Crisis and Help Lines
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada-wide, available in BC): Call or text 988 for 24/7 support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. This is a national service connecting to trained responders without judgment. Website: 988.ca
BC Mental Health Support Line (310-6789): Dial 310-6789 (no area code needed) for 24/7 connection to a BC crisis line offering emotional support, information, and referrals. Community-based and accessible province-wide. Website: helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
Trans Lifeline (Canada): Call 1-877-330-6366 for peer support run by and for trans and questioning people. Non-carceral (no nonconsensual involvement of police or emergency services), confidential, and available for crisis or general support. Website: translifeline.org
Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS) Crisis Line: Call toll-free 1-855-687-1868 for emotional support, safety planning, advocacy, and resources for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and abuse. Province-wide service focused on empowerment and referrals without mandatory police involvement. Website: bwss.org
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 for 24/7 crisis support tailored to LGBTQ+ youth (under 25). US-based but accessible internationally, including Canada; provides support but may involve emergency services in cases of imminent harm. Website: thetrevorproject.org
Thrive Lifeline: Text +1-313-662-8209 for non-carceral peer support focusing on trauma survivors and multiply marginalized communities. Grassroots, volunteer-run, and accessible globally (including BC); emphasizes harm reduction without police involvement. Website: thrivelifeline.org
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre (formerly WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre): Call 604-255-6344 or toll-free 1-877-392-7583 for 24/7 crisis and information support for survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence. Provides emotional support, hospital accompaniment, and referrals. Province-wide service for women, trans, Two-Spirit, nonbinary, and gender diverse people. Website: salalsvsc.ca
Additional Community Based BC Options
Community-Led Crisis Response Team (Victoria): Call 250-818-2454 for mobile, non-police crisis response in Victoria; focuses on community support without law enforcement. Website: avi.org
Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) - New Westminster: Call 604-549-7780 for 24/7 mobile crisis response by a team of mental health professionals and peers with lived experience; provides in-person support, de-escalation, referrals, and follow-up without police involvement. Operated by Lower Mainland Purpose Society for youth and adults in New Westminster. Website: helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) - North Shore (North Vancouver): Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831 for 24/7 mobile crisis response by trained community workers; offers immediate assistance, safety planning, and follow-up for individuals 13+ experiencing mental health crises. Operated by CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch. Website: cmha.bc.ca/crcl
Kuu-us Crisis Line (Indigenous-specific): Call 1-800-588-8717 for 24/7 culturally appropriate support for Indigenous people in BC; toll-free and community-focused. Website: kuu-uscrisisline.com