  • Trans Lifeline
    If you are a member of the trans or nonbinary community, call 877 330 6366 to receive peer emotional support. This can be accessed anonymously.
  • WAVAW
    Call 604 255 6344 for a 24 hour crisis and information line that can be accessed anonymously. Chat support is available.
  • Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line
    If you are feeling distress, call 604 872 3311 for 24 hour confidential emotional support.
  • Hope for Wellness Help Line
    Call 1 855 242 3310 or chat online with the counselling service that offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples.
  • KUU-US Crisis Line Society
    If you are an Indigenous person facing a difficult situation, access the 24 hour provincial crisis line. Adults/Elders: Call 250 723 4050. Children/Youth: Call 250 723 2040. Toll-free line: 1 800 588 8717
  • S.U.C.C.E.S.S Chinese Help Lines
    For Cantonese, call 604 270 8233. For Mandarin, call 604 270 8222.

Contact us

An SVPRO Support specialist can work with you to identify and connect with resources on campus or in the community, or you may connect directly with resources you choose to access. Connect with an SVPRO Support Specialist by calling
604 822 1588 or emailing SVPRO at svpro.vancouver@ubc.ca.