Supports for the Young People in Your Life

Last updated on July 17, 2025

We all want to support the young people in our lives. Whether you’re a parent, a friend or a young person yourself, there are supports and services available to help you find what you need in B.C.

Child & Youth Mental Health

Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) teams provide mental health assessment and treatment options for children and youth (up to 18 years of age) and their families at no cost. Services might include counselling, outreach or referrals to other community support. CYMH teams are run by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

To access CYMH supports and services, visit an intake clinic. There are more than 90 CYMH intake clinics around the province, and many of them can also be accessed by phone. Find a clinic near you.

Foundry Centres

Foundry Centres are a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness centres designed to meet the needs of people 12 to 24 years old. Services include:

  • Mental health support

  • Substance use services

  • Physical or sexual health care

  • Youth and family peer supports

  • Social services to help with life, school and work

Visit a Foundry Centre to connect with resources today. There are 17 locations around the province, or you can connect with virtual support through the Foundry website or web app.

Learn more about Foundry Centres.

Integrated Child & Youth (ICY) Teams

ICY Teams bring together the supports that young people rely on to provide wraparound mental health and substance use services in communities. Each ICY Team supports children and youth in a school district, available to all young people, whether they are in school or not.  

There are 20 ICY Teams in communities around the province. To access them, connect with school staff or health care workers in your area.  

Children & Youth with Support Needs 

There are services for children and youth with support needs available across the province. 

Connect with programs and service providers who can help families on their journey to support each child or young person in their lives. Families can access support like therapy, respite, equipment and guidance. 

erase.gov.bc.ca

Expect Respect and a Safe Education (erase) is a B.C. government strategy and website with information and resources to help support students, adults and school staff with topics including mental health and substance use. Erase aims to build safe, caring and inclusive school communities. Learn more at erase.gov.bc.ca.

More supports 

Kids Help Phone (Text CONNECT to 686868)