Free Mental Health Resources in the Okanagan
If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. The Okanagan has a wide network of free and low-barrier supports for mental health, substance use, crisis intervention, and community connection. This guide brings together phone lines, walk-in services, culturally specific supports, and youth-focused programs available in Vernon and the surrounding area. Whether you need immediate crisis help, ongoing counselling, or practical resources for safety and stability, you’ll find clear next steps here , with no cost and no judgment.
Thinking of suicide? Please call 9-8-8 or visit 988.ca
Vernon Mental Health & Substance Use
Provides a range of mental health and substance use services for all ages. They strive to ensure that their services are welcoming of all peoples, gender identities, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-mental-health-substance-use
Vernon Downtown Mental Health & Substance Use
Vernon Downtown Location
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/vernon-downtown-mental-health-substance-use
Interior Health Crisis Response
Crisis Response Teams help you with crisis intervention, including assessment and linkages to appropriate community and hospital resources when you are experiencing an acute mental health or substance use crisis.
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/services/crisis-response
24 - Hour Crisis Line
Crisis line responders are here for you 24/7. Are you having a difficult day? Worried about a loved one? Stressed or anxious? Having thoughts of suicide? Feeling isolated? Phone support is available at any of the following:
https://cmhavernon.ca/crisis-line/
Canadian Mental Health Association - Vernon
Whether you are managing a mental illness, supporting someone you care about, or looking to build your own overall health, CMHA Vernon can help you build mental health skills and resilience for yourself and your family.
Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Team
Provides emergency response to crisis calls related to mental health situations or crisis concerns in partnership with the RCMP and Interior Health.
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/resource/mobile-integrated-crisis-response-team-vernon
BounceBack
Free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society
Mental Health and Addictions Program is designed to provide outpatient counselling to Aboriginal people of the North Okanagan and surrounding area.
https://www.vernonfirstnationsfriendshipcentre.com/mental-health-and-addictions/
Okanagan Indian Band
The Health & Social Development department serves OKIB members by providing a range of programs and supports to assist members in living full, healthy lives.
https://www.okib.ca/services/health-social-development/
Métis Counselling Connection
Provides financial assistance to MNBC Citizens to access counselling and clinical services.
https://www.mnbc.ca/work-programs/programs-services/metis-counselling-connection-mcc-program
First Nations Health Authority
Culturally Safe and Trauma-Informed Services
https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/mental-wellness-and-substance-use/mental-health-and-wellness-supports
North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society
NOYFSS provides counselling and support services to individuals and families in our community through a variety of community based and specialized home programs FREE OF CHARGE
Family Resource Centre
We help families and people of all ages overcome struggles, grow stronger, and become empowered to lead healthy, positive lives
Foundry
A province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people ages 12-24.
Kids Help Phone
Offers a mental health website with over 400 resources including videos, games and tools to help young people learn more about their well-being and Feel Out Loud.
https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help
Victim Services Program Directory
Specialized Victim Assistance Program offers support and information to women, children and men who have been victimized as a result of sexual assault, violence in an intimate relationship, child sexual abuse (recent or past), elder abuse, or criminal harassment (stalking).
Archway Society for Domestic Peace
Sexual Assault Services
https://archwaysociety.ca/counselling-advocacy-support/sexual-assault-services/
Vernon Transition House Program
Provides shelter and support for women with or without children seeking safety from abuse in their relationship and for recent survivors of sexual assault.
https://archwaysociety.ca/safe-shelter/
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program
Provides medical and forensic care for individuals who have experienced sexual violence/assault. The program is accessed through IH emergency departments. A report does not need to be made to police to access SAFE care.
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/sexual-assault-forensic-examination-safe-program
QMUNITY
The counsellors we work with have competency training in LGBTQ2SAI+ and gender-diverse related issues and are equipped to create a productive, non-judgemental relationship.
https://qmunity.ca/get-support/counselling/
Turning Points Collaborative Society
Provides outreach, shelter services and various housing options for vulnerable people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness in the Okanagan. They also offer employment programs, addictions recovery programs and affordable housing options.
https://turningpoints.ngo/continuum-of-care/addictions-recovery
Vernon Survivial Guide
Designed to help individuals and families in Vernon and surrounding communities access essential services and support. It includes information on food resources, housing assistance, mental health support, and emergency services.
https://socialplanning.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/VE86591-1.pdf
