Canadian Mental Health Association British Columbia Division

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada.We are a federated charity, which means we are a collective of organizations bound together by a brand and mission. Together, we identify and respond to Canada’s most pressing mental health priorities. At the national and provincial level, we push for  system and policy change. At the community level, millions of people in Canada rely on CMHA’s extensive grassroots presence.

In BC, mental health, substance use and addictive behaviour are within the scope of the organization.Through our family of 87 local, provincial and national locations across Canada, CMHA provides a wide range of innovative services and supports tailored to and in partnership with our communities. CMHAs in 330 communities offer a range of programs, services, supports and expertise, and work in mental health priority areas, including: 

100% - Mental Health Promotion
84%  - Suicide Prevention
84%  - Youth
43%  - Campus Mental Health
43%  - Community Research
31% - First Responders and Veterans

Lived experience guides us. For over 20 years, our National Council of Persons with Lived Experience (NCPLE) has been instrumental in providing policy and program development leadership, expertise and perspective of those living with experience of mental illness to all issues and concerns on CMHA’s national agenda.

We are committed to advancing the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. CMHA is committed to learning from and working with Indigenous partners, through a process of mutual respect and cultural humility, to ensure our programs are culturally safe and meaningful.CMHA provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

Our Values

Our Key Values and Principles

• Embracing the voice of people with mental health issues and addictions

• Promoting inclusion

• Working collaboratively

• Influencing the social determinants of health (e.g. housing, justice)

• Focusing on the mental health needs of all age groups

• Using evidence to inform our work

• Being transparent and accountable

A Person-Centered Approach

The Framework for Support is the central philosophy guiding our activities. This philosophy holds that the person experiencing mental illness is at the centre of any supportive mental health system. The goal of the Framework is to ensure that people experiencing mental illnesses live fulfilling lives in the community.

Commitment to Excellence

CMHA BC has been accredited through Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program. The Standards Program awards accreditation to charities and nonprofits that demonstrate excellence in five fundamental areas: board governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement.