CMHA Vernon & District

We believe in empowering individuals, groups, and communities in self determination to enhance their mental health. CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness.

Each year, 1.6 million Canadians report unmet mental health care needs, and the demand for services has and will continue to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the pandemic, our mental health care system was not meeting people’s needs, in part due to underfunding and long waiting lists.

CMHA Vernon provides a full spectrum of support across the mental health spectrum, from mild to moderate depression and anxiety to severe and persistent mental illness. More than 2,000 people of all abilities, challenges and ages access our programs and services every year. We know that people living with mental health challenges can thrive in our communities if given the right resources: Housing, support services, employment, and education opportunities. 

Our services include:  

· Housing more than 200 individuals and families.                                                                

· Providing more than 2,000 individuals per month with prevention and early intervention-based community education.   

· Youth programs.   

· Nutrition, recreation, education, and peer support programs for those managing their mental wellness. 

· Crisis support and suicide prevention. 

· Recovery College as well as Peer Support Programs. 

· Specialized peer support for health care/social service workers. 

· Employment opportunities through our partnership with WorkBC/social enterprises. 

· Volunteer opportunities through our programs and social enterprises.  

· Family Support.   

The mental health effects, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance use, will last long after the pandemic has subsided. Canada’s “universal health-care” system does not universally cover mental health care provided outside of hospital settings. CMHA Vernon is here help fill the gaps in the system, provide care before crisis and help keep people well, taking the pressure off hospitals and doctors in an acute-care system already taxed by COVID-19. 

We help everyone in our community find the best type of care or service to match their need.