Psychologists meet with people to help them cope with stress, anxiety, depression and addictions through talking and teaching.
Tips & Links
Psychologists can help people learn how to cope with a new diagnosis, chronic health conditions, stressful situations, addictions, and chronic pain.
Learn About
- Psychologists are regulated by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
- Guidance and counselling sessions with a psychologist are offered in a 1:1 meeting to listen to your emotions and feelings and find strategies to help you cope. The visit can be in person or virtual (via a computer screen and microphone).
- Counselling BC offers a comprehensive list of psychologists who can help. Read their biographies to identify ones with whom you might feel comfortable. Most offer a 15-minute consultation for free. In most cases, this type of counselling is fee for service.
- Seek out psychologists in private practice, hospitals, care facilities, rehabilitation centres, employee assistance programs, and education.
Things You Can Do
- Learn about your diagnosis or health condition to help you feel more in control as this can help reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.
- Learn about the warning signs of depression, anxiety, suicide, substance addictions, disordered eating, and types of mental illness.
- Learn about mental health resources for adults and seniors from the Government of BC.
- Practice mindfulness to help you stay in the present moment, which can be useful when you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or fear about the future.
- Use deep breathing techniques as they can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of stress or panic.
- Define and protect your personal boundaries and privacy and confidentiality. Know what you want to share, when, and with whom.
- Consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy to help relieve stress and physical discomfort.
- Consider trying yoga, chair yoga, pilates or tai Chi to learn relaxation and breathing techniques. Many classes are available online at no charge.
- Explore ways to share your feelings and needs with others you trust.
- Look into condition-specific support groups, online or in person, to meet with others who are going through similar experiences.
- Practice self-compassion by giving yourself time and space to deal with the potential changes in your health and lifestyle plans.
- Share with your physician or nurse practitioner counselling and new therapies you are exploring.
Find & Get Support
- If you are worried about yourself or someone you care for, you can complete an online screening test to see how you are doing from ‘Here to Help” BC Partners for Mental Health.
- Explore the list of emotional health and counselling services provided by ‘Pathways’ from the Doctors of BC.
- Check out the list of virtual mental health services including how to get immediate help, free or low-cost counselling, workplace supports, and targeted services for youth, students, seniors, and indigenous people from the Government of BC.
- Call BC211, a free, confidential helpline that can connect you to a wide range of mental health resources and services available in your area.
- Check out HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca from the Government of BC for a comprehensive list of walk-in clinics and resources.
- Check to see if you have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) at your workplace which offers confidential counselling services.
- For students, ask if your university or college offers free, confidential one-on-one sessions for students in crisis.
- In some cases, psychology counselling can be covered by your health benefits. Review your extended health benefits and/or supplementary benefits.
- Learn if you are eligible (low income, mental health, first nations, and others) for supplementary benefits to cover the cost of these therapies from the Government of BC.
- If you or someone you care about talks about feeling helpless or is showing warning signs of suicide, find help right away. Call the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or call 911.
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