Resources
Emergency and Crisis Resources
Immediate Emergency Assistance:
If you suspect someone is experiencing a life-threatening situation, immediately call 911.
Emergency Room Option:
If the person is willing and able, take them to the nearest emergency room for prompt medical attention.
Suicide Helpline:
Reach out to 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) any time, day or night, for urgent assistance anywhere in BC. The call is free of charge. This helpline is also available if you need advice on how to handle a situation where someone is talking about ending their life, and you are uncertain about the severity of the risk.
Elk Valley Safe Homes:
If you are in crisis or need to talk, there are people willing to listen: For 24-hour help, call:
1-888-353-CARE (2273) for the Crisis Line
310-6789 for the Mental Health Crisis Line
Victim Link:
24 hour, 7 days a week, immediate crisis support for victims of family and sexual violence, help for other victims of crime and basic legal information and awareness of your rights.
Mental Health Resources for Adults
-
Elk Valley Community Mental Health:
Free counselling for adults with mental health issues. Self-referral is appropriate.
1-250-425-2064 or 1-800-661-0329
Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service:
Information on AA and NA meetings held in the Elk Valley. 1-800-663-1441
Fellaship Men’s Group:
The Fellaship provides a safe and inclusive group for men to connect and support one another in Fernie. fellashipmensgroup@gmail.com
-
Fernie Women’s Resource Centre:
Stopping the Violence Counselling Program. Free counselling for women who have experienced any type of abuse at any point in their lives. Self-referral is appropriate. 1-250-423-4687
Family Counselling at the Columbia Basin Family Resource Society:
Free counselling for individuals, couples or families as a whole who: are having family system issues, parent-child relational issues, blended family issues, communication problems or conflict resolution issues.
For families that have children under 19 years old. 1-250-430-1004
Snow Valley Counselling:
Dayna Lidster, Master of Counselling, Registered Psychologist (#2431). 250-531-0048
DHC Counseling: Dayna Conway MA, Registered Clinical Counsellor #17664
DHC Counselling works to assist children, youth, parents, and individuals negotiate the challenges and uncertainties they face every day.
https://www.daynahaigconwaycounselling.com
Alpine Pathways Psychological Services:
Dr. Tyla Charbonneau, Registered Psychologist. Ages 16+ individuals.
Fernie Counselling & Consulting:
Cheryl Hulburd MSW RSW RPT CPT, EMDR Certified. Fernie Counselling & Consulting specializes in child & family care and trauma.
In-person or virtual sessions available
Flow Psychology:
Lindsay Day, Registered Clinical Counsellor located in Fernie B.C (#18323) and also a Registered Psychologist in AB (#4470). Provide services for British Columbians and Albertans over telehealth (secure video).
Foundational Elements:
Sherry Bylsma, Certified Counsellor.
Mental Health Resources for Youth
-
Kid’s Help Phone:
Call a counsellor at 1-800-668-6868
Youth in BC Online Crisis Counselling:
Free service where youth can chat with a live, one-on-one crisis volunteer.
Youth Space:
An emotional support and crisis line for anyone under the age of 30.
Online chat or text: 778-783-0177
LGBT Youth Line:
LGBT Youth Line is in Ontario but has many links and resources for LGBT youth in Canada.
Child and Youth Mental Health (Ministry of Child and Family Development):
Free counselling for children and youth with mental health issues and support for their families. Self or parental referral is appropriate. 250-423-5311
School Counsellors:
Ask your child’s classroom teacher about making a referral.
East Kootenay Addictions Services Society – Elk Valley Child & Youth Clinician:
Free counselling for children and youth displaying behavioural issues including anger management, bullying, and impulse control.
Self or parental referral is appropriate. 1-250-423-4423 or 1-800-644-6144
Children Who Witness Abuse (Kids Count Too):
Free individual and group counselling for children and youth who have witnessed or experienced negative conflict in their families.
Self or parental referral is appropriate. 250-423-6800
Elk Valley PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counseling & Empowering Children & Youth Experiencing Violence):
Free program available to children and youth aged 3-18 years residing in the Elk Valley who have experienced or who are experiencing violence in the home and/or a difficult parental separation. This program is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General. 250-433-6353
Sexual Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP):
Free counselling for children and youth who have been sexually abused or who have sexual behaviour problems. 250-430-1133
Foundry BC:
Foundry offers free and confidential support for young people ages 12 to 24 – mental health care, substance use services, physical & sexual healthcare, youth and family peer supports, and social services – both online and in-person in communities across BC.
-
DHC Counseling:
Dayna Conway MA, RCC. DHC Counselling works to assist children, youth, parents, and individuals negotiate the challenges and uncertainties they face every day. My approach to counselling is client-centred, tailored to the needs of each client.
West Fernie Counselling:
Jordan Vlasschaert, MA, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Children and youth ages 10 and up.
Fernie Counselling & Consulting:
Fernie Counselling & Consulting specializes in child & family care and trauma. In-person or virtual sessions available.
Cheryl Hulburd MSW RSW RPT CPT, EMDR Certified
Kootenay Clinical Counsellors:
Registered Clinical Counsellors who offer in-person and virtual services to youth and families
info@kootenaycounsellingcranbrook.com
Mountain Light Counselling:
Kelly Comishin, MA, Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Summit Psychology:
Dr. Sandra Thompson – Registered Psychologist.
Grief Resources
-
n/a
Community Resources
-
Trans Lifeline:
Trans Lifeline is a national trans-led organization dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. 1-877-330-6366 (Canada)
The Elk Valley Pride Society:
Monthly peer-to-peer conversation group for LGBTQ2+ people in the Elk Valley and beyond.
Fernie Senior’s Drop-in Centre:
Elk Valley Hospice:
Provides free, confidential, non-judgemental support to those facing life-threatening illness and their families.
250-423-4453 X 309
Family Justice Counsellor:
Free mediation services for separating parents.
Educational Resources
Buddy Up (men’s suicide prevention campaign)
Kelty Mental Health (support for families navigating the mental health system)
Mind Your Mind (suicide prevention in schools)
Canadian Psychological Association – “Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Suicide (PDF)
To Write Love on Her Arms (non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide)
Mind Wide Open Project (A mental health podcast and hosted by a young women who interviews a wide variety of professionals or individuals who have dealt with mental health challenges)
