B C Aboriginal Child and Youth – Nanaimo, BC

BC Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health (MCFD)

The BC Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health (ACYMH) office in Nanaimo is a specialized division of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Located on Wallace Street, this government facility is dedicated to providing culturally safe and effective mental health services to Indigenous children, youth, and their families. The team operates with an understanding of the unique historical, cultural, and social contexts of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.

Services Offered

The office provides a range of community-based mental health services designed to support the holistic well-being of young people:

• Clinical Assessment: Professional evaluation of mental health concerns to determine appropriate treatment plans.
• Counselling and Treatment: Individual and family therapy sessions that integrate clinical practices with Indigenous ways of healing.
• Outreach and Support: Connecting families with community resources, traditional healers, and other support networks to ensure comprehensive care.
• Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support for youth experiencing acute mental health crises.

Accessing Services

These services are voluntary and free of charge for Indigenous children and youth under the age of 19. Families can self-refer or be referred by schools, doctors, or other community agencies. The Nanaimo team works closely with local First Nations and Delegated Aboriginal Agencies to ensure seamless and culturally appropriate support.