Mental Health Resources for Children & Youth
Supporting children and youth’s mental health is incredibly important, especially during a pandemic. Children and youth are dealing with disruptions to their schooling, activities, and social lives due to COVID-19, that may be contributing to increased stress on their mental health. To help families support their children’s mental health, staff at the MFRC developed a list of resources that you may find helpful.
Please find a list of mental health resources, local services, and apps below that can help families support children and youth to cope. If you have any questions about the resources below, please feel free to contact the MFRC’s mental health team. Our social workers will be happy to discuss them and to provide your family with supports it needs to thrive.
COVID-19
- Kelty Mental Health
Talking to your child about COVID-19 - Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Tips for helping children and youth cope with COVID-19 - Anxiety Canada
Talking to children about COVID-19 - Foundry
COVID 19 information for youth (Infographic, Articles)
Online Resources
- Foundry
- Pathfinder, 4 step self-assessment for youth to find personalized support options
- Information and tools for youth on mental health
- Kelty Mental Health
Resource Centre aiming to help families navigate the mental health system and learn about - Anxiety Canada
Resources and tools for children and youth to cope with anxiety - Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Support Guide
- Island Health
Child and youth mental health resources and services links
Apps
- MindShift CBT
A free app to help you cope with anxiety
Download it from Google Play or the App Store - BoosterBuddy
A free app for coping with a variety of mental health challenges
Download it from Google Play or the App Store - Breathr
A free app for learning mindfulness
Download it from Google Play or the App Store
Local/BC Services
- Strongest Families
Virtual support to families of children between the ages of 3-17 years old with mental health concerns.
Call 1-866-470-7111
Visit website - Foundry Victoria
Virtual support being provided.
Call 250-383-3552 after 10:30 am - Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH, MCFD)
Intake, assessment, treatment, referrals (virtual and phone available). Call your local office for virtual support services available.
Visit website
List of local offices (PDF) - Island Health Child Mental Health Services
Providing comprehensive assessment, treatment, and support options.
Visit website - YouthinBC
Online chat for youth in crisis.
Visit website - Youthspace
Continues to provide IM and texting support, although at a lower capacity than usual. Expect potentially longer wait times to connect.
Visit website
Resource page - QChat
A peer support line and resource hub for LGBTQ2S youth in BC. Open Monday-Wednesday from 6-9 pm.
Visit website - BounceBack
Virtual skill-building support program for youth ages 15+ with mental health concerns.
Email bounceback@cmha.bc.ca
Phone 1-866-639-0522
