Crisis Response

If you are in a situation that involves immediate risk of harm to self or others, please call 911.

Crisis services are available across Vancouver Island. Please contact one of the crisis lines below for immediate support and connection to local services.

Crisis Lines

Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888

  • For emotional support and connection to local services 24-hours a day, every day of the year.
  • Crisis Chat: vicrisis.ca available 6 – 10 p.m.
  • Crisis Text: 250-800-3806 available 6 – 10 p.m.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8

  • A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717

  • For Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and across the province. Support is available 24-hours a day, every day of the year. 
  • Adult Crisis Line: 250-723-4050      
  • Youth Crisis Line: 250-723-2040
  • Métis Crisis line: 1-833-638-4722

Services provided 

Crisis services vary in each community and may include:

  • Immediate assessment and support
  • Outreach services
  • Crisis Response Teams
    • In some communities, these teams work with policing partners to support people who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis.
  • Peer support
  • Referral to additional services

For access to crisis services, call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers mental health support and community-led crisis response services in select communities. Find more information on the CMHA website.

General Information on Crisis Response

Referral Required?
Not required

News & Events

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Spreading the supports: Island Health grant to help expansion of youth suicide prevention program

A youth suicide prevention program that has supported thousands of young people in Greater Victoria is expanding to more school districts on Vancouver Island, thanks in part to an Island Health Community Wellness Grant Program.

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Adults experiencing mental health challenges benefit from Island Health’s Bridging Care Program

People with acute and severe mental health challenges, which are significantly impacting their day to day lives, are receiving the care and supports they need to improve their quality of life through Island Health’s Bridging Care Program.

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International Overdose Awareness Day: Confronting stigma, embracing community

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to prevent toxic drug poisonings, and remember, without stigma, those who have died.

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