Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
You are not alone. Help is local, free, and available 24/7.
If you need help right now
9-8-8 is the federally-funded Suicide Crisis Helpline, Canada-wide, confidential, available by call or text. A trained counsellor will pick up. You do not need to be in imminent danger to call, emotional distress counts. If you’re wondering “am I overreacting,” you’re not. That’s exactly who the line is for.
For non-emergency mental health and substance use support in Castlegar, dial 310-6478 (310-MHSU). It routes you to the nearest Interior Health centre. The rest of this page is for when you want to keep walking the path beyond the first call.
Crisis lines (24/7)
Call or text 9-8-8. Or call the Interior Crisis Line at 1-888-353-2273. Both are 24/7 and free. You don't have to be in danger to call.
Call 9-8-8Call 310-MHSU (310-6478) on any phone, no area code. It routes to the Castlegar Mental Health & Substance Use centre at 707 10th Street.
Call 310-MHSUIf you don't have a family doctor, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24/7) to find one, or speak to a registered nurse about your concerns. HealthLink BC also has free nurse triage for mental-health symptoms.
Call 8-1-1If you believe someone is in imminent danger, call 9-1-1. For non-urgent concerns, call 310-MHSU on their behalf or help them connect, it's often easier when someone dials with you.
How to help someone in crisisInterior Health operates a community Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) centre in Castlegar for ongoing assessment, counselling, case management, and substance-use programs.
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kootenays branch offers peer support, affordable housing programs, wellness programs, and community outreach across the region, including Castlegar.
For 24/7 emotional support by phone, chat, or text, the Interior Crisis Line Network is 1-888-353-2273. Trained responders offer crisis de-escalation, intervention, and ongoing emotional support. Available in multiple languages.
The VAC Assistance Service is free, confidential, and 24/7: call 1-800-268-7708. You don't need to be a VAC client. See the Veterans in Castlegar page for the full picture.
Tip
You can bring someone with you
You don't need to be in crisis to call a mental health line. Any of these are a legitimate reason to pick up the phone:
Heads up
If you're thinking about suicide
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
24/7 call or text. Free. Canada-wide.
Interior Crisis Line
24/7 phone, chat, or text.
Castlegar MHSU Centre
707 10th Street. Ongoing support and counselling.
Veterans, RCMP & families
VAC Assistance Service 24/7 and full veteran resources.
Bereavement Support
Castlegar Hospice Society and grief counselling.
CMHA Kootenays
Programs, housing, peer support across the region.
Still need help?
Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.
Mental-health information verified against Interior Health, Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays, the Interior Crisis Line Network, HealthLink BC, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Government of Canada. Phone numbers and programs may change; confirm with each organization.