‘For too long, mental-health care was an afterthought in B.C.’: Mental health supports for post-secondary students

VANCOUVER—Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark along with B.C.’s Mental Health Minister Judy Darcy launched Here2Talk a free mental health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students across the province.

The free and confidential service which can be accessed through phone, online or via the app. will give students access to qualified, professional councillors who are able to help with common challenges faced by students such as dealing with isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

Minister Mark said that the government will be spending $1.5 million every year for the next three years so that 555,000 post-secondary students have access to mental health supports.

“With the advent of COVID-19 and the increased stress it puts on students, we doubled down to get students the supports they so desperately need.”—Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education