Crisis Line
Our crisis line responders are here for you 24/7. Are you having a difficult day? Worried about a loved one? Stressed or anxious? Having thoughts of suicide? Feeling isolated? Phone support is available at any of the following:
Interior Crisis Line Network (24 hours): 1-888-353-2273
Mental Health Support Line (24 hours): 310-6789
BC Suicide Prevention Service (24 hours):1-800-Suicide
National Suicide Prevention Service: 9-8-8 (9-8-8 text option available)
- About the Crisis Line
- Confidentiality
- Upcoming Crisis Line Trainings
- Crisis Line Volunteer Application
- Dispelling Crisis Line Myths
About the Crisis Line
The Vernon site of the Interior Crisis Line has supplied free crisis support to our community and the BC interior since 1975. We offer 24/7 telephone support. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. You are not alone.
The crisis line program supports callers from within British Columbia via the following services:
- The Interior Crisis Line Network – 1-888-353-2273
• The Provincial Mental Health Line – 310-6789 (no area code needed)
• The Provincial Suicide Line – 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE)
From across Canada via:
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is available in English and French, 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. Dial or text 9-8-8.
BC’s Crisis Lines are funded by BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). We may collect personal information for the purpose of supplying crisis and support services to individuals under s. 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Your information will be used for this purpose, and to ensure the quality of our services. For more information about your privacy, visit http://www.phsa.ca/privacy or email: [email protected].
The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and its partners, including CMHA Vernon.
Confidentiality
All calls are confidential and private unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else. Also, we have a legal duty to report any actual or suspected child abuse or neglect.
Cohort Upcoming Crisis Line Trainings
Volunteering on the crisis line is a rewarding experience. We offer an opportunity to gain experience new and valuable skills and be involved in a “front line” helping environment. Many people find our program useful for developing marketable skills and exploring education options. The demand on our service is growing substantially, and working on our crisis lines is a way to make a real difference in the community.
“I originally joined the Crisis Line because members of my family had struggled with mental health and thoughts of suicide, and I wanted to make sure that there would be somewhere people like them could turn to in times of need. I thought it was a good way to give back to my community, but I didn’t expect how much I would personally gain from it. In addition to training on mental health issues and a sense of fulfillment from supporting others, I feel I have become a much better listener in my personal and professional lives, I have gained skills in motivational interviewing, I feel calmer in stressful situations, and I feel so much more grateful for all of the wonderful people I am lucky to have in my life. I have rarely worked with a more supportive and dedicated team of staff and volunteers. It is a privilege to be trusted to support callers in their darkest moments, and one I am grateful to have”. –Current volunteer (2020)
Training sessions are offered in set cohorts and all dates must be attended.
Sessions are offered virtually, while practical training is possible virtually or in-person onsite. Once in class training is complete, practical training sessions are offered on a flexible timetable.
There are added training requirements including self-led and peer-study that will be scheduled outside of the timetable below.
You can apply to volunteer by filling it out the Crisis Line Volunteer application form. A crisis line program staff person will contact you within three business days. Click Here to fill out the application.
Cohort D
Saturday, October 4th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, October 5th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, October 18th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, October 19th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, October 25th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, October 26th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, November 1st 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, November 2nd 10:00AM-3:00PM
Saturday, November 15th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sunday, November 16th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Crisis Line Volunteer Application
Ever wanted to give back to your community in a meaningful and enriching way? Now is your chance. Volunteers are a vital part of The Crisis Line. Every year, our volunteers contribute more than 35,000 hours to our 24-hour crisis line, supplying access to help and support.
Our volunteers are carefully screened and fully trained prior to taking calls. Volunteers also receive ongoing professional support. Experienced volunteers learn many life and communication skills which are transferable in other aspects of their lives.
The demand on our service is growing substantially and working on our crisis lines is a way to make a real difference in the community. Each time you answer the phone, you know you’ve made a difference.
You can apply to volunteer by filling it out the Crisis Line Volunteer application form. A crisis line program staff person will contact you within three business days. If you would like more information please call 250-542-3114 ext. 236
Dispelling Crisis Line Myths
Myth #1: I must be experiencing thoughts of suicide to reach out to a crisis line.
Anyone experiencing a crisis can reach out to the ICLN 24/7 for support from trained crisis line responders.
Crisis is different for everyone and could include things like isolation, domestic violence, relationship issues, concern for a someone else, bereavement, anxiety, self-harm, or other mental illness-related concerns.
There are two services available in BC dedicated to suicide prevention that are answered within our site: 1-800-SUICIDE and the National service TALK Suicide (1-833-456-4566)
Myth #2: If I mention that I’m suicidal, they’ll send the police to my location.
The goal of crisis line services is to work collaboratively with service users to de-escalate and ensure safety.
Emergency services (i.e. police) are called in a very small percentage of calls and most of these calls are made with the consent of the service user. Emergency services may be called without consent when there is an imminent risk of harm to the service user and they are unable or unwilling to plan for safety.
Police are required to attend mental health related calls prior to paramedics to ensure the situation is safe.
Myth #3: Crisis lines are only for emergencies
Crisis looks and feels different for everyone. If you are going through a hard time, reach out!
Crisis lines are not a substitute for therapy, emergency, or professional care. However, we may be able to connect you with helpful resources in your community.
Myth #4: Crisis Lines are only for adult service users
Although there are crisis lines specifically designed for children and youth (i.e. Kids Help phone), Interior Crisis Line responders are trained to support people of all ages. That includes seniors too!
Myth # 5: If I call who knows that I called?
When you call into the Interior Crisis Line your conversation is kept confidential unless you are risk to yourself or others. Responders are trained to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all service users.
Myth #6: I can only reach out to the Interior Crisis Line via phone call.
You can also connect with the Interior Crisis Line via online chat Thursday – Sunday from 5-9pm. You can access Crisis Chat here.
So, what does happen when you reach out to the Interior Crisis Line?
When you call a Crisis Line, you will hear an automated message with more information while your call is connected to an available crisis line responder. You may hear some music while waiting for a crisis line responder. Once you are connected the crisis line responder will listen, supply emotional support and resources when proper.
It is free to reach out to us.
Our crisis line responders are trained and caring individuals from our communities who are there to help you work through your crisis. Most of our crisis line responders are volunteers. No matter who you reach, you’ll be in great hands. The crisis line responder will listen, help you de-escalate your situation, and connect you with other resources if needed.