Child and Youth Mental Health

Supports the well-being of children, youth, and families, especially those who are vulnerable, through child and youth mental health services. Provides assessment and therapy support to children and youth up to age 19 who are experiencing difficulties with thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Individual and group therapy is available to children and youth with challenges included depression, anxiety, trauma, or psychosis. No referral required.

Access to counselling is through walk-in intake from 9 am to 12 noon, and 1 pm to 3 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays. Serves Gabriola Island, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo. Office hours are 9 am to 12 noon, and 1 pm to 4 pm Monday to Friday.

Address:

301-190 Wallace Street

Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B1

Phone:

250-741-5701

Fax:

250-741-5749

Website:

http://www.gov.bc.ca/mcf

Nanaimo Area Resource Services for Families (NARSF)

Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families was created in 1990 and renamed NARSF Programs Ltd. in 1999, NARSF is a multi-service agency that delivers child, youth, family, and harm reduction services on Central Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Programs Available:

EDP (Eating Disorders Program)

• • • The Eating Disorders Program is an open community referral service. Children, youth and their families with eating disorders without diagnosis can access this program. Parents/guardians & youth can contact the Eating Disorders Program for an initial intake.

    • http://www.narsf.org/child-family-programs/eating-disorders-program-edp/

LIFT (Living in Families with Teens)

• • • LIFT is a program for parents and youth who are experiencing difficulties within the family relationship system. LIFT is a voluntary service that assists and supports parents in their role as caregivers with the goal of promoting parental capacity and maintaining the integrity of family. In addition, LIFT supports youth’s capacity to remain connected to their family/caregiver system.

    • http://www.narsf.org/child-family-programs/living-in-families-with-teens/

SAIP (Sexual Abuse Intervention Program)

• • • This program is a combination of both prevention and treatment services. The goal is to lessen the impact of trauma associated with sexual abuse for the referred children and their families in the Nanaimo/Ladysmith area. The approach is strength-based and collaborative when working with referred clients, caregivers and other service providers.

    • http://www.narsf.org/child-family-programs/sexual-abuse-intervention-program-saip/

Website:

http://www.narsf.org/

Nanaimo Family Life Association

NFLA is a safe place to talk about anything.

If you are a youth who needs someone to talk to we are here to listen. We know that your needs and concerns are much different than those of adults and younger children and so our counselors are trained to address those differences.

We offer both individual and group counselling to youth.

Individual Counselling:

• Some of the issues we address include:

  • • • Anger Management

      • Sexuality

      • Relationships

      • Family Concerns

      • School Challenges

      • Bullying

      • Alcohol and Drug Use

      • Depression

      • Anxiety

• To access our Youth Counselling you need to make an appointment

Youth Group Workshop:

• An 8 week group for youth 14 -18 years old, who are living with depression and/or anxiety.

  • • • This group is to assist youth to understand and be able to talk about the challenges they are facing in their every day life.

      • Opportunities to connect with other youth and learn about different topics.

      • Snacks are provided.

      • Enrollment is ongoing.

Address:

1070 Townsite Rd.

Phone:

250 754 3331 ext.716

Website:

https://www.nflabc.org/senior-peer-counselling-program/youth-counselling/

Nanaimo Options for Sexual Health Clinic

Our clinics provide sexual and reproductive health services for all ages, all genders, and all orientations. Our clinicians are committed to providing you with confidential, nonjudgmental, youth-friendly, pro-choice, and sex-positive services.

Our services include low-cost birth control, STI care, Pap screening, pregnancy testing and pregnancy options counselling. The specific services provided in each of our clinics are clinician dependent and may vary from clinic to clinic.

We welcome new and returning clients, and no referral is necessary!

There are no service fees for clients with valid MSP (BC Provincial Government) coverage (this does not include birth control products). For clients with no MSP (BC Provincial Government) coverage, charges may apply. Please note our clinics are cash only.

For updates and details on Options clinic closures please visit our Clinic Closures page.

Hours of Operation:

Mon 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Tue 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Wed 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Thu 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Fri 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Phone:

250 -753-9511

Address:

Community Services Building

#204, 285 Prideaux Street

Nanaimo, BC V9R 2N2

Website:

https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/clinic/nanaimo-opt-clinic/

VIVRS Vancouver Island Vocational Rehabilitation Services

WORKBC offers integrated and accessible services to help British Columbians be successful in finding and keeping work. As part of the WORK BC team led by the Prime Contractor GT Hiring Solutions, VIVRS provides specialized employment and life skill services to residents of Nanaimo who:

• Identify themselves as living with a disability

• Have multiple life challenges that make employment difficult

• Are women who have experienced abuse or violence.

Monday-Friday

8:30am - 4:30pm

VIVRS head office

#203 155 Skinner Street

250-753-4225

Client Services at GT Hiring Solutions

#101 155 Skinner Street

250-714-0085

Nanaimo, BC

V9R 5E8

Website:

http://www.vivrs.ca/

Haven Society

Haven Society’s mission is to promote the integrity and safety of women, children, youth and families and the development of a respectful and healthy community. As a leading anti-violence organization operating from feminist principles, Haven Society will achieve this mission by providing a range of services, public education and advocacy.

Crisis Line: 250-756-0616

Toll-free: 1-888-756-0616

Phone:

250-756-2452

Fax:

250-756-2414

Address:

2270 Labieux Rd.

Nanaimo, BC

​Website:

https://www.havensociety.com/

Hospice

Nanaimo Hospice is…

A place, a community and a philosophy. Dying, caregiving and grieving are three of life’s greatest challenges. Nanaimo Hospice believes that everyone struggling with these challenges – regardless of age, means or culture – deserves support. With compassion and dignity, our volunteers and professional staff offer free programs, resources, and education to our community where and when needed.

Phone:

(250) 591-8811

Address:

1080 St George Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1X1

Webiste:

https://www.nanaimohospice.com/