Mental Health & Addictions Professionals

"I love the team that I work with. We are like a supportive family. Everyone is so professional and caring about the clients." - Susanne H., VCH senior mental health worker

Mental health

Through our multidisciplinary care teams and partnerships with external agencies, we provide:

• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Individual and group therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Consultation
• Emergency and urgent services
• Residential services

We offer mental health services in all our locations. Opportunities for mental health professionals can be found across the spectrum, from community care through to high acuity. Special programs include art therapy, early psychosis intervention, mood disorders, concurrent disorders and peer support.

Recent advancements in mental health and addictions services at Vancouver Coastal Health include:

• Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction A unique 100-bed facility for adults who are medically stable but with a range of mental health and addiction issues. Most clients also experience behavioural challenges compounded by lack of shelter, poor social networks and a history of social stigma and discrimination. 
• The Crossing at Keremeos A 20-bed facility for youth challenged by addiction.

Addictions, HIV/AIDS and Aboriginal health

Staff in Vancouver community addiction, HIV/AIDS and Aboriginal health have the opportunity to be involved in leading edge initiatives such as:

• Prism alcohol and drug services Prism provides specialized services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, Two Spirit, and transgendered people. It is only the second program in Canada to provide these services.
• Aboriginal wellness program It is the only Aboriginal-specific program in Canada.
• Vancouver community addiction services The services nurture diversity and support staff to build their knowledge and skills in working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Supervised injection site The first legalized supervised injection site and pioneer in day treatment.

Vancouver Coastal Health has taken a leadership role on human rights. We have had gender identity protected and explicitly listed as covered under the Human Rights Code since 2000.

Learn about our nursing roles

Find out about nursing roles in the field of mental health and addictions:

Community Mental Health Nursing

Community Health and Addictions Nursing