Cowichan Valley

CARES provides a single point of access to Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) services for clients, family members, primary care practitioners and other community service providers. The intake team includes professionals with backgrounds in social work, nursing, substance use treatment and psychology, with psychiatrist support to make referral decisions.

Patients can self-refer to access adult Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) services in communities across the Island Health area by completing a free and confidential intake assessment with one of the local Island Health MHSU teams. In some communities, walk-in or phone-in appointments are available on the same day. Please see below for information on your community, or call your local MHSU for more information:

Campbell River

Central Island

Comox Valley

Cowichan Valley

Oceanside

Port Alberni

Port Hardy

Port McNeill

Southern Gulf Islands

Victoria

West Coast

Westshore/Western Communities

Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) Navigation Link Phone Number for Clients/Patients: This service link central access phone number will provide help for clients navigating Island Health services for substance use, harm reduction and mental health. People seeking these services can call 1-888-885-8824 to speak directly with a Service Link provider (This is not a line for health professionals to initiate a referral).

Crisis and Emergency Services: The Community Response Team provides urgent response for adults who may be suicidal or in a psychiatric crisis through the 24-Hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888.

Find additional information, resources and tools to support your well-being on the Island Health Mental Health and Substance Use Resources page.