BC Post-Secondary Students Can Now Get 24/7 Counseling & It's Completely Free

There is nothing wrong with seeking a little professional help when it comes to navigating life. The B.C. government understands that times can be tough, especially right now, and that is why B.C. post-secondary students can now get free 24/7 counselling. It’s super easy to access and none of it will cost you a dime. 

Life can be incredibly stressful, especially during a global health crisis. 

The B.C. government understands this and that is why they have launched a new mental health counselling and referral service for any post-secondary students in the province. 

The service, Here2Talk, is completely free and be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s easy to use as each free single-session service can be done by app, phone, or online chat. 

“Until now, post-secondary students have never had access to 24/7 province wide mental-health support services,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, in a press release.

For several years, post-secondary students have been advocating for a counselling service like this. In response, government officials worked alongside students to develop the service.

The Here2Talk app is now available and according to officials, it will help 555,000 post-secondary students across the province.

This is the first time every student in the province has been able to access something like this. 

There is no limit to where the student has to be which means whether you are located in the rural north or in downtown Vancouver, you will have access to help. 

Chat sessions with trained counsellors can be easily accessed by simply downloading the Here2Talk app or visiting the website. 

If you prefer a phone conversation, all you need to do is call the toll free number at 1-877-857-3397 or use the direct line at 604-642-5212. 

Even if you are a B.C. post-secondary student not living in Canada, you can still access this online counselling. 

When you are connected with a counsellor you can literally talk about anything you want from depression and anxiety to racism and relationship advice. 

Each counsellor is equipped to refer students to local resources in their individual communities to ensure everyone receives the help they need. 

In order to get this off the ground and running, the provincial government has allotted $1.5 million in annual support funding. 

“For too long, mental-health care was an afterthought in B.C., and many post-secondary students weren’t able to access the help they needed. Here2Talk is changing that,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, in a press release.  

“Now every student can access supports 24/7 without stigma or judgment – and it’s free, because access to mental-health care shouldn’t depend on the size of your bank account.”

From the privacy of your own home, there is now in unbiased professional ready to chat whenever you need support.