Professional Affiliations

Homewood Ravensview provides immediate, expert treatment for clients living with mental health, addiction and concurrent conditions. Delivering evidence-based, medically-led treatment, Homewood Ravensview is the first facility in Western Canada offering private inpatient mental health services.

The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) was founded in 1988 and is the professional association that represents Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) in our province. What does this mean for members of the public? It means that if you receive counselling services from an RCC, you can have confidence in their experience and qualifications – that they have met the highest standards of their profession. Today, we represent over 4,100 Registered Clinical Counsellors across BC. Link: https://bc-counsellors.org/

The trusted provider of Professional Certifications since 2009, Evergreen Certifications is a non-profit organization committed to Certifying Behavioral Health, Healthcare, Allied Health and Education professionals. Evergreen Certifications partners with leading knowledge experts to develop and uphold Certification standards that are rigorous and respected, but also accessible and affordable.

The goal of Health Benefits is to provide First Nations in BC with coverage for items and services that: Are appropriate to their unique health needs; Reflect the cultures and perspectives of First Nations in BC; Promote a sustainable program; Contribute to the achievement of an overall health status comparable to the Canadian population; Shift the focus of health service delivery from a sickness model to a wellness and prevention model; and Are provided based on professional medical or dental judgment, the best practices of health services delivery, and evidence-based standards of care. Counselling is a tool for individuals experiencing a difficult situation to resolve their emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. Health Benefits partners with Indigenous Services Canada to offer a comprehensive mental health plan to First Nations in BC. Link: https://www.fnha.ca/benefits/mental-health

Métis youth and adults in B.C. will have additional access to much-needed mental health services with the unveiling of new funding for counselling, and a new pilot program for Youth delivered through the Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMO). As noted in the Province of B.C.’s recent inquiry into Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in B.C. Health Care, Métis people (18+) in B.C. are nearly twice as likely as non-Indigenous people to have five or more health conditions. They are also nearly 40% more likely to suffer from depression. The two programs announced today will aim to address the effects of mental health issues, many of which are deep-rooted in historic, systemic and ongoing racism, while also addressing the backlog of patients awaiting counselling, which has surged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Vancouver Island Men’s Therapy Counselling Society (Men’s Therapy Centre) was formed in September 2003 in response to the closing of the Victoria branch of the BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA). The Men’s Therapy Centre provides support and/or counselling services to over two hundred masculine-identified persons and their family members each year. The Men’s Therapy Centre is becoming increasingly busy and we now run a wide range of therapy programs, educational outreach and advocacy service, as well as providing vital support during the criminal justice process from initial reporting through to trial. We are here to support to any man*: cis, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary, 2spirit, queer, gender fluid+, who has experienced emotional, physical or sexual trauma in childhood or as an adult. When you survive a trauma or childhood abuse, it can affect every aspect of your life; work, relationships and your health. Many men carry on in silence but there is help here for you. For over 10 years we have been working with men who have experienced trauma and we are here to listen! Link: http://www.menstrauma.com/

Founded in 1943, we connect nearly one in 10 Canadians with the care they need. We empower them to manage their health by forming strategic partnerships and investing in new health care technologies and innovations that ensure faster, easier access to quality care and outstanding plan value. 

Together with Medavie Health Services, a leader in primary health care solutions and the largest contracted provider of emergency management services in Canada, we are part of Medavie, a national health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. https://www.medaviebc.ca/en

Counsellors are expected to assess patients and determine their treatment plans in accordance with the guidelines and practice standards of their association. When treating a patient with an injury listed in sections 3 or 4 of the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols in the Minor Injury Regulation made under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, a health care practitioner must educate the patient with respect to the following:

(1) (a) if applicable, the desirability of an early return: (a). to the activities the patient could perform before the injury, or (b). to the patient’s employment, occupation or profession or the patient’s training or education in a program or course; (b) an estimate of the probable length of time that symptoms will last; (c) the usual course of recovery; (d) the probable factors that are responsible for the symptoms the patient may be experiencing; (e) appropriate self-management and pain management strategies. (2) When treating a pain syndrome and a psychological or psychiatric condition, a health care practitioner must identify comorbid conditions, if applicable.

With five health centres throughout the Lower Mainland, Health Initiative for Men is a non-profit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being of gay men. We offer the full spectrum of gay men’s sexual health testing, as well as professional counselling, sexual health education, and an engaging mix of social and volunteer opportunities. Link: https://checkhimout.ca/

The British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA) is a non-profit society established to provide therapeutic services for males who have been sexually abused at some time in their lives. As specifically outlined in our constitution, our purposes are to Provide treatment and support services to male survivors of sexual abuse and support significant others and relatives of the survivors. Acquire and develop educational material concerning the sexual abuse of males. Gather statistics for dissemination to professionals and the community at large. Assist in establishing within British Columbia new agencies dealing with male survivors of sexual abuse by providing training opportunities, whenever possible, to interested personnel. Ensure clear, consistent communication in dealing with other involved agencies or professionals in order to guarantee comprehensive case management. Cconsult with community and government groups in the areas of prevention, treatment, therapy, and other matters relating to sexual abuse of males. Link: https://bc-malesurvivors.com