Mental Health Support (SEE BELOW FOR INFORMATION ON PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP SERIES)
General Mental Health Support:
Our on-island team can offer:
Intervention for those experiencing a crisis situation affecting their emotional well-being or ability to cope and make decisions.
Mental health support for those struggling with immediate or longer term emotional or relationship/family difficulties.
Information about mental or emotional health problems, treatment options or coping strategies, and relevant services and organizations in the community. We can offer health information sessions about various emotional well-being issues to Pender Island community groups as well.
Referrals to services and health care professionals who can provide further or more specialized help.
Mental and emotional well-being is an integral part of overall health.
Most people experience times or situations in which their emotional well-being is compromised. In partnership with the Ministry of Child and Family Services and Island Health, mental health support workers/clinicians provide free, confidential services for those who are experiencing difficulties with their emotional health.
Please call to arrange an appointment:
Sandi Smoker, MATS, CSCP: (250)-539-0905, sandi.smoker@penderislandhealth.org
Mental and emotional well-being is an integral part of overall health.
Most people experience times or situations in which their emotional well-being is compromised. In partnership with the Ministry of Child and Family Services and Island Health, mental health support workers/clinicians provide free, confidential services for those who are experiencing difficulties with their emotional health.
Other Counselling Resources
Family Counselling
Family counsellors work with families to solve problems, resolve emotional conflicts, promote communication and foster a better functioning home environment.
Alison Stark, Family Enhancement Worker, Salt Spring Community Services, (250) 222-0025
Island Health Adult Short-Term Assessment & Treatment
Short-term mental health counselling for adults. This support is free of charge and available by self-referral or with a referral from a medical professional. Anyone in need of urgent care should dial 911 or take themselves to the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
Adrienne Moya, MSW, RCC.
Intake for this program is done through Mental Health and Substance Use services on Salt Spring and is not a direct line for Adrienne Moya. (250) 538-4711 (non-direct intake line)
NEW Island Health MHSU SINGLE-SESSION WALK IN COUNSELLING
Island Health Community-based Mental Health & Substance Use program is offering same-day, single session counselling and assessment to individuals with moderate-high MHSU concerns. Sessions will be available in-person or virtually (phone or video).
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
T: 250-538-4711
A: Lancer Building (2nd Floor, side entrance) 323 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island
Thu Oct 23 1:00 PM Perinatal Mental Health Group, 6 weeks, Pender Islands Health Centre
Perinatal Mental Health Group is open to new and expecting parents up to one year postpartum who are seeking support to strengthen their mental health. The group will explore the changes and challenges that come with the journey into parenthood along with practical strategies and supportive exercises. Topics and themes explored include how pregnancy and parenthood affect the brain, changing roles, identity and relationships, body image, building your support system, and mental health strategies. Birthing and non-birthing partners are welcome. This group is open to new parents and those with older children who are expecting. Register by emailing info@penderislandhealth.org
The facilitators:
Adrienne Moya, MSW, RSW, RCC
Adrienne (she/they) is currently a Mental Health Clinician with Island Health and works in private practice specializing in reproductive mental health. She has extensive experience in reproductive and sexual health, women's health concerns, and LGBTQI2+ health. Adrienne is trained in Cognitive Behavioural and Mindfulness-based therapies.
Sandi Smoker, MA, CSCP
Sandi (she/her) is currently working as the Mental Health Program Supervisor for Pender Islands Health Care Society where she serves as Counsellor and Art Therapist candidate, specializing in children and family mental health, and grief and bereavement. Sandi is a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner with clinical experience in psychiatry, critical care, and palliative care.
PIHCS Mental Health Counselling Program is funded by:
Emergency Resources
9-1-1 for an ambulance
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to get help right away, any time
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline offers support that is:
• bilingual
• trauma-informed
• culturally appropriate
• available to anyone in Canada
Free Emergency and Crisis Mental Health Counsellor
Phone: (250) 310-6789
Texting or Online Chat
Text: (250) 800-3806 (6 - 10pm)
Chat: www.vicrisis.ca (6 - 10pm)
Mental Health Support Line (24 hours a day)
Call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888. You don’t have to be in crisis to call for information on local services or if you need someone to talk to.
Non-emergency support
• Talk to your family doctor as soon as possible to discuss treatment options and other resources.
• For non-urgent medical concerns, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1
• BC211 – Dial 2-1-1 to reach an information specialist 24 hours a day.
