Mental health services for individuals under provincial supervision

Almost 70 percent of people under BC Corrections supervision have mental health or substance use needs, and 42 percent have both. BC Corrections is working to improve access to services and provide more consistent care.

On this page

• Mental health and substance use supports in custody
• Case planning and release supports
• Staff training and partnerships
• Care for people with extremely complex needs
• Mental health strategy for corrections in Canada

Mental health and substance use supports in custody

BC Corrections works with the Provincial Health Services Authority to provide care to people in custody centres, including:

• Health care
• Mental health care
• Substance use care

Every person in provincial custody in B.C. is assessed within 24 hours of admission. The assessment helps identify mental health and substance use needs, including:

• Urgent health concerns
• Risk of self-harm
• Treatment needs

All correctional centres have mental health professionals who coordinate services. They also have mental health liaison officers. These correctional officers have specialized training to support people with complex mental health needs.

Case planning and release supports

People who need mental health support while in custody help develop their own case plans. These plans may include individual or group therapy.

BC Corrections also develops release plans to connect people with services and supports in the community. Staff work with BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services' Forensic Psychiatric Services team to connect people with supports that can help them manage their mental health needs after release.

Staff training and partnerships

Probation officers are also trained in cognitive behavioural techniques. These techniques help probation officers motivate people and support them to set goals.

BC Corrections works with:

• Cross-government working groups
• People with lived experience
• Community-based organizations

These partnerships help BC Corrections better understand shared challenges and strengthen working relationships.

Care for people with extremely complex needs

Rapid treatment in custody

Surrey Pretrial Services Centre has space for up to 10 beds used by the Provincial Health Services Authority. These beds provide rapid involuntary treatment for people in custody who have severe mental health and substance use needs, including brain injury.

The unit provides psychiatric treatment under the Mental Health Act. This gives people:

• Faster access to treatment
• Quicker stabilization
• Individualized follow-up

Spiritwood Homes

In 2024, BC Corrections stopped using the Spiritwood Homes next to the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women. This allowed the houses to be repurposed as mental health facilities.

The Spiritwood Homes are operated by Vancouver Coastal Health. They provide secure care in a home-style setting and are separate from BC Corrections.

Expanding involuntary care

With guidance from B.C.’s chief adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders, government continues to assess options for expanding involuntary care in:

• Communities
• Correctional centres

Mental health strategy for corrections in Canada

BC Corrections led the development of the Mental Health Strategy for Corrections in Canada (PDF, 1.7 MB). The strategy supports care that is:

• Progressive
• Consistent
• Meaningful

This care supports people in custody who have mental health needs. It also supports care after release.

The strategy includes seven key elements:

• Mental health promotion
• Screening and assessment
• Treatment, services and support
• Suicide and self-injury prevention and management
• Transitional services and support
• Staff education, training and support
• Community support and partnerships