Culturally safe and trauma-informed services
FNHA and other organizations provide culturally safe and trauma-informed cultural, emotional, and mental health services to First Nations and Indigenous people in BC.
- Culturally Safe and Trauma-Informed Cultural Services (FNHA info sheet)
Support Available 24 Hours a Day
Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention by phone or online chat. Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or start a confidential chat with a counsellor at hopeforwellness.ca
Indian Residential School Crisis Line is a national service for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. Call toll-free 1-866-925-4419.
Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC. Adults/Elders line 250-723-4050; youth line 250-723-2040. Or call toll free 1-800-588-8717. Learn more at www.kuu-uscrisisline.com
Métis Crisis Line is a service of Métis Nation British Columbia. Call 1-833-MétisBC (1-833-638-4722).
Other culturally safe supports
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day provides virtual health care and referral support for people who do not have a doctor or are unable to get an appointment. This FNHA service is for all First Nations people living in BC. Doctors are available by video or phone from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day. Call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment. Learn more at fnha.ca/virtualdoctor
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is a partner with FNHA in providing access to counselling, cultural and emotional support services to former students of residential and day schools, and their families, regardless of status. Call toll-free 1-800-721-0066 or visit www.irsss.ca
Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society provides confidential outreach services such as counselling, cultural supports and personal wellness programs. Call toll-free 1-888-403-3123 or visit www.tsowtunlelum.org
Virtual Substance Use & Psychiatry Service is an FNHA service providing virtual specialist support in addictions medicine and psychiatry. This service requires a referral from a health and wellness provider who can support the individual on their journey. First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day can provide referral support for anyone who does not have a provider who can refer them to the program.
Services covered by FNHA Health Benefits
Mental health and wellness counselling in BC may be eligible for Health Benefits coverage. Many providers are registered to bill Health Benefits directly for services so clients do not have to pay out of pocket. Before booking an appointment with a counsellor, call 1-855-550-5454 or visit fnha.ca/benefits/mental-health to check if they are registered and if the service is eligible for coverage.