Self-Help/Mutual Support
The following groups and organizations generally do not require a referral. Typically they are open to anyone who is seeking support and information about their mental illness and what they are experiencing.

Abby House - Creative Centre Society (Abbotsford and Mission): (604) 850-1235 or admin line (604) 850-1168

Helps adults recovering from mental illness with an aim toward developing skills needed to enhance independence for community living. Offers a supportive environment where people can have a sense of belonging; staff and members work side by side to reach individual goals.

Abbotsford Addiction Centre: (604) 850-5106, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Services for anyone with an addiction needing counseling, including their family and friends. Also offers school prevention, bringing in speakers to talk to kids about addictions.

Alcohol and Drug information: 1-800-663-1441

Referral and 24-hour information line for all addictions.

Anything Possible/Basic Skills Development: (604) 826-3660

The purpose of rehabilitation is the successful reintegration of individuals with a chronic mental illness into community living. Through a variety of programs focusing on maintaining, developing, or improving life, social, and vocational skills, clients develop greater degrees of independent functioning. Needs assessment is done for the purpose of evaluating the suitability of the client for the program.

BRIDGES: 1-888-531-6262

A fourteen-session course covering mental illness and treatment, mental health services, and coping skills. Call to find out when the program begins in your area.

Caregivers Support Group: (604) 859-7681

This group is primarily for people giving care to individuals with mental illness.

Community Action Program for Children: (604) 826-3634

Provides parent education and skill development, self-help support and counseling groups, and intervention and education on F.A.E., F.A.S., and A.D.H.D. children.

Education and Support for Child Abuse Prevention: (604) 870-3766

Provides individual and family therapy for sexually abused children, youth, and the non-offending parents. Provides groups for adult survivors of sexual abuse.

John Howard Society: (604) 852-1226

Pre- and post-inmate services including counseling, advocacy, and coordination.

Mission Clubhouse Society: (604) 826-0604

Drop-in service for mentally ill people and their families. Come in and sit and talk. Have lunch, play bingo, and use computers.

Narcotics Anonymous Help Line: (604) 873-1018

Help and information line for anyone needing help, as well as information on support groups in the Abbotsford and Mission area.

Employee and Family Assistance Programs

You may be eligible for these programs through your employer.

Private Counselors - Check Yellow Pages

There are a number of private counselors available to help you. They can be expensive but you don’t usually have to wait a long time for an appointment. Some also offer rates based on income. Make sure you interview a counselor to see if you make a good “connection” and feel they can help you to reach your goals. Several local churches in Abbotsford may also provide help for members seeking counseling services.

Columbia Counseling Group: (604) 852-2557

Non-profit agency working with children, teens, and family issues, pre-marital, marriage and relational issues, anxiety, depression, loss, and other individual issues.

Clearbrook Counseling Centre/Burden Bearers of Canada: (604) 859-6822

Offers all types of counseling.

UCFV Counseling Services: (604) 854-4528

For students who are having difficulties, counselors are available at no charge. Contact student services at the number and tell them you need a personal counseling appointment. There is no need to offer details over the phone.